Stellar photometry from space, automatic photometric telescopes, and CCD photometers, these are just some of the exciting areas of current interest and future developments in stellar photometry covered in this timely review. Articles from international experts - drawn together at the IAU Colloquium 136, in Dublin, 1992 - are gathered here to cover all aspects of this fundamental technique. In this survey, professionals discuss state-of-the-art and future technology including photometry with millimagnitude accuracy, multichannel arrays used in the optical and IR, a global network of automatic photometric telescopes, time-series photometry of faint sources using CCDs, and photometry from space. These articles provide an up-to-date account of all aspects of photometry and a guide to future developments - an essential survey for professionals involved in the design and use of such instruments.

Completely updated, this second Edition gives a broad review of astronomical photometry to provide an understanding of astrophysics from a data-based perspective. It explains the underlying principles of the instruments used, and the applications and inferences derived from measurements. Each chapter has been fully revised to account for the latest developments, including the uses of CCDs. Thoroughly illustrated, this book provides an overview and historical background of the subject before reviewing the main themes within astronomical photometry. The central chapters focus on the practical design of the instruments and methodology used. The book continues by discussing specialized topics in stellar astronomy, concentrating on the information that can be derived from the analysis of the light curves of variable stars and especially close binary systems. The new edition includes numerous bibliographic notes and a glossary of terms. It is ideal for graduate students, academic researchers and advanced amateurs interested in practical and observational astronomy. Book jacket.

Small and large telescopes are being installed all around the world. Astronomers have thus acquired better access to more modern equipment; not in the least to photometers, which are very important tools for the contemporary observer. This development of higher quality and more sensitive equipment makes it very necessary to improve the accuracy of the measurements. This guide helps the astronomer and astronomy student to improve the quality of their photometric measurements and to extract a maximum of information from their observations. The book is based on the authors' observing experience, spending numerious nights behind various instruments at many different observatories.

This three-volume set details the essential roles that small telescopes should play in 21st century science and how their future productivity can be maximized. Over 70 international experts have created a definitive reference on the present and future of "big science with small telescopes".

This title details the essential roles that small telescopes should play in 21st century science and how their future productivity can be maximized. Over 70 experts from all corners of the international astronomical community have created a reference on the future of big science with small telescopes. at national facilities and their omission from national science priority studies, the oft-lamented demise of the small telescope has been greatly exaggerated. In fact, the future of these workhorses of astronomy will be brighter than ever if creative steps are taken now. This three-volume set defines essential roles that small telescopes should play in 21st century science and the ways in which a productive future for them can be realized. A wide cross-section of the astronomical community has contributed to a definitive assessment of the present and a vision for the future. radio- and space-based facilities face problems in scientific prioritization and funding. It highlights how current small facilities are evolving to meet the scientific priorities and economical realities of the 21st century through standardization of instrumentation, use of off-the-shelf technology, specialization, optical improvements, new modes of scheduling, automation, and internet access.

Since 1967. the most prominent events of a General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union are published in a separate volume. The Highlights of Astronomy (volume 9) report on the major scientific presentations made at the XXIst General Assembly July 23-August 1. 1991. Buenos Aires. Argentina. The present volume contains the texts of the three invited Di scourses and of the papers presented duri ng seven Joi nt Discussion Meetings and eight Joint Commission Meetings. The invited Discourses were arranged by the IAU Executive Committee and the Joint Discourses and Commission Meetings by the respective chairpersons. The overall responsability of the General Assembly was carried out by the IAU General Secretary (19B8-1991). Dr. D. McNally. I am indebted to the authors of the invited Di scourses. to the organi zers and editors of the scientific sessions for having provided me with all the material for publication in due time. I want to particularly acknowledge the case with which Dr. J.H. Hughes. who unfortunately died a few days ago from cancer. prepared and checked unti 1 the 1 ast few weeks the report on the new IAU Reference System. This report itself concludes long and difficult discussions among IAU members that he led in a wise and clear sighted manner.

IAU Transactions are published as a volume corresponding to each General Assembly. Volume A is produced prior to the Assembly and contains Reports on Astronomy, prepared by each Commission President. The intention is to summarize the astronomical results that have affected the work of the Commission since the production of the previous Reports up to a time which is about one year prior to the General Assembly. Volume B is produced after the Assembly and contains accounts of Commission Meetings which were held, together with other material. The reports included in the present volume range from outline summaries to lengthy compilations and references. Most reports are in English.