Table of Contents

Preface; Acknowledgements; List of illustrations; 1. Early stellar magnitudes; 2. Visual estimates of stellar magnitudes and colour; 3. Visual photometry; 4. Photographic photometry, 1839–1922; 5. The origins of photoelectric photometry; 6. Photometry at longer wavelengths; 7. Photographic photometry from 1922; 8. Photometry and the birth of astrophysics; 9. Photoelectric photometry with the photomultiplier tube; 10. Photometry with electronic area detectors; Sources of illustrations; Index of names; Index of star names; Index of subjects.

Promotional Information

A well-illustrated historical survey of the science of measuring the brightness and colours of stars - for professional astronomers, amateur astronomers and historians of science.

Reviews

'Hearnshaw's book has been extensively researched and is excellently presented with many fine illustrations and portraits of key figures in the development of photometry. This volume would be the first place to look for the basic information but equally well makes an entertaining and informative read.' Irish Astronomical Journal 'This is an excellent book, one which should be read by any aspiring photometrists, professional or amateur.' David Stickland, Astronomy Now 'The book is highly recommended to all historians of astronomy and those interested in photometry.' Derek Jones, The Observatory ' ... Hearnshaw masterfully reviews the development of photometry ... comprehensive account includes fine, critical comparisons of the instruments ... the illustrations are impressive and add to the richness of the story ... well-written and lively history ... Everyone should relish the rich history of astronomical photometry and Hearnshaw's skill in presenting it.' Sky and Telescope