Overview

Modern x-ray data, available through online archives, are important for many astronomical topics. However, using these data requires specialized techniques and software. Written for graduate students, professional astronomers and researchers who want to start working in this field, this book is a practical guide to x-ray astronomy. The handbook begins with x-ray optics, basic detector physics and CCDs, before focussing on data analysis. It introduces the reduction and calibration of x-ray data, scientific analysis, archives, statistical issues and the particular problems of highly extended sources. The book describes the main hardware used in x-ray astronomy, emphasizing the implications for data analysis. The concepts behind common x-ray astronomy data analysis software are explained. The appendices present reference material often required during data analysis.

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9781139034234

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'... this is an excellent, good-value book and should be required reading for all those interested in X-ray astronomy.' The Observatory

Author Information

Keith Arnaud is at the Center for Research Excellence in Space Science and Technology, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, and is an Associate Research Scientist in the Astronomy Department, University of Maryland. A veteran of x-ray astronomy, he is recognized world-wide as an expert on data analysis techniques. Randall Smith is an astrophysicist in the High Energy Astrophysics Division of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. He is internationally known for his work on spectral emission from astrophysical plasmas and the underlying issues of atomic physics. Aneta Siemiginowska is an astrophysicist in the High Energy Astrophysics Division of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. She has worked in both theoretical and observational aspects of x-ray astronomy with interests in extra galactic radio sources, quasars, powerful jets and statistical methods.

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