Zombeck M.V. Handbook of Space Astronomy and Astrophysics

3rd ed. — Cambridge University Press, 2007. — 781 p.Modern astrophysics requires the use of observations over the broadest range of wavelengths to fully understand the physical nature of the objects and processes we wish to study in the universe.
Data are obtained from ground-based and space-based observations operating in radio, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, x-rays and gamma rays. The design and operation of the instrumentation used to gather this information, the telescopes and detectors themselves, depend on the interaction between matter and radioactivity at the different wavelengths and requires in-depth knowledge of the findings of molecular, atomic, nuclear, and particle physics.
The observer needs to have the data at hand to understand the properties and the limitations of the instrumentation and their relevance to data reduction, analysis, and interpretation.
The theorist who is seeking new models to interpret the findings from the most sensitive and sophisticated observatories that ever existed needs, from time to time, a reality check with what is known.
The Handbook of Space Astronomy and Astrophysics gathers in one place the most frequently-used information in modern astrophysics and presents it in the most useful fashion to the non-specialist in a particular field.General data
Astronomy and astrophysics
Radio astronomy
Infrared and submillimeter astronomy
Ultraviolet astronomy
X-ray astronomy
Gamma-ray astronomy
Cosmic rays
Earth's atmosphere and environment
Relativity and cosmology
Atomic physics
Electromagnetic radiation
Plasma physics
Experimental astronomy and astrophysics
Astronautics
Mathematics
Probability and statistics
Radiation safety
Astronomical catalogs
Computer science
Glossary of abbreviations and symbols