Product Description
Thoroughly updated and re-conceived, Astronomy, Ninth Edition, equips the introductory astronomy student with the essential tools for understanding the cosmos. Michael Zeilik has revised the pedagogy of his successful textbook based on recent research in astronomy education. Significantly shorter than the previous edition, the ninth edition is organized into four concept clusters: Cosmic Distances, Heavenly Motions, Celestial Light and Spectra, and Scientific Models. Material has been streamlined throughout to make the descriptions, concepts, and explanations clearer. Each chapter ends with a concise summary of the concepts in each cluster.Each chapter contains at least one Celestial Navigator, a concept map that provides a visual guide of major concepts in the chapter and explicity shows their connections.Throughout, illustrations have been updated to be clearer and more understandable to the novice student. Michael Zeilik, Professor of Physics and Astronomy and former Presidential Lecturer at the University of New Mexico, specializes in innovative, introductory courses for the novice, non-science major student.In 1998, he was appointed a Research Fellow at the National Institute of Science Education.Zeilik's work has been supported by grants from the National Science Foundation, NASA, the Exxon Educational Foundation, and the Slipher Fund of the National Academy of Sciences.In 1997, the 8th edition of Astronomy: The Evolving Universe won a Texty Award from the Text and Academic Authors Association. In 2002 he was awarded the Astronomy Education Prize by the American Astronomical Society. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

great condition but it was the wrong book
the book was in great condition no marks or highlights but it was the wrong book. the book was for my girlfriend that hasn't ever bought books online. she didn't check the ibn number.

Starry, starry night...
Zeilik's book is one of the earliest systematic astronomy texts I ever read, beginning with the third edition back in 1982.That edition had four primary sections - Part I: Changing Concepts of the Cosmos; Part II: The Planets, Past and Present; Part III: The Universe of Stars and Galaxies; and Part IV: Cosmic Evolution.

Part I looks at the general structure of the universe, how it was conceived in the past, and how it is viewed today.Much of what is covered here falls under the general heading of cosmology.Zeilik has an interest in the history of astronomy, and it shows clearly in the text.He explores, among other topics, the Anasazi prehistoric astronomy discoveries, the Ptolemaic geocentric model, Tycho Brahe/Kepler's achievements, the discoveries of Newton and Galileo, and finally the birth of modern astrophysics.Some basic physics is introduced along the way, to make sense of radiation and optics, as well as gravitation and space-time concepts.

Part II looks at the nine planets of our solar system, including their satellites (moons), and the asteroids and other solar system objects (comets, etc.).Planetary sciences are among the fastest developing sciences around, so a lot of the information contained here is basic, and some updating is required.There is no mistake that the most current version of this text is now in its ninth edition.The final chapter in this subject looks at some of the theories of the origin and development of the solar system.

Part III looks at the universe beyond the planets, looking first at the sun as a typical small star, and then going further afield to look at the Milky Way, our local galaxy in some detail.This includes a look at other major formations and stars within the galaxy - some named stars of interest as well as celestial objects such as nebulae, and a discussion of interstellar distances and distribution (Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, etc.).The structure, kinematics and dynamics of spiral galaxies are explored, and then other types of galaxies (elliptical, etc.) and galactic clusters.

The final section, Part IV, looks at general evolution and development of the universe.Stellar evolution is the first subject, as one of the primary vehicles of universal development.The different ways in which a star dies are explored - white dwarves, neutron stars, supernovae, black holes, pulsars.The larger ideas of the origins and ultimate fate of the universe (cosmology again, at the end) are explored, including a brief discussion of the origins of life in the universe, and short discussions on topics such as SETI (called CETI here, Communication with ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence).

One of the useful aspects of this text is the 'Beyond the Book' sections after each chapter.These include information about periodicals (often the best way to find the latest information on astronomy topics), additional books and other resources.There are learning objectives listed at the beginning of each chapter, and convenient summaries, and some short exercises at the end of each chapter also.

There are several useful appendices, including lists of stars, planetary data, periodic table, and other such information.A very good glossary and index round out the book, making it an excellent text book for both classroom and independent use.

Great book for all
If you were ever interested in what is going on above in heavens, but didn't want to trouble yourself with too much equations and other non-esential stuff, then this is the book for you. It is a textbook, and itreads as a textbook. You'll find that everything is included: from ourSolar system, to the nuclear processes in the stars, to the black holes.Descriptions are as they should be for the non-pros: comprehensive andsimple (yet not trivial), well presented (love those many color pictures)and to the point. Great for an occasional star-gazer as well as astronomystudents to revise their knowledge. And the Night Spectra Quest is a neatbeginner's tool to examining star spectra. If you get more interested afterstudying this book, I recommend "An Introduction to ModernAstrophysics", which goes more deeply into the study of astrophysicsand cosmology. ... Read more

Product Description
Astronomy: 365 Days is a spectacular collection of photographs of space and sky, drawn from Jerry Bonnell and Robert Nemiroff’s enormously popular website, Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD).

