Understanding Variable Stars
Understanding Variable Stars
This book was first published in 2007. Variable stars are those that change brightness. Their variability may be due to geometric processes such as rotation, or eclipse by a companion star, or physical processes such as vibration, flares, or cataclysmic explosions. In each case, variable stars provide unique information about the properties of stars, and the processes that go on within them. This book provides a concise overview of variable stars, including a historical perspective, an introduction to stars in general, the techniques for discovering and studying variable stars, and a description of the main types of variable stars. It ends with short reflections about the connection between the study of variable stars, and research, education, amateur astronomy, and public interest in astronomy. This book is intended for anyone with some background knowledge of astronomy, but is especially suitable for undergraduate students and experienced amateur astronomers who can contribute to our understanding of these important stars.
- Provides a broad overview of the topic for skilled amateur astronomers
- Written with undergraduate research students in mind; students can not only contribute to variable star research, but they learn high-level science and math skills by doing so
- Includes extensive discussion of the history and development of the field of variable star research, based on the author's 40 years of experience
Reviews & endorsements
"Amateurs and academics with an interest in the subject of variable stars will perhaps come to regard this as a modern classic."
The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada
"Tightly written, and frequently interspersed with figures and graphs, the book contains and enormity of fact and discussion...a formost authority on Variable Stars...is a marvellous repository of information. As such it is an ideal textbook for a serious student, or a reference book for the amateur astronomer.: --Astronomy & Space
"If you want a comprehensive guide to the science of variable stars, you can't go wrong with a book written by John Percy, a world authority on variable star observation...as a guide to understanding modern variable star research, it's essential." --BBC Sky at Night
"It is certainly the most up-to-date readable description of the various types of variable stars and what is known about each...Basically, if you observe variable stars, you should read and probably own this book." --HTN of the AAVSO
Product details
October 2011Paperback
9781107403703
374 pages
244 × 170 × 20 mm
0.6kg
Available
Related links
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Stars in general
- 3. Rotating variable stars
- 4. Eclipsing variable stars
- 5. Pulsating variable stars
- 6. Cataclysmic variable stars
- 7. Young variable stars
- 8. Miscellaneous variable stars
- 9. Applications of variable stars
- 10. Epilogue
- Appendices.
