Kirjahaku

Distance determination is an essential technique in astronomy, and is briefly covered in most textbooks on astrophysics and cosmology. It is rarely covered as a coherent topic in its own right. When it is discussed the approach is frequently very dry, splitting the teaching into, for example, stars, galaxies and cosmologies, and as a consequence, books lack depth and are rarely comprehensive. Adopting a unique and engaging approach to the subject An Introduction to distance Measurement in Astronomy will take the reader on a journey from the solar neighbourhood to the edge of the Universe, discussing the range of distance measurements methods on the way. The book will focus on the physical processes discussing properties that underlie each method, rather than just presenting a collection of techniques. As well as providing the most compressive account of distance measurements to date, the book will use the common theme of distance measurement to impart basic concepts relevant to a wide variety of areas in astronomy/astrophysics. The book will provide an updated account of the progress made in a large number of subfields in astrophysics, leading to improved distance estimates particularly focusing on the underlying physics. Additionally it will illustrate the pitfalls in these areas and discuss the impact of the remaining uncertainties in the complete understanding of the Universes at large. As a result the book will not only provide a comprehensive study of distance measurement, but also include many recent advances in astrophysics.

Matthew Flinders’ 1801–1803 circumnavigation of Australia in H.M.S. Investigator has become a fabled narrative. Much less well-known are the achievements of Matthew’s youngest brother, Samuel Ward Flinders, whose skills in obtaining astronomical measurements to determine the expedition’s geographic longitudes were remarkable. This book consolidates the widely scattered literature about Samuel’s life and achievements into the astronomer’s first modern biography. Samuel had to bear his own share of misfortunes and injustices, but they are balanced by his significant contribution to the scientific achievements of the voyage of the Investigator. This book contains a conclusive assessment as to whether his bad reputation is warranted by the historic record. This book will appeal to both academics and general audiences. This book is accompanied by over 70 pages of online appendices (hosted under the Support Material tab on the Routledge website) including glossaries of key people, ships, nautical terms, and indigenous place names. These downloadable resources also include further information on the H.M Ship Reliance, eyewitness accounts, and Samuel Flinders’ court martial. Key features Presents the well-known story of Matthew Flinders’ 1801–1803 Australian circumnavigation told from a different, less obvious perspective; Explores the 18th/19th century’s British–French rivalry half a world from home; The first comprehensive biography of a largely overlooked major personality in the early exploration and colonisation by the British Empire.

Matthew Flinders’ 1801–1803 circumnavigation of Australia in H.M.S. Investigator has become a fabled narrative. Much less well-known are the achievements of Matthew’s youngest brother, Samuel Ward Flinders, whose skills in obtaining astronomical measurements to determine the expedition’s geographic longitudes were remarkable. This book consolidates the widely scattered literature about Samuel’s life and achievements into the astronomer’s first modern biography. Samuel had to bear his own share of misfortunes and injustices, but they are balanced by his significant contribution to the scientific achievements of the voyage of the Investigator. This book contains a conclusive assessment as to whether his bad reputation is warranted by the historic record. This book will appeal to both academics and general audiences. This book is accompanied by over 70 pages of online appendices (hosted under the Support Material tab on the Routledge website) including glossaries of key people, ships, nautical terms, and indigenous place names. These downloadable resources also include further information on the H.M Ship Reliance, eyewitness accounts, and Samuel Flinders’ court martial. Key features Presents the well-known story of Matthew Flinders’ 1801–1803 Australian circumnavigation told from a different, less obvious perspective; Explores the 18th/19th century’s British–French rivalry half a world from home; The first comprehensive biography of a largely overlooked major personality in the early exploration and colonisation by the British Empire.