The Radio Universe [antikvár]

Preface In this book I have attempted to give a readable survey of the whole field of radio astronomy. The greater part is devoted to the naturally emitted radio waves which enable us to observe astronomical phenomena at distances extending toward the limits of the observable universe; at closer range, within the solar system, radio echo methods can also be applied and are described in a chapter on radar astronomy. Radio observations have quickened the pace of progress in almost every branch of astronomical research, and have provided a great deal of fundamental information about astrophysical phenomena and the structure of the universe. Throughout the book I have first indicated the optical picture and then explained how radio has added to our knowledge. The early history of radio astronomy is described in Chapter 1. The next chapter deals with the properties of radio waves and how they are generated by natural processes; readers who feel this is familiar ground or wish to proceed at once to the results of radio-astronomical observations may wish to omit Chapter 2. Similarly, Chapter 3 outlines the various types of radio telescopes. The account of the results of research in radio astronomy starts with Chapters 4, 5 and 6 dealing with the solar system. The next two Chapters 7 and 8, are concerned with our Galaxy and the radio sources in the Galaxy. Finally, Chapters 9 and 10 describe other galaxies and the distant radio sources in the universe. The above groups of chapters essentially comprise complete sections of the book. Although the book is designed for the intelligent layman, the account should also provide a useful survey for those scientists who look for an easily readable outline of progress in radio astronomy, and its contribution to our understanding of the universe. J. S. Hey