Cambridge Illustrated Dictionary of Astronomy by
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.
Dictionary of Astronomy
This fully updated and revised dictionary covers all aspects of astronomy, from telescopes to planets, equations to astronomers, stars to comets. It includes recent missions, discoveries and changes in technology. The dictionary clearly explains complex terms and includes illustrations to help explain complex ideas and terms. Over 2,000 entries; Comprehensive coverage of all aspects of astronomy; Includes illustrations and diagrams to help explain complex terms; Handy, compact format; Clear layout, with all terms defined simply and concisely.
Encyclopedia of the History of Astronomy and Astrophysics by 
Encyclopedia of the Solar System by
The Encyclopedia of the Solar System, Third Edition—winner of the 2015 PROSE Award in Cosmology & Astronomy from the Association of American Publishers—provides a framework for understanding the origin and evolution of the solar system, historical discoveries, and details about planetary bodies and how they interact—with an astounding breadth of content and breathtaking visual impact. The encyclopedia includes the latest explorations and observations, hundreds of color digital images and illustrations, and over 1,000 pages. It stands alone as the definitive work in this field, and will serve as a modern messenger of scientific discovery and provide a look into the future of our solar system. New additions to the third edition reflect the latest progress and growth in the field, including past and present space missions to the terrestrial planets, the outer solar systems and space telescopes used to detect extrasolar planets. Winner of the 2015 PROSE Award in Cosmology & Astronomy from the Association of American PublishersPresents 700 full-color digital images and diagrams from current space missions and observatories, bringing to life the content and aiding in the understanding and retention of key concepts.Includes a substantial appendix containing data on planetary missions, fundamental data of relevance for planets and satellites, and a glossary, providing immediately accessible mission data for ease of use in conducting further research or for use in presentations and instruction.Contains an extensive bibliography, providing a guide for deeper studies into broader aspects of the field and serving as an excellent entry point for graduate students aiming to broaden their study of planetary science.
Handbook of CCD Astronomy by
Charge-Coupled Devices (CCDs) are the state-of-the-art detector in many fields of observational science. Updated to include all of the latest developments in CCDs, this second edition of the Handbook of CCD Astronomy is a concise and accessible reference on all practical aspects of using CCDs. Starting with their electronic workings, it discusses their basic characteristics and then gives methods and examples of how to determine these values. While the book focuses on the use of CCDs in professional observational astronomy, advanced amateur astronomers, and researchers in physics, chemistry, medical imaging, and remote sensing will also find it very valuable. Tables of useful and hard-to-find data, key practical equations, and new exercises round off the book and ensure that it provides an ideal introduction to the practical use of CCDs for graduate students, and a handy reference for more experienced users.
Handbook of Space Astronomy and Astrophysics by 
Handbook of X-Ray Astronomy by
"It may be obvious why visible astronomy utilizes images, but it is illustrative to consider the value of focusing to X-ray astronomy. A list of advantages offered by the best possible two-dimensional angular resolution would include: (i) Resolving sources with small angular separation and distinguishing different regions of the same source. (ii) Using the image morphology to apply intuition in choosing specific models for quantitative fits to the data. (iii) Using as a "collector" to gather photons. This is necessary because X-ray-source fluxes are so low that individual X-ray photons are detected; the weakest sources give less than one photon per day. (iv) Using as a "concentrator," so that the photons from individual sources interact in such a small region of the detector that residual non-X-ray background counts are negligible. (v) Measuring sources of interest and simultaneously determining the contaminating background using other regions of the detector. (vi) Using with dispersive spectrometers such as transmission or reflection gratings to provide high spectral resolution. The Earth's atmosphere completely absorbs cosmic X-rays. Consequently, X-ray observatories must be launched into space; so size, weight, and cost are always important constraints on the design. In practice this leads to a trade-off between the best possible angular resolution and the largest possible collecting area. Realizing an X-ray telescope involves two key issues: reflection of X-rays, and formation of an image"-- Provided by publisher.
Schaum's Outline of Astronomy by
Tough Test Questions? Missed Lectures? Not Enough Time? Fortunately for you, there's Schaum's Outlines. More than 40 million students have trusted Schaum's to help them succeed in the classroom and on exams. Schaum's is the key to faster learning and higher grades in every subject. Each Outline presents all the essential course information in an easy-to-follow, topic-by-topic format. You also get hundreds of examples, solved problems, and practice exercises to test your skills. This Schaum's Outline gives you Practice problems with full explanations that reinforce knowledge Coverage of the most up-to-date developments in your course field In-depth review of practices and applications Fully compatible with your classroom text, Schaum's highlights all the important facts you need to know. Use Schaum's to shorten your study time-and get your best test scores! Schaum's Outlines-Problem Solved.
