Astronomy: The Evolving Universe

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Overview

This book explores the entire realm of astrophysical research including historical perspectives, planets, the solar system, formation of galaxies, interstellar medium, spectra and electromagnetic radiation. It includes the latest astronomical research, and more on night sky naked-eye observing. Includes comprehensive historical treatment of archeostronomy.
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More About This Book

Overview

This book explores the entire realm of astrophysical research including historical perspectives, planets, the solar system, formation of galaxies, interstellar medium, spectra and electromagnetic radiation. It includes the latest astronomical research, and more on night sky naked-eye observing. Includes comprehensive historical treatment of archeostronomy.
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Editorial Reviews

Booknews
A highly illustrated (in color) textbook for a one-semester introduction to astronomy. It describes the full range of the astronomical universe and how astronomers think about the cosmos. This edition (sixth was 1991) includes the latest observations of the Big Bang, key discoveries from the Hubble Space Telescope, the views of Venus from the Magellan mission, the start of a new search for extraterrestrial life, and the rediscovery of the comet Swift-Tuttle (missing for over a hundred years). Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
From The Critics
More streamlined than its predecessors, this ninth edition incorporates many learning tools for novice science students, as well as a number of other innovations (e.g., a chapter titled "Einstein's vision" about general relativity). Chapters follow the Earth-out model (Earth, Moon, planets, sun, stars, galaxies) with a few unusual additions, such as the chapter "cosmic violence," which covers quasars, gravitational lenses, and active galactic nuclei. Many nice photos and diagrams as well as an extensive glossary are included. Zeilik teaches astronomy at the University of New Mexico; his current research projects focus on astronomy education and astronomy in the historic and prehistoric Pueblo world in the Southwest US. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
From the Publisher
"A slick introductory textbook that vaguely resembles a really thick Discover magazine. Zeilik...presents each topic in a patient, engaging manner, and even includes some material from his research on astronomy in the historic and prehistoric Pueblo world." Book News

"This is an ideal reference book which can be used in conjunction with lecture material." Astronomy & Space

"The science is accurate and presented in a logical sequence, with concepts stressed more than vocabulary. The photos and figures have been thoughtfully selected and generously sized, and the prose is written in an engagingly colloquial style.... The text continually explains the significance of what the reader is studying.... anyone seeking a good descriptive overview of astronomy at the dawn of the 21st century should certainly consider using this excellent book." Science Books and Films

"...provides a clearly written introduction to astronomy for undergraduates or interested novices. It is recommended for undergraduate science collections, as well as public libraries providing continuing education resourcesin the sciences." E-Streams

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Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9780641895531
  • Publisher: Cambridge University Press
  • Publication date: 1/28/2002
  • Edition number: 9
  • Pages: 572
  • Product dimensions: 8.50 (w) x 10.90 (h) x 0.90 (d)

Table of Contents

Preface
Concept Clusters
How to Study Astronomy
Pt. 1 Changing Conceptions of the Cosmos 1
Ch. 1 From Chaos to Cosmos 2
Ch. 2 The Birth of Cosmological Models 22
Ch. 3 The New Cosmic Order 40
Ch. 4 The Clockwork Universe 62
Ch. 5 The Birth of Astrophysics 90
Ch. 6 Telescopes and Our Insight into the Cosmos 110
Ch. 7 Einstein's Vision 130
Pt. 2 The Planets: Past and Present 147
Ch. 8 The Earth: An Evolving Planet 148
Ch. 9 Moon and Mercury, Mars, and Venus: Terrestrial Planets 166
Ch. 10 The Jovian Planets: Primitive Worlds 196
Ch. 11 The Origin and Evolution of the Solar System 226
Pt. 3 The Universe of Stars 251
Ch. 12 Our Sun: Local Star 252
Ch. 13 The Stars as Suns 278
Ch. 14 Starbirth and Interstellar Matter 304
Ch. 15 Star Lives 332
Ch. 16 Stardeath 358
Pt. 4 Galaxies and Cosmic Evolution 387
Ch. 17 The Evolution of the Galaxy 388
Ch. 18 The Universe of Galaxies 410
Ch. 19 Cosmic Violence 438
Ch. 20 Cosmic History 462
App. A: Units 485
App. B Planetary Data 489
App. C Physical Constants and Astronomical Data 494
App. D Nearby Stars in the Hipparcos Catalogue 495
App. E The Most Luminous Stars in the Hipparcos Catalogue 496
App. F Periodic Table of the Elements 497
Expanded Glossary 499
Index 533
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