Astronomy on the personal computer /

Montenbruck and Pfleger offer a wide range of topics, including coordinate systems, calculation of rising and setting times of astronomical objects, planet and cometary orbits, physical ephemerides of planets, eclipses, orbit determination, and astrometry. Basic equations and terms are explained, and there is an excellent glossary and bibliography, but this is more a listing of recipes for astronomical calculations than a general resource. The writing is clear and concise, but it is assumed that the reader has an advanced understanding of mathematics and astronomy. First published in 1990 in German (1st Engl. ed., CH, Sep'91), the book has been extensively expanded and improved. The current edition is particularly useful because it provides computer code written in C++ (rather than Pascal, as in the earlier versions), and it includes a CD-ROM with complete source code and executable programs for Windows 95/98/NT and Linux, as well as several astronomical databases. Another valuable supplement is a Web site that contains the original Pascal programs and other information related to the book. Astronomy on the Personal Computer belongs in all libraries that support advanced work in astronomy. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals. T. Barker; Wheaton College (MA)