Pathways to the Universe

Pathways to the Universe is an illustrated introduction to astronomy that begins at the level of common experience and develops the subject to the frontiers of modern research. Using readily comprehensible, nontechnical language, Professors Graham-Smith and Lovell explain how to become an astronomer and how to find your way around the sky using simple binoculars, telescopes, or the naked eye. Each chapter covers the current level of research using modern optical, radio, X-ray, and infra-red astronomy in discussions of the planets, comets, meteors, the Sun, stars, and the galaxies. The book concludes with a stimulating account of cosmology and the origin of life. These two distinguished astronomers continually show their sense of wonder and excitement at the universe that is now revealed to us. Final year high school students will find this a good introduction to astronomy; one that will appeal equally to amateur astronomers, and to those who want a comprehensive, conventional, and authoritative account from prominent authors in the field. This book was previously announced under the title The Guide to Modern Astronomy.

A popular, lovely book prepared by a pair of renowned astronomers. They lead the reader through instruments, the earth system, solar system, stars and their variant forms to cosmology and the origins of life. An appealing work. Lacks a bibliography.
Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

'Pathways to the Universe' is an illustrated introduction to astronomy that starts at the level of common experience and develops the subject to the frontiers of modern research.

Professor Sir Francis Graham-Smith, the current Astronomer Royal, and Professor Sir Bernard Lovell are two of the most distinguished and influential astronomers of our time. In Pathways to the Universe they provide an introduction to the subject which starts from basics and extends to the forfront of modern research. Copiously illustrated, with many pictures in full colour, this account reveals the excitement of astronomy for readers from all backgrounds.

Acknowledgements; Preface; 1. How we became astronomers; 2. Finding your way about the stars; 3. Optical telescopes; 4. The electromagnetic spectrum; 5. The dynamics of the solar system; 6. The Moon; 7. The Earth; 8. The planets and their satellites; 9. Atmospheres and climates of the planets; 10. Comets; 11. Meteors, micrometeorites and meteorites; 12. The Sun; 13. The birth, life and death of a star; 14. Binaries and cluster; 15. Variables and novae; 16. Supernovae and pulsars; 17. The Milky Way - our Galaxy; 18. The galaxies; 19. Radio galaxies and quasars; 20. Cosmology; 21. The origin of life; Glossary; Useful addresses; Picture credits; Index.