Emphasizing the underlying unity of all astronomical observations, Astrophysical Techniques, Fifth Edition provides a coherent state-of-the-art account ofthe instruments and techniques used in current astronomy and astrophysics. The fifth edition of this well-respected text includes many new instruments and techniques while removing some that have long been unused by both professional and amateur astronomers.

New to the Fifth Edition

Brief discussion on the invention and development of the telescope

New section that describes the attempts to detect dark matter and dark energy

Extended and updated discussions on computer, Internet, and spacecraft-based observations and research

By covering the instruments, techniques, theory, and data processing of astrophysics in sufficient depth, this text forms a thorough grounding for beginners and is a handy reference for more advanced students and professionals.