To Measure the Sky: An Introduction to Observational Astronomy Frederick R. Chromey is an English-language study book for students in higher education. This learning resource provides a quantitative yet accessible introduction to the physical principles behind the collection and analysis of observational data in optical and infrared astronomy.
The text covers the latest developments in telescopes, instruments, adaptive optics, and detector technologies, and links them to telescopes and detectors that students themselves can use. Starting with fundamental knowledge of physics and statistics, the book provides a solid theoretical foundation.
Key topics such as spectroscopy, Gaia, the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope, and photometry at high redshifts are treated extensively. The historical context and quotations emphasize that astronomy is both a scientific and a human endeavor.
This study book aligns with fields such as Astronomical observation: observatories, equipment and methods and Science / Space Science / Astronomy. It includes extensive practice exercises to encourage practical application.