Synopses & Reviews
Designed to provide readers with an enriched sense of the astronomical world, this edition continues to explain how astronomers think about the cosmos and describes the full range of the astronomical universe. Retaining the structure of previous editions, it is divided into four coherent parts including: the changing conceptions of the cosmos; the planets, both past and present; the universe of stars; the galaxies and cosmic evolution. Innovations in this edition include: revised artwork, consistent symbolism, a runnning glossary of selected terms placed within the margins, the use of four-color photography/printing, the inclusion of the latest findings and theories concerning our planet, our galaxy and the universe.
Table of Contents
CHANGING CONCEPTIONS OF THE COSMOS.
From Chaos to Cosmos.
The Birth of Cosmological Models.
The New Cosmic Order.
The Clockwork Universe.
The Birth of Astrophysics.
Telescopes and Our Insight to the Cosmos.
Einstein and the Evolving Universe.
THE PLANETS: PAST AND PRESENT.
The Earth: An Evolving Planet.
The Moon and Mercury: Dead Worlds.
Venus and Mars: Evolved Worlds.
The Jovian Planets: Primitive Worlds.
The Origin and Evolution of the Solar System.
THE UNIVERSE OF STARS.
Our Sun: Local Star.
The Stars as Suns.
Starbirth and Interstellar Matter.
Star Lives.
Stardeath.
GALAXIES AND COSMIC EVOLUTION.
The Evolution of the Galaxy.
The Universe of Galaxies.
Cosmic Violence.
Cosmic History.
Bios and Cosmos.
Update: The Sad Saga of the Hubble Space Telescope.
Update: Magellan Reveals Venus.
Appendices.
Glossary.
Index.