The follow-up to their previous collaboration, The Universe: 365 Days (the second-highest- selling title in the 365 Days series), this volume is filled with amazing images from the Spirit and Opportunity rovers on Mars and the Cassini spacecraft orbiting Saturn, the latest revelations from the Hubble Space Telescope, and gorgeous views from professionals and amateurs. Each photograph is accompanied by explanatory text that greatly expands the reader’s appreciation of the wonders of the cosmos.

Perfect for anyone who’s ever felt the allure of the skies, Astronomy: 365 Days is a heavenly treasure. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

A favorite of mine in the 365 Days series
Astronomy: 365 Days is such a joy for me to own. The photos are wonderful. So glad to have bought it selfishly for myself for Christmas!

ASTRONOMY 365 DAYS
I bought this book because I was impressed with its companion book "the Universe in 365 days". This book is of similar quality. If you're into astronomy these two books are must buys as they contain some of the most beautiful images of celestial objects that you're ever going to see. The commentary is brief and to the point. Astronomy can be an aweful lot of theory and definitions of objects, not everybodies cup-of-tea but these two books make the theory live. (For our USA readers - absolutely awesome!!!)

Great collection of astonomical pictures
A heavy and thick book with a great compendium of pictures shown on the Astronomical Picture of the Day website. It's a very good selection, and the captions - however brief - are interesting enough. To be read and enjoyed little by little, a few pages each day.

Astronomical catastrophe
Astronomy: 365 DaysBeware of BordeeBook seller. I paid $38.60 to BordeeBook for a new copy and received in the mail a used book $13.99 Sort Floor Books. I don't know why my order was fouled up beyond all recognition, but BordeeBook denies receiving the book I returned for the promised refund and my credit card company will not pursue the case without a return tracking number.Also, forget about Amazon...they didn't even try...just passed me on to the seller.

Stunning
This book lives up to the others that preceed it.The collection of photographs are powerful, and there are 365 days of these images along with desciptions.The book is informative as well as stunning to look at.This is one for the coffee table and not the shelf. ... Read more

Product Description
With this newly revised tenth edition of FOUNDATIONS OF ASTRONOMY, author Mike Seeds' goal is to help you use astronomy to understand science--and use science to understand what we are. Fascinating and engaging, this text will help you answer two fundamental questions: What are we? How do we know? This edition addresses the newest developments and latest discoveries in the exciting study of astronomy, including new data on Jupiter's ring system; new observations of the shapes of stars; new evidence of dark energy, quasars, and galaxy collisions; and a look inside supernova explosions. And for students looking for an interactive alternative to the print text, the FOUNDATIONS OF ASTRONOMY Online Version is the ideal solution. The Online Version gives you Web-based access to a digital version of Michael A. Seeds' best-selling astronomy textbook. If your instructor is using the Enhanced WebAssign? online homework management system, the Online Version includes access to your homework assignments as well, allowing you to quickly navigate between your homework and the text. Visit www.webassign.net/seeds to learn more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great
Ordered a book one week before my daughters class started, standard delivery and recieved it long before the class started. "Great Job" ... Read more

Product Description
A dynamic, alphabetical tour of our mysterious universe–from the A Star to the ZZ Ceti Star and everything in between

"We are all part of this astonishing creation–our very bodies fashioned of atoms that were made inside giant stars long ago.Bring only your imagination and the courage needed to gaze up and out across 1.5 billion light-years!"
–From the Introduction

The Universal Book of Astronomy compiles more than 3,000 extensively cross-referenced entries to cover every noted star, planet, authority, and telescope that has influenced our modern understanding of the universe. Spanning everything from major observatories and space telescopes to biographies of astronomers throughout the centuries, The Universal Book of Astronomy showcases an extraordinary array of newfound wonders, including microquasars, brown dwarfs, and dark energy, as well as a host of individual comets, asteroids, moons, planets, stars, nebulas, and galaxies.A one-stop reference for the seasoned astronomer as well as the starry-eyed layperson, The Universal Book of Astronomy is further complemented by:

• More than 200 illustrations throughout
• Eight vibrant pages of color photographs
• Succinct articles on astronomy’s esteemedhistory and technology
• The fascinating biographies of those who shaped, and continue to shape, our knowledge of this infinite universe

Customer Reviews (1)

Good for the Astronmy Library
In A to Z encyclopedia format, has a great cross-reference system which highlights a word or term if it is described elsewhere in the book.Most definitions are a little too brief for me, but what I love most about this book is its listing of the brightest stars in a constellation along with their distances which is wonderful for me since my kids are always asking how far away certain stars are and it's good to have one place to go to answer quickly.Has a very small center section with color photos -- somewhat unnecessary and probably raises the price of the book too.A great source for an amateur astronomer like me, but if you are looking for a good "first" astronomy book -- go with Dickenson's "NIGHTWATCH" and buy this one a bit later. ... Read more

Product Description
Whether you are learning astronomy for the first time or teaching it for the tenth time. Pathways to Astronomy offers the flexibility of exploring astronomy following the path of your choosing. Pathways to Astronomy divides the fascinating field of astronomy into 84 units, from which you can select topics according to your interests, while maintaining a flow of presentation.image and description provided by M & R. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Easy to read
I used this book in my Astronomy class and it was very easy to read.It has very short chapters and they are to the point and interesting. ... Read more

Product Description

The recent years have seen breathtaking progress in technology, especially in the receiver and digital technologies relevant for radio astronomy, which has at the same time advanced to shorter wavelengths.