13:8: The Quest to Find the True Age of the Universe and the Theory of Everything by
"The twentieth century gave us two great theories of physics. The general theory of relativity describes the behavior of very large things, and quantum theory the behavior of very small things. In this landmark book, John Gribbin--one of the best-known science writers of the past thirty years--presents his own version of the Holy Grail of physics, the search that has been going on for decades to find a unified "Theory of Everything" that combines these ideas into one mathematical package, a single equation that could be printed on a T-shirt, containing the answer to life, the Universe, and everything. With his inimitable mixture of science, history, and biography, Gribbin shows how--despite skepticism among many physicists--these two great theories are very compatible, and point to a deep truth about the nature of our existence. The answer lies, intriguingly, with the age of the universe: 13.8 billion years."--Publisher's website.
Astrophysics Is Easy! by
Astrophysics is often regarded as incomprehensible without the use of higher mathematics. This book cuts through the difficult mathematics and explains the basics of astrophysics in accessible terms. Using nothing more than plain arithmetic and simple examples, the workings of the universe are outlined in a straightforward yet detailed and easy-to-grasp manner. New theories in astrophysics in the eight years since the first edition are reflected in new and expanded chapters. Includes an observing list for each topic under discussion so observers can actually see for themselves the concepts presented--stars of the spectral sequence, nebulae, galaxies, even black holes.
Calculating the Cosmos by
"In Calculating the Cosmos, Ian Stewart presents an exhilarating guide to the cosmos, from our solar system to the entire universe. He describes the architecture of space and time, dark matter and dark energy, how galaxies form, why stars implode, how everything began, and how it's all going to end. He considers parallel universes, the fine-tuning of the cosmos for life, what forms extraterrestrial life might take, and the likelihood of life on Earth being snuffed out by an asteroid. Beginning with the Babylonian integration of mathematics into the study of astronomy and cosmology, Stewart traces the evolution of our understanding of the cosmos: How Kepler's laws of planetary motion led Newton to formulate his theory of gravity. How, two centuries later, tiny irregularities in the motion of Mars inspired Einstein to devise his general theory of relativity. How, eighty years ago, the discovery that the universe is expanding led to the development of the Big Bang theory of its origins. How single-point origin and expansion led cosmologists to theorize new components of the universe, such as inflation, dark matter, and dark energy. But does inflation explain the structure of today's universe? Does dark matter actually exist? Could a scientific revolution that will challenge the long-held scientific orthodoxy and once again transform our understanding of the universe be on the way? In an exciting and engaging style, Calculating the Cosmos is a mathematical quest through the intricate realms of astronomy and cosmology."--Dust jacket.
Cosmic Numbers by
"Our fascination with numbers begins when we are children, and continues, for most of us, throughout our lives. We start counting our fingers and toes, and end up balancing check books and calculating risk. So powerful is the appeal of numbers that many people ascribe to them a mystical significance. And there are some numbers whose importance even transcends the supernatural--these numbers work to explain our universe and how it behaves. In Cosmic Numbers, mathematics professor James Stein traces the discovery, evolution, and interrelationships of the great numbers in that define our world. Some numbers, like the speed of light and absolute zero, are well known to the general public. Others, such as Boltzmann's constant and the Chandrasekhar limit, are known only to those with a deep knowledge of science. But these numbers do far more than the average person might dare to imagine: they tell us how this world began, the way we were and the way we are, and what the future holds. Stein reveals the manner in which certain cosmic numbers came to light, the dramatis personae involved, and cutting-edge developments associated with these numbers. Many are the cornerstones of grand discoveries and theories. They represent landmarks in the history of intellectual achievement. And the stories of these numbers offer a novel understanding of physics, chemistry, astronomy, and ourselves. Much more than a gee-whiz collection of numbers, Cosmic Numbers illuminates why particular numbers are so important--both to scientists and to the rest of us. "--Provided by publisher.
