Modern Astrometry

1. Front Matter

   Pages I-XIV

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2. Presentation of Astrometry

   • Jean Kovalevsky

   Pages 1-10

3. Image Formation

   • Jean Kovalevsky

   Pages 11-31

4. Atmospheric Effects on Image Formation

   • Jean Kovalevsky

   Pages 33-58

5. Reduction of Observations

   • Jean Kovalevsky

   Pages 59-85

6. Small-Field Astrometry

   • Jean Kovalevsky

   Pages 87-132

7. Meridian Circles

   • Jean Kovalevsky

   Pages 133-163

8. Equal Altitude Instruments

   • Jean Kovalevsky

   Pages 165-189

9. Hipparcos

   • Jean Kovalevsky

   Pages 191-234

10. Very Small Field Astrometry

    • Jean Kovalevsky

    Pages 235-263

11. Phase Interferometry

    • Jean Kovalevsky

    Pages 265-278

12. Timing Techniques

    • Jean Kovalevsky

    Pages 279-316

13. Future of Astrometry

    • Jean Kovalevsky

    Pages 317-338

14. Back Matter

    Pages 339-353

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Astrometry is the domain of astronomy devoted to the determination of po­ sitions and their time-variations, and by extension, the apparent dimensions and shapes of celestial bodies. Although several books describe the theoretical foundations of positional astronomy, they touch only slightly on the descrip­ tion of instruments and the procedures for obtaining actual geometrical or kinematic quantities, which are among the basic observational data in the study of the Universe and of its components. The goal of the present book is, in contrast, to provide an up-to-date description of astrometric techniques, particularly the most recent and powerful ones, whether the instruments are on the ground or in space. Until the end of the 19th century, before the development of physical as­ tronomy, all astronomical observations were directed towards obtaining posi­ tions of celestial bodies. Since then astrophysics has become the most impor­ tant domain of astronomy. With the extension of observations to almost all wavelengths from radio waves to gamma rays, with the use of very sensitive new receivers and the development of fast computers, remarkable progress has been made in the description and the understanding of the Universe.

• astrometry
• astronomy
• atmospheric effects
• celestial bodies
• equal altitude instrument
• instruments
• interferometry
• meridian circles
• observing techniques
• phase interferometry
• photography
• quasar
• quasars
• small-field astrometry
• space astrometry

From the reviews
"The book offers a general introduction to the field of astrometry in which objectives and methods of astrometry are described, including the fundamental knowledge in physical and atmospheric optics required to understand performances of astrometric instruments and properties of data or images collected (...). The volume is well written, up-to-date, and will be welcomed by most professionals and students."
Astrophysical Letters and Communications

"...Well-written and immensely readable. Modern Astrometry should be available to all students of astronomy."
Irish Astronomical Journal

• Département CERGA, Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur, Grasse, France

  Jean Kovalevsky

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