Fundamentals of Radio Astronomy

As evidenced by 5 Nobel Prizes in physics, radio astronomy has substantially contributed to our comprehension of the Universe. Hence, instructional materials covering this subject are crucial in preparing the next generation of scientists who will further explore the Cosmos. This textbook, the second volume of a series, delivers an extensive introduction to the astrophysical mechanisms studied in radio astronomy. Suitable for undergraduate courses on radio astronomy, it explores the natural phenomena leading to radio emissions, providing instances of cosmic objects, and demonstrating the methods for obtaining the associated physical parameters of astronomical sources from radio observations. In contrast to alternative radio astronomy textbooks, this resource supplies students with an insight into the historical context and the fundamental principles, with equations accessible for many of the calculations used in the textbook. Features: Presents a lucid and concise discussion of the essential astronomical concepts and physical processes underlying both radio continuum and radio spectral line emissions Explores radio emissions from a variety of astronomical sources and demonstrates how the observed emissions can be utilized to infer the physical characteristics of these sources Includes numerous examples employing real data from the literature