This is the updated and completely revised 5th edition of the most used introductory text in radio astronomy. It presents a unified treatment of the entire field from centimeter to sub-millimeter wavelengths. Topics covered include instruments, sensitivity considerations, observational methods and interpretations of the data recorded with both single dishes and interferometers. This text is useful to both students and experienced practicing astronomers. Besides making major updates and additions throughout the book, the authors have re-organized a number of chapters to more clearly separate basic theory from rapidly evolving practical aspects.

Further, problem sets have been added at the end of each chapter.

Customer Reviews (2)

A "must have" for RA. business
this is one of the fundamental books you have to have in your library... if you are a "Radio Astronomy" guy (Engineer, astronomer,etc). However sometimes it can be a little bit complex (compared to its newest 5th edition), but still an excellent book.

One of the best introductions to the field
Although Rohlfs and Wilson have only made perfunctory changesbetween this and the previous edition of the book, it still stands asone of the best introductions to the field of radio astronomy.It still doesn't cover some topics (such as calibration techniques) as well as I would have liked, and Kraus' _Radio Astronomy_ (2e) does a better job (IMHO) on the mathematical details as well as specific applications.Because of its length, the topics of millimeter and submillimeter astronomy are not covered in as much as centimeter wavelengths.However despite all this, the book is highly readable for a student in the field, and is invaluable to have on one's bookshelf, or even to take observing (for those who only dabble in radio astronomy). ... Read more

Product Description

Funded by the National Science Foundation,Lecture-Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy is designed to help make large lecture-format courses more interactive with easy-to-implement activities that can be integrated into existing course structures. The Second Edition of the Lecture-Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy contains nine new activities that focus on planetary science, system related topics, and the interactions of Light and matter. These new activities have been created using the same rigorous development cycle that was used for the highly successful first edition.   The Night Sky: Position, Motion, Seasonal Stars, Solar vs. Sidereal Day, Ecliptic, Star Charts. Fundamentals of Astronomy: Kepler’s 2^nd Law, Kepler’s 3^rd Law, Newton’s Laws and Gravity, Apparent and Absolute Magnitudes of Stars, The Parse, Parallax and Distance, Spectroscopic Parallax.  Nature of Light in Astronomy: The Electromagnetic (EM) Spectrum of Light, Telescopes and Earth’s Atmosphere, Luminosity, Temperature and Size, Blackbody Radiation, Types of Spectra, Light and Atoms, Analyzing Spectra, Doppler Shift. Our Solar System: The Cause of Moon Phases, Predicting Moon Phases, Path of Sun, Seasons, Observing Retrograde Motion, Earth’s Changing Surface, Temperature and Formation of Our Solar System, Sun Size. Stars Galaxies and Beyond: H-R Diagram, Star Formation and Lifetimes, Binary Stars, The Motion of Extrasolar Planets, Stellar Evolution, Milky Way Scales, Galaxy Classification, Looking at Distant Objects, Expansion of the Universe.  For all readers interested in astronomy.

Customer Reviews (6)

It came!
The book I ordered was for school, it does what I need it to and it came to me in fine condition, just as it said online. trustworthy but took a while to ship.

Fast Shipping
The item was shipped to me promptly which was important since I needed this book for school. I bought it new and it was still kept in that condition when it arrived!

Necessary Evil
Needed this for a college class, the bookstore on campus didn't sell the textbook and workbook (this product) separately, so I bought it here. It isn't the best book for learning or supplemental material for that matter, but if you need it for class, you need it for class

A Really Enjoyable Introduction to Astronomy
It's been a long coming, but it's finally here! Astronomy instructors and authors have produced a wonderfully readable and thoroughly comprehensible introduction to the science of astronomy. Each topic in this book really is a mini-tutorial as proclaimed by the cover title. The book format is actually written in a laboratory worksheet fashion (the sheets can be detached from the book along their perforated edges) with each worksheet dedicated to a specific astronomy concept (e.g., position, motion, Keplar's Third Law, etc.). One pass through this ingeniously designed "book of tutorials" and the beginner to the wonderful world of the cosmo is truly ready to move on to more advanced astronomy books and/or astronomy courses. My congratulations (and gratitude) to the Pearson Addison-Wesley Publishing Company for making the concept of learning enjoyable once again.

If you are at all interested in astronomy, but recoiled away from the subject after opening a typical "introductory" college textbook, then you would do yourself a tremendous favor by purchasing this book. You won't be disappointed!

