Product Description
Presenting the most relevant statistical and probabilistic technology in observational astronomy, this practical handbook covers classical parametric and non-parametric methods. There is also, however, a strong emphasis on Bayesian solutions and the importance of probability in experimental inference. The book contains many solved examples, and includes over fifty problems, with solutions available on the web via http://books.cambridge.org/0521454166.htm.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 3.5 based on 2 reviews)

Truly practical for astronomers

I'm a professional astronomer (remaining anonymous out of shame for my lack of statistical knowledge). I have found this book immensely useful in my data analysis and very straightforward. It is geared toward astronomical research, so is likely not as useful or illuminating for those unfamiliar with our data analysis. The explanations are straightforward and written in a pleasant tone (e.g., the reassuring "That's it." concluding the algorithm for bootstrapping).

If you are involved in professional astronomical research, this is truly practical statistics for you. If you are just casually interested in astronomy or are in another discipline and just want to learn statistics, I'd suggest passing this book by.
March 23, 2005

Not happening

This book appears to be written for people who already completely understand statistics, in which case they probably don't need this book. I'm someone with a undergrad-level understanding of statistics and astronomy and this book does little to further my understanding of either. I wish the authors had taken more care in explaining the subject matter and notation. I didn't expect this to be an introductory statistics book, but IMHO the word "practical" should not be in the title. Unless you have an advanced understanding of statistics, this book is not helpful.
March 12, 2004

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