Practical Statistics for Astronomers

Astronomy, like any experimental subject, needs statistical methods to interpret data reliably. This practical handbook presents the most relevant statistical and probabilistic machinery for use in observational astronomy. Classical parametric and non-parametric methods are covered, but there is a strong emphasis on Bayesian solutions and the importance of probability in experimental inference. Chapters cover basic probability, correlation analysis, hypothesis testing, Bayesian modelling, time series analysis, luminosity functions, and clustering. The book avoids the technical language of statistics in favour of demonstrating astronomical relevance and applicability. It contains many worked examples, and problems that make use of databases which are available on the Web. It is suitable for self-study at advanced undergraduate or graduate level, as a reference for professional astronomers, and as a textbook basis for courses in statistical methods in astronomy.

ISBN 0521456169   Weight (grammes) 489 ISBN13 9780521456166 (What's this?)   Published in Cambridge Publisher Cambridge University Press   Series editor Ellis, Richard (Institute for Astronomy, University of Cambridge), Huchra, John (Smithsonian Astroph Imprint Cambridge University Press   Series ISSN 3 Format Paperback   Series title Cambridge Observing Handbooks for Research Astronomers Publication date 13 Nov 2003   Previous ISBN 9780521454162 Library of Congress QB149 \.W3   Height (mm) 228 DEWEY 519.5024521   Width (mm) 152 DEWEY edition DC21   Spine width (mm) 16 Pages 294   Academic level Professional / Scholarly, Tertiary education Volumes 1

		Preface
		Note on notation
1		Decision		1
2		Probability		10
3		Statistics and expectations		37
4		Correlation and association		54
5		Hypothesis testing		76
6		Data modelling: parameter estimation		105
7		Detection and surveys		142
8		Sequential data - 1D statistics		181
9		Surface distribution - 2D statistics		214
		App. 1: The literature		246
		App. 2: Statistical tables		250
		References		265
		Index		271

'... a neat little book that's a pleasure to read and a blessing to have handy for reference.' The Observatory

 Be the first to write a customer review