Cesare Barbieri - Böcker

This book provides an introduction, from the astronomical point of view of the author, to the exciting search for extra-terrestrial life, and an overview of the current status of research into ‘alien’ life in the Solar System and beyond. It also explores the potential future human exploration of the Moon and Mars. Up-to-date with the latest developments in the field and accompanied by key references for further study, it is a fantastic introduction to the field of astrobiology for non-science majors taking an elective module, in addition to undergraduates studying physics with an interest in this area.Features: Contains the latest groundbreaking research in the hunt for life outside of Earth Discusses the identification of biosignatures in exo-planetsReviews future options for human outposts on the Moon and Mars

Providing a broad overview of foundational concepts, this second edition of Fundamentals of Astronomy covers topics ranging from spherical astronomy to reference systems, and celestial mechanics to astronomical photometry and spectroscopy. It expounds arguments of classical astronomy that provided the foundation for modern astrometry, whilst presenting the latest results of the very-long-baseline interferometry (VLBI) radio technique, optical interferometers and satellites such as Hipparcos and GAIA, and recent resolutions of the IAU and IERS regarding precession, forced and free nutation, and Earth figure and rotation. Concepts of general relativity are explored, such as the advance of Mercury’s perihelion, light deflection and black holes, in addition to the physical properties, orbits, and ephemerides of planets, comets and asteroids with an extension to visual binary stars orbital reconstruction. Extrasolar planets are also discussed, with reference to radial velocity and transits measurements by ground and space telescopes. Basic concepts of astronomical photometry, spectroscopy and polarimetry are given, including the influence of the terrestrial atmosphere. Classical works, such as Hipparchus, are mentioned in order to provide a flavor of the historical development of the field. It is an ideal textbook for undergraduate and graduate students studying astronomy, astrophysics, mathematics, and engineering. Supplementary and explanatory notes provide readers with references to additional material published in other literature and scientific journals, whilst solved and unsolved exercises allow students to review their understanding of the material. 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 Fully updated throughout with the latest results in the field

Providing a broad overview of foundational concepts, this second edition of Fundamentals of Astronomy covers topics ranging from spherical astronomy to reference systems, and celestial mechanics to astronomical photometry and spectroscopy. It expounds arguments of classical astronomy that provided the foundation for modern astrometry, whilst presenting the latest results of the very-long-baseline interferometry (VLBI) radio technique, optical interferometers and satellites such as Hipparcos and GAIA, and recent resolutions of the IAU and IERS regarding precession, forced and free nutation, and Earth figure and rotation. Concepts of general relativity are explored, such as the advance of Mercury’s perihelion, light deflection and black holes, in addition to the physical properties, orbits, and ephemerides of planets, comets and asteroids with an extension to visual binary stars orbital reconstruction. Extrasolar planets are also discussed, with reference to radial velocity and transits measurements by ground and space telescopes. Basic concepts of astronomical photometry, spectroscopy and polarimetry are given, including the influence of the terrestrial atmosphere. Classical works, such as Hipparchus, are mentioned in order to provide a flavor of the historical development of the field. It is an ideal textbook for undergraduate and graduate students studying astronomy, astrophysics, mathematics, and engineering. Supplementary and explanatory notes provide readers with references to additional material published in other literature and scientific journals, whilst solved and unsolved exercises allow students to review their understanding of the material. 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 Fully updated throughout with the latest results in the field

This book provides an introduction, from the astronomical point of view of the author, to the exciting search for extra-terrestrial life, and an overview of the current status of research into ‘alien’ life in the Solar System and beyond. It also explores the potential future human exploration of the Moon and Mars. Up-to-date with the latest developments in the field and accompanied by key references for further study, it is a fantastic introduction to the field of astrobiology for non-science majors taking an elective module, in addition to undergraduates studying physics with an interest in this area.Features:Contains the latest groundbreaking research in the hunt for life outside of Earth Discusses the identification of biosignatures in exo-planets Reviews future options for human outposts on the Moon and Mars

IAU Symposium 269 celebrates the 400th anniversary of Galileo Galilei's discovery of the Medicean Moons, Jupiter's four largest satellites, exploring the impact his findings have had on science and the humanities. Galileo's instrumental discovery and his belief that the planets and moons in our Solar System could be habitable worlds encouraged a deeper understanding of our place in the Universe. Today, ongoing space missions to Jupiter's moons, our own Moon, Mars, Saturn and Enceladus reveal our continued fascination with the possibilities of alien life, but this time with a focus on potential host sites for primitive life forms. These critical reviews examine our present knowledge of the Jupiter system and consider how future space missions and improvements in telescopes will bolster the contemporary vision of our Solar System, of the many known extrasolar planetary systems and of life forms beyond the Solar System.

Three diverse observers, all named Galileo, have observed the planet Jupiter and its wonderful moons, its exotic atmosphere, its tremendous magnetic field, and its gossamer rings. This book is a combination of history and science, presenting the proceedings of a conference honouring the achievements of Galileo the man and Galileo the spacecraft, and the promise of the new Italian national telescope. Insights into the life and times of Galileo Galilei introduce the book, followed by overviews of the Galileo mission: spacecraft, navigation, telecommunications, and early science results. The book concludes with a series of papers describing the Italian national telescope, Galileo. The book should appeal to a broad range of readers searching for an overview of the Galileo mission and telescope. Also included is the text of an audience with Pope John Paul II. The Pope's audience and speech were an acknowledgement of the importance of science for history, and the changing perspective of the Vatican on ethics and morality in science.

Three diverse observers, all named Galileo, have studied the planet Jupiter and its wonderful moons, its exotic atmosphere, its tremendous magnetic field, and its gossamer rings. This book is a unique combination of history and science, presenting the proceedings of a conference honoring the achievements of Galileo the man and Galileo the spacecraft, and the promise of the new Italian National Telescope. Insights into the life and times of Galileo Galilei introduce the book, followed by overviews of the Galileo mission, spacecraft, navigation, telecommunications, and early science results. The book concludes with a series of papers describing the Italian National Telescope, Galileo. The book will appeal to a broad range of readers searching for an overview of the Galileo mission and telescope. Twenty-four pages of color and high-resolution black and white images are included. Also included is the text of an audience with Pope John Paul II. The Pope's audience and speech were an acknowledgement of the importance of science, and of the Vatican's changing perspective on ethics and morality in science.