Celestial Calculations

Celestial Calculations

Author: J. L. Lawrence

Publisher: MIT Press

Published: 2019-05-14

Total Pages: 393

ISBN-13: 0262351773

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A step-by-step guide to predicting and calculating the positions of stars, planets, the sun, the moon, and satellites using a personal computer and high school mathematics—for amateur astronomers Our knowledge of the universe is expanding rapidly, as space probes launched decades ago begin to send information back to earth. There has never been a better time to learn about how planets, stars, and satellites move through the heavens. This book is for amateur astronomers who want to move beyond pictures of constellations in star guides and solve the mysteries of a starry night. It is a book for readers who have wondered where Saturn will appear in the night sky, when the sun will rise and set—or how long the space station will be over their location. In Celestial Calculations, J. L. Lawrence shows readers how to find the answers to these and other astronomy questions with only a personal computer and high school math. Using an easy-to-follow step-by-step approach, Lawrence explains what calculations are required, why they are needed, and how they all fit together. Lawrence begins with basic principles: unit of measure conversions, time conversions, and coordinate systems. He combines these concepts into a computer program that can calculate the location of a star and uses the same methods for predicting the locations of the sun, moon, and planets. He then shows how to use these methods for locating the many satellites we have sent into orbit. Finally, he describes a variety of resources and tools available to the amateur astronomer, including star charts and astronomical tables. Diagrams illustrate the major concepts, and computer programs that implement the algorithms are included. Photographs of actual celestial objects accompany the text, and interesting astronomical facts are interspersed throughout. Source code (in Python 3, JAVA, and Visual Basic) and executables for all the programs and examples presented in the book are available for download at https://CelestialCalculations.github.io.


Introduction to PCM Telemetering Systems

Introduction to PCM Telemetering Systems

Author: Stephen Horan

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2017-09-19

Total Pages: 657

ISBN-13: 1315298481

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Introduction to PCM Telemetering Systems, Third Edition summarizes the techniques and terminology used in sending data and control information between users and the instruments that collect and process the data. Fully revised, it gives an overall systems introduction to the relevant topics in three primary areas: system interfaces; data transport, timing, and synchronization; and data transmission techniques. Integrating relevant information about the process at all levels from the user interface down to the transmission channel, this will also include how designers apply relevant industry and government standards at each level in this process. Homework problems are included at the end of each chapter.


Fundamentals of Astronomy

Fundamentals of Astronomy

Author: C Barbieri

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2017-11-22

Total Pages: 388

ISBN-13: 1351992171

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Providing a broad overview of foundational concepts, Fundamentals of Astronomy covers topics ranging from spherical astronomy to celestial mechanics, closing with two chapters that discuss elements of astronomical photometry and spectroscopy. Supplementary and explanatory notes at the end of each chapter provide references to material published in scientific journals, and solved and unsolved exercises allow students to review their understanding of the material. Broad in coverage, the book presents arguments from classical astronomy, such as spherical astronomy, that form the foundation for future work in the field. Features: Provides an introductory vision of arguments from spherical astronomy to celestial mechanics to astronomical photometry and spectroscopy Presents the information at an introductory level without sacrificing scientific rigor Includes worked examples, references, and Web site evaluations


Visualising Skyscapes

Visualising Skyscapes

Author: Liz Henty

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2019-08-19

Total Pages: 254

ISBN-13: 1351398792

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Above the land and its horizon lies the celestial sphere, that great dome of the sky which governs light and darkness, critical to life itself, yet its influence is often neglected in the archaeological narrative. Visualising Skyscapes captures a growing interest in the emerging field of skyscape archaeology. This powerful and innovative book returns the sky to its rightful place as a central consideration in archaeological thought and can be regarded as a handbook for further research. Bookended by a foreword by archaeologist Gabriel Cooney and an afterword by astronomer Andrew Newsam, its contents have a wide-reaching relevance for the fields of archaeology, anthropology, ethnography, archaeoastronomy, astronomy, heritage and cultural studies. The volume balances six chapters on theory and methodology which elaborate on the history and practice of the field with six other chapters focused on case studies from around the world. Visualising Skyscapes captures the growing interest in the multidisciplinary study of skyscapes and will be of interest to academics, students and the general public, as well as having international appeal. It is topical, timely and relevant to current debates and will hopefully stimulate further interest in this exciting and relatively new area of investigation. The contributions showcase the work of distinguished academics in the field and the chapters are all enhanced by numerous photographs and images.


How to Observe the Sun Safely

How to Observe the Sun Safely

Author: Lee Macdonald

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-07-06

Total Pages: 237

ISBN-13: 146143825X

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"How to Observe the Sun Safely, 2nd Edition" gives all the basic information and advice the amateur astronomer needs to get started in observing our own ever-fascinating star. Unlike many other astronomical objects, you do not need a large telescope or expensive equipment to observe the Sun. And it is possible to take excellent pictures of the Sun with today's low-cost digital cameras! This title concentrates on providing practical, on-the-spot advice to the amateur astronomer who is interested in observing the Sun, using commercially available equipment. This book surveys what is visible on the Sun, before describing how to record solar features and measure solar activity levels. There is also an account of how to use H-alpha and Calcium-K filters to observe and record prominences and other features of the solar chromosphere, the Sun's inner atmosphere. Because we are just entering a period of high activity on the Sun, following a long, quiet period, many more amateur astronomers will become interested in observing it. The second edition includes an update of Chapter 2 to reflect advances in solar observing equipment since 2002, and a section on building a solar projection box, originally included in the main body of this chapter has been moved to Appendix A. Also Chapter 6 thru 8 have been completely revised to give amateur astronomers advice on how to use film to photograph the Sun, and how to use digital cameras. This new edition also includes more than twice as many illustrations as the first and almost half of them new images.


The History of Celestial Navigation

The History of Celestial Navigation

Author: P. Kenneth Seidelmann

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2020-06-29

Total Pages: 342

ISBN-13: 3030436314

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This edited volume charts the history of celestial navigation over the course of five centuries. Written by a group of historians and scientists, it analyzes how competing navigation systems, technologies, and institutions emerged and developed, with a focus on the major players in the US and the UK. The history covers the founding of the Royal Observatory; the first printing of a Nautical Almanac; the founding of the US and UK Nautical Almanac Offices; the creation of international standards for reference systems and astronomical constants; and the impact of 20th century technology on the field, among other topics. Additionally, the volume analyzes the present role and status of celestial navigation, particularly with respect to modern radio and satellite navigation systems. With its diverse authorship and nontechnical language, this book will appeal to any reader interested in the history of science, technology, astronomy, and navigation over the ages.


Concentrator Photovoltaics

Concentrator Photovoltaics

Author: Antonio Luque López

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2007-08-17

Total Pages: 348

ISBN-13: 354068798X

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This book gives an overview of all components, e.g. cells, concentrators, modules and systems, for systems of concentrator photovoltaics. It is an application-oriented book. The authors report on significant results related to design, technology, and applications, and they also cover the fundamental physics and market considerations.