Movement of the Spheres: Basic Astronomical Calculations Explained With 29 Spreadsheets

This book is aimed at the general reader who wishes to understand the mathematics behind a range of interesting astronomical calculations that relate to the motion and position of celestial bodies. The calculations are structured around 29 freely downloadable Excel spreadsheets. Using the spreadsheets, the reader can determine a planet’s position, the Sun’s rising and setting times, the Moon’s phase, and much more. No prior astronomical knowledge is required, though you will need a background in secondary/high school mathematics. Because the emphasis is on understanding the underlying mathematics, easy to follow derivations of most of the astronomical equations used in the book are included. Topics covered include: The celestial sphere. The different ways astronomers have of measuring time. Astronomical coordinate systems. Rising and setting times. Elliptical orbits. Predicting the position of the planets and periodic comets. Calculating times of sunrise and sunset for any location on Earth. The equation of time. The Moon’s orbit and phases. Numerical integration of a celestial object’s equations of motion. Understanding and deriving the astronomical equations used in the calculations. By the author of A Most Incomprehensible Thing: Notes Towards a Very Gentle Introduction to the Mathematics of Relativity (ISBN 9780957389465) and A Beginner’s Guide to Differential Forms (ISBN 9780957389472).