Fundamentals of Astronomy by Cesare Barbieri (Author) delves into the essential concepts and principles that underpin modern astronomy. This second edition explores topics ranging from spherical astronomy and reference systems to celestial mechanics and astronomical photometry and spectroscopy. It provides a comprehensive overview, expanding on classical arguments while integrating recent advancements such as very-long-baseline interferometry (VLBI), optical interferometers, and the data from satellites like Hipparcos and GAIA. The book also discusses recent resolutions by the IAU and IERS concerning precession, nutation, Earth’s figure, and rotation.

Concepts of general relativity are explored in detail, including phenomena such as the advance of Mercury’s perihelion, light deflection, and black holes. It covers the physical properties, orbits, ephemerides, and orbital reconstruction of planets, comets, asteroids, and even visual binary stars. Additionally, the book addresses extrasolar planets through discussions on radial velocity and transit measurements from both ground-based and space telescopes.

Astronomical photometry, spectroscopy, and polarimetry are introduced with an emphasis on their basic concepts and the impact of the terrestrial atmosphere. The historical development of astronomy is also touched upon, mentioning classical works such as those by Hipparchus to provide context for the field’s evolution.