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High performance computing for computational science - VECPAR 2008 ; 8th International Conference, Toulouse, France, June 24-27, 2008. Revised Selected Papers
This book constitutes the thoroughly refereed post-conference proceedings of the 8th International Conference on High Performance Computing for Computational Science, VECPAR 2008, held in Toulouse, France, in June 2008.The 51 revised full papers presented together with the abstract of a surveying and look-ahead talk were carefully reviewed and selected from 73 submissions. The papers are organized in topical sections on parallel and distributed computing, cluster and grid computing, problem solving environment and data centric, numerical methods, linear algebra, computing in geosciences and biosciences, imaging and graphics.
Fare astronomia con piccoli telescopi = Are astronomy with small telescopes
Giant tools are not necessarily required to produce scientifically valid results in the field of astronomy. Even the amateur with a small telescope, with a diameter of only 8-9 cm, can contribute to the science of the sky by making useful observations of the Sun, the Moon, planets, comets, asteroids, double or variable stars, nebulae and star clusters. The manual of M.K. Gainer explains what the minimum equipment is (a small telescope, a computer, a simple digital camera), how to use it, and what are the appropriate techniques to be adopted in the observations. It also offers schemes for interpreting and reducing the collected data, as well as forms to be filled in and sent to international collection centers.
Dynamics of extended celestial bodies and rings
Taking both a theoretical and observational perspective, this book is an introduction to recent developments in the field of celestial mechanics. It emphasizes the application to extended celestial bodies and devotes much attention to rotational aspects. In particular, it explains the state of art for accurate modelling of the rotation of celestial bodies such as the Earth, the Moon, and Mercury, which involves principles related to hydrodynamics and geodesy. Comparisons between the light curves of the asteroids and their rotational state are made and spatial techniques leading to the determination of the Earth's gravitational field are explained. Also, the book provides a general overview of the collisional processes in the solar system and of the dynamics of the rings. It is addressed to graduate students and researchers in space sciences and celestial dynamics.
Comet, Asteroid Impacts and Human Society : An Interdisciplinary Approach
Leading specialists in various disciplines were first invited to a multidisciplinary workshop funded by ICSU on the topic to gain a better appreciation and perspective on the subject of comet/asteroid impacts as viewed by different disciplines. This volume provides a necessary link between various disciplines and comet/asteroid impacts.
L'astrofilo moderno = The modern amateur astronomer
In less than two decades, amateur astronomy has changed its face. The reason, of course, is technological progress. Cheap but high-quality telescopes, computer-controlled "go-to" mounts, autoguiders, CCD cameras, video cameras and (as always) computers and the Internet are just some of the elements that revolutionized 21st century astronomy. Not only have they made amateur astronomy more "friendly" and fun, but they have also greatly expanded the potential of the amateur astronomer. Martin Mobberley first tackles the basic issues and then analyzes in depth what tools are available on the market. From here he starts to review the revolutionary possibilities that open up for amateur astronomers, from imaging, to spectroscopy, to photometry, to the surveillance of Near-Earth objects - comets and asteroids that can come dangerously close to the Earth.
Catastrophic Events Caused by Cosmic Objects
Many times all of us could hear from mass media that an asteroid approached and swept past the Earth. Such an asteroid or comet will inevitably strike the planet some day. This volume considers hazards due to collisions with cosmic objects, particularly in light of recent investigations of impacts by the authors. Each chapter written by an expert contains an overview of an aspect and new findings in the field. The main hazardous effects – cratering, shock, aerial and seismic waves, fires, ejection of dust and soot, tsunami are described and numerically estimated. Numerical simulations of impacts and impact consequences have received much attention in the book. Fairly small impacting objects 50 -100 m in diameter pose a real threat to humanity and their influence on the atmosphere and ionosphere is emphasized.
A Practical Guide to Lightcurve Photometry and Analysis
A Practical Guide to Lightcurve Photometry and Analysis provides, for those with access to even a modest telescope and CCD camera, all the information needed to take part in the scientific study of asteroids and variable stars.A Practical Guide to Lightcurve Photometry and Analysis contains all the material needed for readers to understand the theory, and avoid the practical pitfalls of lightcurve photometry. Detailed examples are given for obtaining data, and of course for the exciting and rewarding task of analyzing the data to determine the physical properties of the object.