Excellent
This item was in excellent condition and came in a timely manner.It helped a lot with my class. ... Read more

Product Description
This complete reference provides a wealth of practical information covering all aspects of amateur astronomy. Organized thematically for ease of use, it covers observing techniques, telescopes and observatories, internet resources, and the objects that can be studied. Those new to the field will find tips, techniques and plans on how to begin their quest, and more advanced observers will find useful advice on how to get more from their hobby. Michael E. Bakich obtained a bachelors degree in Astronomy from Ohio State University and a masters degree in Planetarium Education from Michigan State University.He has written numerous original planetarium programs, and gives lectures on astronomy to groups of all ages.He is also a tour guide to eclipses and astro-archaeological sites. Bakich has written two previous books: The Cambridge Planetary Handbook (2000) and The Cambridge Guide to the Constellations (1995), both published by Cambridge University Press. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent book
The purpose of this book is to give someone just starting out in amateur astronomy a foundation from which to work.This book accomplishes that task very well.It covers the basics of a wide range of topics.The Author presents this material in a conversational style which makes it an easy read.While this book is very similar in purpose to Dickinson/Dyers's Backyard Astronomer's Guide, it doesn't go into as great a detail on most topics.If you are just starting out in amateur astronomy you should consider buying this book. Two additions I would have liked to have seen in this book were 1.) A section with starmaps, and 2.)A section on how to starhop with examples.These two items should be in any beginners book.

Good Book on Mediocre Paper
An excellent book that takes a unique approach to explaining the world of amateur astronomy.I use this book more as a reference than a door to beginning to understand the huge world of astronomy (Terence Dickinson in Nightwatch does that best).Has an excellent Equipment section (especially the filters area), great planetary info in the Solar System section, and very handy reference charts in the back of the book.

For the price of this book, you'd expect paper quality to at least be equal to The Backyard Astronomer's Guide (Dickinson, Dyer)-- but it isn't.The paper is cheap and really doesn't stand up well to the heavy page turning I have subjected it to - a minor gripe though.There is stuff in this book that is very hard to find elsewhere.Check it out in your local bookstore -- then buy it here at Amazon for a substantial discount off retail if you like it! ... Read more

Product Description

Choosing and Using the New CAT will supercede the author’s successful Choosing and Using a Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope, which has enjoyed enthusiastic support from the amateur astronomy community for the past seven years.

Since the first book was published, a lot has changed in the technology of amateur astronomy. The sophistication and variety of the telescopes available to amateurs has increased dramatically. Computerized SCTs, Maksutov-Cassegrains, and most recently Meade’s new and acclaimed Ritchey-Chrétiens have come to dominate the market. That means that all amateurs considering the purchase of a new telescope (not only a SCT, and not just beginners) will benefit from this detailed guide. Choosing the right telescope for particular kinds of observation (or even for general work) is far from easy – but Rod Mollise gives invaluable advice and guidance.

Today’s commercially-made astronomical telescopes are more complex than ever, and a new owner will swiftly discover that the manuals shipped with these telescopes leave much to be desired. Further guidance is a must. Choosing and Using the New CAT provides the missing information in a friendly but authoritative fashion, including imaging the solar system and deep space with the CCD cameras, video, and webcams that have almost completely supplanted ‘film’ cameras.

Customer Reviews (11)

the comprehensive CAT guide
this is one of those books that no only expresses but achieves the aspiration to be a classic. for the reader who is relatively new to amateur astronomy generally, or new to the catadioptric (CAT) telescopes specifically, this book is as essential and useful as "norton's star atlas", "sky atlas 2000" and several deep sky observing guides besides.

although every chapter title is a play on the acronym cat ("Care and feeding of a CAT", "Inside a CAT," "Hacking a CAT", etc.) in a way that suggests a limited topic coverage, i found some amusement in trying to find a topic that *is not* discussed in this 335 page guide. collimation? a 5 page discussion. mandatory items, like flashlights or dew heaters? check. the use of a hartman mask for precise focusing? pages 294-95. how to deal with telescope dealers? yep. how to use a dark hood, and the importance of warm feet? it's in there. a review of telescope brands and models, astronomy software and a long list of astronomical dealer and web sites? oh yeah. i did finally stump him: there's no formula to compute an eyepiece true field of view using the star drift method (mollise gives the optical formula instead).

elsewhere i gave a negative review of another CAT volume in the patrick moore series because it nohow lived up to its title. with mollise the circumstances are just the reverse: until you pick up this apparently humble book, you'll have no idea how much useful stuff is in here.

essential reading before you buy a CAT telescope, and very helpful reading for every night that you use a telescope, no matter what kind it is.

Useful guidance on telescope buuying.
If you are new to astronmy, this book makes a good introduction to the interesting problem of telescope selection.The author's strong opinion in favor of catadioptric telescopes in obvious, but if you want one, this book will give you a lot to think about.

Excellent Source of Information for the amateur astronomer
If you are in the market for, or already own a catadioptric telescope, this is a must have. The author clearly explains the designs and ins and outs of a multitude of types of CATs (telescopes...not the cute fury ones). The book is written in clear and concise terms with a twist of down home southern wisdom and humor that would appeal to stargazers at any level of the hobby. "Uncle Rod", as Mr. Mollise is known to the online astronomy community is a wealth of knowledge on the subject of CATs and astronomy in general.He is respected and revered for his opinions.

