Guillermo Gonzalez - Böcker

The long-awaited second edition of this well-received textbook gives a thorough introduction to observational astronomy. Starting with the basics of positional astronomy and systems of time, it continues with charts and catalogs covering both historically important publications and modern electronic databases. The book builds on a fundamental discussion of the basics of light and the effects of the atmosphere on astronomical observations. Chapters include discussions of optical telescopes, detectors, photometry, variable stars, astrometry, spectroscopy, and solar observations. This edition contains new discussions of measurements with CCDs and appendices give basic statistical methods, useful astronomical software and websites, and sources of accurate time-calibration signals. Observational Astronomy is the perfect textbook for upper level undergraduate or beginning graduate courses on astronomy. Examples based on real astronomical data are placed throughout the text. Each of the well-illustrated chapters is supported by a set of graduated problems and suggestions for further reading.

This textbook provides a solid foundation into many approaches that are used in the analysis of advanced electromagnetic wave propagation problems. The techniques discussed are essential to obtain closed-form solutions or asymptotic solutions and meet an existing need for instructors and students in electromagnetic theory. The book covers various advanced mathematical methods used in the evaluation of the electromagnetic fields in rectangular, cylindrical and spherical geometries. The mathematics of special functions (i.e., Bessel, Hankel, Airy, Legendre, Error, etc.) are covered in depth, including appropriate Appendices. The author takes particular care to provide detailed explanations of auxiliary potentials, Hertz’s vectors, Debye potentials, as well as the use of Green functions, the Watson transformation and the method of steepest descent in the solution of electromagnetic problems. Overall, Advanced Electromagnetic Wave Propagation Methods is a good source for the many skills required in obtaining closed form and asymptotic solution, which in many instances cannot be obtained using computer codes of Maxwell’s equations. Thus, it provides an excellent training for preparing graduate students in their research work. This book is intended for a graduate course in electromagnetic theory for students in electrical engineering. Students in physics and professionals will also find it appropriate and useful.Provides a comprehensive and unified treatment of radiation and propagation problems Presents a detailed explanation in the use of Green functions, the Watson transformation and the method of steepest descent as they apply to electromagnetic problems Demonstrates various advanced mathematical techniques used in the evaluation of the electromagnetic fields Details how to formulate and obtain a closed-form solution or an asymptotic solution Includes appendices for Bessel, Legendre, Airy and Error functions

This textbook provides a solid foundation into many approaches that are used in the analysis of advanced electromagnetic wave propagation problems. The techniques discussed are essential to obtain closed-form solutions or asymptotic solutions and meet an existing need for instructors and students in electromagnetic theory. The book covers various advanced mathematical methods used in the evaluation of the electromagnetic fields in rectangular, cylindrical and spherical geometries. The mathematics of special functions (i.e., Bessel, Hankel, Airy, Legendre, Error, etc.) are covered in depth, including appropriate Appendices. The author takes particular care to provide detailed explanations of auxiliary potentials, Hertz’s vectors, Debye potentials, as well as the use of Green functions, the Watson transformation and the method of steepest descent in the solution of electromagnetic problems. Overall, Advanced Electromagnetic Wave Propagation Methods is a good source for the many skills required in obtaining closed form and asymptotic solution, which in many instances cannot be obtained using computer codes of Maxwell’s equations. Thus, it provides an excellent training for preparing graduate students in their research work. This book is intended for a graduate course in electromagnetic theory for students in electrical engineering. Students in physics and professionals will also find it appropriate and useful.Provides a comprehensive and unified treatment of radiation and propagation problems Presents a detailed explanation in the use of Green functions, the Watson transformation and the method of steepest descent as they apply to electromagnetic problems Demonstrates various advanced mathematical techniques used in the evaluation of the electromagnetic fields Details how to formulate and obtain a closed-form solution or an asymptotic solution Includes appendices for Bessel, Legendre, Airy and Error functions