An Introduction to Radio Astronomy - Tapa dura

'... this book is a clear and timely description of the current 'state of the art' on the subject ... Written by two of the world's leading radio astronomers ... the account is certainly authoritative ... there is plenty here to interest and stimulate ... If you are looking for an up-to-date review of radio astronomy, from the telescopes and techniques to the fabulous wonders of the Universe they reveal, then this is the book for you.' Geoff Macdonald, Astronomy Now

'The authors are to be praised ... a broad coverage of topics ... a comprehensive overview of the impact of radio astronomy on astrophysics.' Paul Hewett, Endeavour

'Two grand masters with insight, perspective and detailed knowledge, Bernard F. Burke and Francis Graham-Smith, have filled their sweeping An Introduction to Radio Astronomy with interesting titbits and intricate interconnections.' Carl Heiles, Physics Today

Radio astronomy uses unique observational techniques and offers the only way to investigate many phenomena in the Universe. This book, by two founders of the field, presents both a clear introduction to radio telescopes and techniques and a broad overview of the radio universe. In the first half of the book, we are shown clearly how radio telescopes work - from basic antennas and single aperture dishes through to full aperture synthesis arrays. In the second half, a wide-ranging and up-to-date review is provided of radio observations of our Milky Way galaxy, stars, pulsars, radio galaxies, quasars and the cosmic microwave background. Handy reviews of Fourier Transform theory, celestial co-ordinate systems and a historical outline of the subject are provided in appendices. Wide-ranging and clearly written, this book provides a thorough introduction to the subject for graduate students, and an invaluable overview for researchers turning to radio astronomy for the first time.