A Must Read!
I had become familiar with "Uncle Rod's" wealth of experience from his entries on Cloudy Nights forums. Then I discovered his online "Used CAT" guide. Wow, what a lot of information for an equipment junkie or anyone interested in astronomy. Then the coup-de-gras, this updated guide on Cat scopes and almost every other topic of interest to an amateur astronomer! I have read every word several times over. If I had only read it BEFORE I whipped out the old credit card and bought that last scope trying to reach observing nirvana I would have saved a lot of money and frustration. I am a CEO of a popular educational publishing company and I know how much work and love goes into such a tome. It is extremely up to date and that is not easy in such a fast moving hobby.

Very Good guide
This is a very good guide for the persons that are thinking about buying a cat telescope since it covers most of the cats on the market todey.
It is also interesting for those that already owns a cat but wants to know more about cats in general, it also gives you lot of tips you can use to fully utilize the time when you are "out in the dark"
That the writer is higly knowlegebly about Cats and has lots of experience whit this telescope type shines throu and he writes in a way that everyone understands what he is talking about.
A must on every bookshelf ... Read more

Product Description
Each year as Earth cruises through space a number of amazing and remarkable events occur. For example, like clockwork, we’ll run head-on into asteroid and cometary debris that spreads shooting stars across our skies. On occasion we’ll get to watch the disk of the Moon passing the Sun, casting its shadow upon the face of the Earth, and sometimes we’ll get to watch our own shadow as it glides across the face of the Moon. The Sun’s path will constantly change across the daytime sky, as will the stars and constellations at night. During this time, we’ll also get to watch the other majestic planets in our solar system wander the skies, as they, too, circle the Sun in this elaborate celestial dance.
Astronomy explains the patterns of the heavens, the equinoxes and the solstices, the major meteor showers, and the solar and lunar eclipses. It’s a guided tour of the solar system and beyond and explains how the way we measure time itself is intimately related to celestial phenomena. Astronomynot only helps readers become experts in space and time, it’s also a fun ride! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Perfect for children, not adults
Would be nice to be able to tell whether such books are intended for the the understanding of children, so that we could make the right choice. This would be a great gift for a child.

to the moon
I have always been interested in astronomy, but always a novice.From my early experiences at the smithsonian museum of air and space to a few electives in college.This book is great, the pictures arecaptivating, and the material is great.This is a great gift or a fantastic buy for the home enthusiast. ... Read more

Product Description
This lavishly illustrated new dictionary written by an experienced writer and consultant on astronomy provides an essential guide to the universe for amateur astronomers of all ages. Around 1300 carefully selected and cross-referenced entries are complemented by hundreds of beautiful colour illustrations, taken from space missions, the Hubble Space Telescope, and other major observatories on Earth and in space. Distinguished stellar illustrator Wil Tirion has drawn 20 new star maps especially for inclusion here. A myriad of named astronomical objects, constellations, observatories and space missions are described in detail, as well as biographical sketches for 70 of the most luminous individuals in the history of astronomy and space science. Acronyms and specialist terms are clearly explained, making for the most thorough and carefully assembled reference resource that teachers and enthusiasts of astronomy will ever need. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A thoroughly cross-referenced, easy-to-use reference and resource
Printed on high-quality glossy paper with 300 beautiful color illustrations and 20 new star maps by stellar illustrator Wil Tirion, Cambridge Illustrated Dictionary of Astronomy is a solid reference text accessible to readers of all backgrounds, from high school students to field professionals. Most of the 1300 entries are limited to roughly a paragraph in length, and range from named astronomical objects to space missions, brief biographical sketches of 70 key figures in the history of astronomy, explanations of acronyms and specialist terms, and more. "Dwarf Planet: A body in the solar system, traveling in orbit around the Sun and with enough mass to have a more-or-less spherical shape due its own gravity, but not massive enough to dominate the vicinity of its orbit to the extent that its influence has cleared away all or most of the smaller bodies there. The International Astronomical Union adopted this definition in 2006 following the discovery in 2003 of Eris, a Kuiper Belt object larger than Pluto. Eris and Pluto, being located in the Kuiper Belt, fall into this category as does the large asteroid, Ceres." A thoroughly cross-referenced, easy-to-use reference and resource highly recommended for astronomy teachers and enthusiasts - everywhere.
... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

Essential classic in its subject
In 1905 JLE Dreyer, an astronomer and biographer of Tycho Brahe, published this wonderful overview of the development of western astronomy from the ancient Greeks to the time of Kepler (obviously). To this day (2008) it has not been surpassed by any English-language book. As the original title (History of the Planetary Systems from Thales to Kepler) implies, Dreyer devotes most of his attention to the arrangement and the motions of the planets (this includes the sun up to the 16th century, and the earth for the last part of the book). Although it is sometimes dated, I am continually amazed at the depth as well as breadth of coverage in this highly readable work. It is not too technical, so if you've been scared off from the subject by some of the more intensely mathematical works, don't be afraid to try this. It is a fundamental work on pre-telescopic astronomy: many later authors assume you already know the big picture that Dreyer provides. Other good books of this kind (also available in cheap Dover reprints) are Thomas Heath's "Aristarchus of Samos" (on ancient Greek astronomy, covers much more than the title implies) and Anton Pannekoek's "A History of Astronomy" (much better coverage than Dreyer of pre-Greek astronomy, and goes on past the invention of the telescope virtually up to the present).

