Offering a series of well-defined problems supplemented by solutions, Exercises in Practical Astronomy: Using Photographs presents meaningful practical work in elementary astronomy and astrophysics. The book provides authentic astronomical photographs of very high quality on which different types of objects can be studied with equipment as simple as rulers and protractors. In addition to photographs and a set of exercises that cover 12 topics, the coverage includes ample hints and worked solutions that are designed to enable students to work independently. SI units are used for physical data and in conversions of astronomical quantities. This book is one of the few to use real rather than idealized or simplified data in the problems.

Revised and Extended Edition of `Practical Work in Elementary Astronomy' by M.G.J. Minnaert

Ferguson's flexible and useful INTRODUCTORY ASTRONOMY EXERCISES, Second Edition, provides professors and students with laboratory exercises that are well-tested, current, and flexible to individual course needs. These labs have a variety of origins and authors, and bring a broad range of activity to the introductory astronomy lab. Most require only inexpensive equipment. INTRODUCTORY ASTRONOMY EXERCISES, Second Edition, gives students practical experience with the things they only read about in their book, such as using a telescope and CCD photography. Ferguson groups the exercises together by whether they deal with the solar system or stars and other objects beyond the solar system. Three introductory exercises on using telescopes, viewing constellations and the Celestial Sphere, and using numbers in science set the stage and help readers overcome anxiety. A combination of indoor and outdoor labs allows for adjustments due to weather conditions. A chart that cross-references exercises in this manual to relevant chapters in Brooks/Cole astronomy books adds to the book's flexibility, and help the instructor reinforce selected topics.

This unique book bridges the gap between textbooks and practical research by taking a pragmatic approach towards various concepts in astronomy. It introduces students to astronomy-specific jargon used by professional astronomers, while covering a wide range of topics from stars to galaxy clusters. It will aid learners with preliminary experience in computing and/or astronomy to experience astronomical data analysis. Each exercise also includes a summary of the accompanying theory to provide learners a head start. Although this book was conceptualized from introductory astronomy courses, undergraduate students, amateur astronomers, and college lecturers will all find it useful.