Cosmology for the Curious by
"This book is an introductory text for all those wishing to learn about modern views of the cosmos. Our universe originated in a great explosion--the big bang. For nearly a century cosmologists have studied the aftermath of this explosion: how the universe expanded and cooled down, and how galaxies were gradually assembled by gravity. The nature of the bang itself has come into focus only relatively recently. It is the subject of the theory of cosmic inflation, which was developed in the last few decades and has led to a radically new global view of the universe. Students and other interested readers will find here a non-technical but conceptually rigorous account of modern cosmological ideas - describing what we know, and how we know it. One of the book's central themes is the scientific quest to find answers to the ultimate cosmic questions: Is the universe finite or infinite? Has it existed forever? If not, when and how did it come into being? Will it ever end? The book is based on the undergraduate course taught by Alex Vilenkin at Tufts University. It assumes no prior knowledge of physics or mathematics beyond elementary high school math. The necessary physics background is introduced as it is required. Each chapter includes a list of questions and exercises of varying degree of difficulty"--Back cover.
Hubble Images from Space by
Hubble Images from Space: a Virtual Tour is a book of images from the Hubble telescope curated and edited by Beth Alesse who works in Los Angeles, California. The images were collected using space-based instruments of the Hubble telescope from 1990 to 2017, many in combination with data from numerous other telescopes and instruments. This amazing selection contains new images of space and classic Hubble favorites. All the major players of space are represented in this colorful array of images: planets, moons, comets, exoplanets, solar systems, stars, supernovas, the Milky Way, galaxies, black holes, nebulae, and more. Experience the near and far of our universe, evidence of its primordial beginnings, its vastness, and a great variety of evidence of stellar and galactic evolution through these awe-inspiring colorful images.
Observational Astronomy by
"Astronomy is fundamentally an observational science and as such it is important for astronomers and astrophysicists to understand how their data are collected and analyzed. This book is a comprehensive review of current observational techniques and instruments. Featuring instruments such as Spitzer, Herschel, Fermi, ALMA, Super-Kamiokande, SNO, IceCube, the Auger Observatory, LIGO and LISA, the book discusses the capabilities and limitations of different types of instruments. It explores the sources and types of noise and provides statistical tools necessary for interpreting observational data. Due to the increasingly important role of statistical analysis, the techniques of Bayesian analysis are discussed, along with sampling techniques and model comparison. With topics ranging from fundamental subjects such as optics, photometry and spectroscopy, to neutrinos, cosmic rays and gravitational waves, this book is essential for graduate students in astronomy and physics"-- Provided by publisher.
Study of the Universe by
Designed to meet the needs of both general readers and students, The Solar System Singles cover all major topics on Earth's solar system as it is understood from the latest perspectives. Each of the 35-45 essays begins with standard, ready-reference information. An'Overview'section details basic information about the subject and discusses the main facts about the topic.'Knowledge Gained/Methods of Study/Applications'details how the topic is investigated, what scientific knowledge we have accumulated, or the uses of the knowledge we have gained.'Context'addresses the topic from the larger perspective of the history of solar-system science and its relevance for humankind.'Further Reading'is an annotated selection of the most important print resources for further study. Lastly,'See Also'lists cross-references to other essays in the set. Each set is heavily illustrated.
The Universe As It Really Is by
The universe that science reveals to us can seem far outside the comfort zone of the human mind. Subjects near and far open up dizzying vistas, from the infinitesimal to the colossal. Humanity, the unlikely product of uncountable coincidences on unimaginable scales, inhabits a tumultuous universe that extends from our immediate environs to the most distant galaxies and beyond. But when the mind balks at the vertiginous complexity of the universe, science unveils the elegance amid the chaos.In this book, Thomas R. Scott ventures into the known and the unknown to explain our universe and the laws that govern it. The Universe as It Really Is begins with physics and the building blocks of the universe—time, gravity, light, and elementary particles—and chemistry's ability to explain the interactions among them. Scott, with the assistance of James Lawrence Powell, next tours the earth and atmospheric sciences to explain the forces that shape our planet and then takes off for the stars to describe our place in the cosmos. He provides vivid introductions to our collective scientific inheritance, narrating discoveries such as the shape of the atom and the nature of the nucleus or how we use GPS to measure time and what that has to do with relativity. A clear demonstration of the power of scientific reasoning to bring the incomprehensible within our grasp, The Universe as It Really Is gives an engrossing account of just how much we do understand about the world around us.