I cannot say enough good things about this book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Up to date, Complete, and Fascinating
This is a huge, up to date, single volume encyclopedia. It is not a text, but an alphabetical listing of just about everything there is to know about the subject. More than most astronomy books, this one contains a lot more information about the various space oriented NASA projects. I can't say that every mission is documented, but in looking several up I couldn't find any that were missing. Likewise other aspects of space technology aren't left out. You don't find discussions for instance on the de Laval nozzle in most other books.

On the astronomical side, his discussions on dark enery and dark matter are as good as any I've seen. This is not to say that he claims to know what they are, but he gives a good description what the leading current theories say. I notice that he has no comment on the speed of gravity (which nobody seems to know), but I guess you have to draw the line somewhere.

One problem with this book is putting it down. It is so big, and has so much information that you tend to want to read it from beginning to end. Except that you get distracted and start jumping around as something new grabs your interest. ... Read more

Product Description
In its first two editions, Practical Astronomy With Your Calculator enjoyed tremendous success.Using clear and logical ... Read more

Customer Reviews (22)

Astronomía con tu calculadora
Muy buen libro y absolutamente práctico. He encontrado en él lo que buscaba acerca de cálculos de efemérides planetarias.

kudos
the book came before the expected due date. It was better than I expected. Kudos.

Excellent book, but dated
A wonderful book full of equations. Excellent commentary on how to make calculations and the use of calculators. However, the data in the book is based on epoch 1990 and is out dated. With this being 2009, the data should be based on epoch J2000.0, and, with this epoch ending soon, the book should be updated to epoch J2010.0. This is just a fall back and calculations can still be made, but the resulting numbers are much larger to deal with. Otherwise, this is a valuable book for the equations and calculations.

Nice cookbook, nice price
If you're a beginning astronomer, the recipes in this book are well written out and you can port them easily to a calculator, computer or even a spreadsheet if you so wish. So it's a very good book indeed. But... You're left with a certain feeling that you want to know more. Where do all those fancy formulas come from? Conclusion : I will have to buy myself another introductory book on the subject!

Loved it!
If you're into astronomy and like to fly by the seat of your pants, this is your book.Combine it with a good reference, like Burnham's Celestial Handbook. ... Read more

Product Description
This is the definitive treatment of the phenomenology of galaxies--a clear and comprehensive volume that takes full account of the extraordinary recent advances in the field. The book supersedes the classic text Galactic Astronomy that James Binney wrote with Dimitri Mihalas, and complements Galactic Dynamics by Binney and Scott Tremaine. It will be invaluable to researchers and is accessible to any student who has a background in undergraduate physics.

The book draws on observations both of our own galaxy, the Milky Way, and of external galaxies. The two sources are complementary, since the former tends to be highly detailed but difficult to interpret, while the latter is typically poorer in quality but conceptually simpler to understand. Binney and Merrifield introduce all astronomical concepts necessary to understand the properties of galaxies, including coordinate systems, magnitudes and colors, the phenomenology of stars, the theory of stellar and chemical evolution, and the measurement of astronomical distances. The book's core covers the phenomenology of external galaxies, star clusters in the Milky Way, the interstellar media of external galaxies, gas in the Milky Way, the structure and kinematics of the stellar components of the Milky Way, and the kinematics of external galaxies.

Throughout, the book emphasizes the observational basis for current understanding of galactic astronomy, with references to the original literature. Offering both new information and a comprehensive view of its subject, it will be an indispensable source for professionals, as well as for graduate students and advanced undergraduates. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Clearly written; NOT out of date; Very broad & detailed Overview of Galaxies
Some reviewers say they don't understand the math or the concepts in this book; and have therefore given it bad reviews. In actual fact, this is a widely recommended and widely used university-level textbook about galaxies for those people with a physics/algebra orientation; people who understand equations, graphs, and detailed technical diagrams. So why criticize this book for being too technical? Furthermore, this book is NOT out-of-date; as a regular reader of the Astrophysical Journal,I assure you that this book is not dated, despite the 1998 publication date...it emphasizes the basic core of securely-known ideas about galaxies!
This textbook is a remarkably deep and wide-ranging overview; it covers most of the significant topics within extragalactic astronomy, in great detail, at a level similar to that of scientific papers which are currently being written on galaxies. Thus, if you want to reach that level of knowledge where you fully understand what professional astronomers are doing NOW, get yourself a copy of Binney & Merrifield.
Warning! A mid-level amateur astronomer will find this book much too hard, as it is nominally at the
"upper-undergraduate through to professional scientist" level. However, a very-persistent advanced amateur astronomer (knowing some physics) can understand this book's numerous long sections of cogent descriptive material that have only few equations intruding. This book is NOT crammed with equations, and most of the equations are simple enough for someone with a year of university maths. The authors wisely resort to graphs, in order to make physical/mathematical concepts more accessible to "the lesser brethren".
In summary, this book is a comprehensive view of galaxies; so reading it is an efficient way to teach yourself much of what is securely known about galaxies by professional astronomers. The alternative method of obtaining expert galaxian knowledge is infinitely more time-consuming; looking up concepts and ideas piecemeal, then stitching together scattered bits & pieces of information. This heavy-duty work is also a superb backup reference for really serious astronomers; many times, my heavily laden shelves of"galaxies books" contained no answer when I needed a clear explanation of something in the Astrophysical Journal...but Binney and Merrifield often had what I needed.

