Synopses & Reviews
This new edition of the classic astronomy text contains new information on the Voyager 2 mission to Uranus, Halley's Comet, superclusters and voids, and the inflationary universe model. Other new material covers image processing, solar activity and seismic studies, and high-energy astrophysics. Chapters have been carefully revised and there is much new artwork. Style is informal and non-mathematical, and development of the material progresses smoothly from the concrete to the abstract. The main theme of cosmic evolution and the sub-theme of scientific model-building are carried through the book's four parts: a history of cosmology, the solar system, stars and steller systems, and current speculations. Chapters include new lists of key terms, new problems incorporating algebra, and multiple-choice questions keyed to learning-objectives. A seasonal star chart has also been added.
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.
Appendix A: Units.
Appendix B: Planetary Data.
Appendix C: Physical Constants and Astronomical Data.
Appendix D: Nearby Stars.
Appendix E: The 25 Brightest Stars.
Appendix F: Periodic Table of the Elements.
Appendix G: Seasonal Star Charts.