Radio telescopes have transformed our understanding of the Universe. Pulsars, quasars, Big Bang cosmology: all are discoveries of the new science of radio astronomy. Francis Graham-Smith explores this exciting science, including a new generation of telescopes that promise to extend our understanding of the Universe into unknown fields.

• Preface


• 1: Radio noise from space


• 2: Hot sun and cold planets


• 3: Our galaxy the Milky Way


• 4: Cosmic Rays, the Synchrotron, and Molecules


• 5: Radio galaxies and quasars


• 6: Supernovae and Pulsars


• 7: Pulsar clocks and relativity


• 8: Radio expands into cosmology


• 9: Seeing the cosmic fireball


• 10: Radio telescopes and interfermometers


• 11: LOFAR, ALMA and SKA


• Endnotes

Sir Francis Graham-Smith is the author of several books on radio astronomy. From 1988-90 he was the Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Manchester and Physical Secretary and Vice-President of the Royal Society from 1988-94.