Basic knowledge
Published in 1998 the text is somewhat dated in this fast moving field. It does, however, provide a sound knowledge base required for understanding recent discoveries in astronomy and astrophysics. Filled with charts, data and formulae it's for the casual reader.

A standard in the field
This book is a standard reference that every galactic & stellar astronomer must own. It is ideal for a PhD student to learn from. This book is far better than it's companion Galactic Dynamics by Binney & Tremaine. Much more readable and digestible. It is however less rigorous in its mathematical treatment of the dynamics in the galaxy... obviously.

Confused, inaccurate, and dated
As one of the major textbooks of astrophysics intended for serious students, I find this very disappointing. It contains much that is inaccurate and dated, and important sections, for example on stellar structure and evolution, are confused and lacking detail.

A mine of information for undergrad (and grad) students
"Galactic Astronomy" treat a lot of astrophysics topics (galaxies, Milky Way, stellar evolution and more) with precision and clarity. The complete index allows rapid search. A good book for the first approach to astrophysics problem, not exhaustive for all the subject treated. ... Read more

Product Description
Are we alone in the Universe? Was there anything before the Big Bang? Are there other universes? What are sunspots? What is a shooting star? Was there ever life on Mars? This book answers the fascinating questions that we have been asking ourselves for hundreds of years. Using non-technical language, the authors summarize current astronomical knowledge, taking care to include the important underlying scientific principles. Plentiful color illustrations, graphs and photographs lend further weight to their simple yet meticulously written explanations. An extensive bibliography allows you to pursue or recap on the subjects that rouse your particular interest. Dip in to discover and learn fascinating facts about our Solar System and the Universe beyond! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A Goldmine of Information
A semester length introduction to astronomy class would be hard pressed to match the breadth and depth of this book. Even with the wide range of information covered, the authors do not skimp on the technical details. If the term "technical details" causes your heart to palpitate with fear or conversely causes your eyes to glaze over, do not hesitate to delve into this book. The authors use a deft hand to guide the reader through the "technical details" of astronomy. They exhibit great skill in explaining sometimes difficult topics without dumbing anything down all the while maintaining the readers interest.

A kindle disservice
Amazon has done a disservice to those of us that bought this book to see the colorful illustrations in the iPad and iPhone. All color has been stripped.
Many figures rely on color differentiation to describe and explain the content. The color should have been retained, since now the kindle books can be read on many devices, including computers, that provide color. Otherwise, the book description in amazon should provide a disclaimer.
I do have another kindle book that I can read in color on the phone, PC and iPad, so it is not a rule that all kindle books are intrinsically black and white. ... Read more

Product Description
Through a series of twenty in-class, modestly mathematical, paper-and-pencil activities, students review the epic advancement of astronomical thought, from the rudimentary observations of prehistoric skywatchers to the development of modern astrophysics in the 20th century. In following the groundbreaking work of some of history's most famous astronomers, students better appreciate the fruits of modern research. Astronomy Activities and Laboratory Manual supplies what is missing from standard introductory college astronomy course; the essential story line that tells how astronomers came to know as much as they do about the universe.The activities require no specialized instructor training, equipment or individual materials beyond a pencil, straightedge, and standard calculator. They are designed for use in a classroom of any size, and are an easy way to introduce active-learning into the teaching of astronomy. The activities are also ideal for individual homework assignments or team study. The necessary mathematical background is introduced on an as-needed basis for every activity and is accessible for most undergraduate students. This learn-by-doing approach is sure to engage and excite your introductory astronomy students! ... Read more

Product Description
"Fred Schaaf is one of the most experienced astronomical observers of our time. For more than two decades, his view of the sky--what will be visible, when it will be visible, and what it will look like--has encouraged tens of thousands of people to turn their eyes skyward."
--David H. Levy, Science Editor, Parade magazine, discoverer of twenty-one comets, and author of Starry Night and Cosmic Discoveries

"Fred Schaaf is a poet of the stars. He brings the sky into people's lives in a way that is compelling, and his descriptions have all the impact of witnessing the stars on a crystal clear dark night."
--William Sheehan, coauthor of Mars: The Lure of the Red Planet and The Transits of Venus

The night sky holds endless fascination for anyone who chooses simply to look up and observe, but with so much to see, it can be difficult to know where to start. This remarkable book introduces you to the fifty best sights in astronomy and tells you exactly how to see them. In no time at all, you will learn how to find and appreciate the Orion group of constellations; the Summer Triangle; Venus, Jupiter, and Mars; the best meteor showers; man-made satellites; star clusters; novae; variable stars; and more.

The sights are presented according to the field of view necessary to see them. Your eyes and a clear night sky are all you need to view the sights in the first part of the book, before moving on to those that can be observed through binoculars and, finally, a telescope. Concise descriptions and explanations of these spectacular visual wonders will deepen your appreciation of them and spur further exploration. You will also find the essential basic information on astronomical observation you need to get started, including observing conditions, techniques, telescopes, and astronomical measurements.

Once you start gazing, you'll see that the sky really is the limit--and discovering its amazing treasures will become your lifetime passion. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Joy of "Just Looking"
I was introduced to amateur astronomy about six years ago, and have recently realized that "I just enjoy looking." I didn't enjoy trying to take astro-photographs or much of the science, certainly not the chemistry! I just want the "WOW" factor, as Dean Koenig describes it.I think Fred Schaaf's recent book, 50 Best Sights in Astronomy and How to See Them, was written just for me (ISBN: 978-0-471-69657-5, $19.95 MSR in paper, available on Amazon).

My library has some 18 other books on astronomy, and I've used many - some have a large number of tables (even the chemical composition of stars, asteroids, and the like) and most have star charts, many have diagrams of both telescopes and azimuth and equatorial systems and even graphs of comparative radiations - after all, science is important. I use some of them occasionally to determine a particular fact and to confirm what I have in my telescope, but few of them (other than those with color pictures) qualify as "enjoyment reading." But Schaaf is truly the "poet of the stars" that William Sheehan has called him, and has written a book that is as enjoyable to read on a cloudy night as a rainy afternoon.

Consider his Sight 13 - Bright Comet with Long Tail:"Of all the wonders in the heavens, there are two that have inspired fear and awe more often than any others: eclipses and comets. ... There is a central reason that comets were feared by our ancestors: of all the heavens' major kinds of sights, comets seemed to be the only ones that were spectacularly unpredictable and variable." Or, his Sight 26 - The Pleiades: "Everyone is first awed b y the strangeness and splendor, then moved to affection by the gentle loveliness of the Pleiades. Almost every culture in the world and throughout history has imagined the cluster as something gentle and delicate - a group of maidens, a flock of doves, or a mother hen and its chicks."

Schaaf has organized his book by Sights from the widest to narrowest view - starting, justly, with the entire night sky, 180, as Astronomy's Greatest Sight, and moving to 100, naked-eye scans, to 50 to 15 groupings, and then to 15 to 1 and finally less than 1. For the novice he quickly explains what is necessary, telescopes or binoculars, for enjoyable viewing and relates personal stories as to his own viewings. I think those personal stories are some of the best parts of his book (although he does include a few spectacular color plates for the truly visual of us). The method of organizing by size of the Sight works very well.

If you've forgotten the joy that can come from "just looking" at the heavens, 50 Best Sights is a wonderful way to recover the awe and appreciation for their beauty. A good pair of binoculars and a planisphere,are all that is necessary to enjoy most of Schaaf's Sights; a small quality rich field scope works for many of the rest. A "big" scope isn't necessary to "just look." ... Read more

Product Description
Authors Mike Seeds and Dana Backman personalize the history of the universe by placing you at the center of the latest chapter in a grand and amazing story. You will learn how we are the latest link in the "great chain of origins." And, by emphasizing the role of the scientific process, Seeds and Backman will help you also understand how analyzing scientific evidence not only answers the question "How do we know?," but provide deeper insights into our place in the universe as well. Each new copy of the text comes with access to CengageNOW, an online personalized learning system designed to save you time in studying and to help you prepare for exams through a series of diagnostic tests and personalized study plans. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

astronomy
easy to read and understand. it all boils down to the instructor. mine used the book as a guide, but his lectures and his slides were by far more important. I gave this book to my dad afterwards. He likes astronomy, but is pretty cluless about it.

great value
purchased this for an online great value,less than 1/3 price of college
book store price. only complaint was the packaging was very poor, but
overall value is good.

Perspectives on Astronomy (with CengageNOW, Virtual Astronomy Labs Printed Access Card)
Book itself was in fairly good shape, however it was advertised to have the other book cengageNow and it was missing.

enjoyable and authoritative read
If you are curious about our universe, this book is an enjoyable and reliable introduction. The authors are professional astronomers, who write eloquently for a general, educated audience. In straightforward prose, they describe the reaches of modern astronomy.

Including the marvellous results of spacecrafts that have been to other planets in our solar system. The photos of planetary surfaces are beautiful and illuminate much information about our nearest neighbours.

On a different scale, literally, is the evolution of the universe itself. From the Big Bang and the Cosmic Microwave Background to the condensation of the galaxies and their stars. And the evolution of the elements, starting from hydrogen. A conceptual sweep. ... Read more