Product Description
One of the major stumbling blocks to the presentation of the Gospel in our culture today involves astronomy.For decades, public school students (and even seminary students!) have been taught that the world is far older than the Bible chronology suggests, even billions of years older.This naturally causes a disconnect for people, who assume that modern "science" is unbiased and correct.The author debunks the most accepted teachings about evolution, giving tremendous answers for those struggling to reconcile the Bible and science.Readers are given solid answers to questions about the speed of light, geology, and the big bang. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Packed full of good information!
This was an incredible book! When it first said it would be merely an introduction, I got the idea that it would be mostly pictures with a few captions explaining them. It was exactly the opposite! There were SO MANY facts in there, refuting evolutionary and naturalist arguments in many areas of astronomy. Big bang, millions of years, Oort Cloud, baryon number, you name it! It gives all of this from a Christian standpoint, and shows how the Bible confirms this science, and how this science confirms the Bible. All the pictures of galaxies, planets, and nebulae were astounding! Then, to top it off, he gives the Bible's good news itself into the last chapter! I was very pleased!

Lovely photographs and interesting information
"Taking Back Astronomy" gives Christians a biblical view of astronomy. It's written by Dr. Jason Lisle, who has a doctorate in astrophysics, in a clear fashion that teens and adults can easily understand. Some technical language was used, but the terms were explained in the text and in the glossary in the back. While the book was mainly an overview of astronomy, there were in-depth explanations on a number of topics, like Hubble's Law, gravitational attraction, the horizon problem for the Big Bang model, and so on.

The book was filled with beautiful full-color photographs of nebulae, star clusters, planets, stars, and galaxies. Most of the pictures were fairly small (a couple inches across) but some were full page or even a two-page spread. All were clear and beautiful. Overall, I felt the book was well-written and very interesting. I'd recommend it to any Christian interested in learning more about astronomy and how it confirms a biblical worldview.

The introduction explained how worldviews (starting assumptions about the world) influence how we interpret the evidence. Chapter One surveyed the universe and our solar system to show just how big it is. Chapter Two explained what the Bible says about the universe and how modern science has confirmed much of it even though ancient astronomers didn't accept what the Bible stated on the topic.

Chapter Three talked about the age of the universe, why secular astronomy gives billions of years instead of the biblical ~6,000 years, the many ways that the Big Bang doesn't match the biblical account of the origin and end of the universe, the distant starlight problem versus the horizon problem, problems with the day-age compromise, evidence that confirms a young universe (moon recession; the magnetic field of the earth, other planets, and the sun; spiral galaxies, and comets) and why explanations as to how these evidences can be explained in a billions-of-years time-frame are unsupported.

Chapter Four talked about modern astronomy (with its commitment to naturalism) and the problems with the Big Bang origins model (anti-matter, solar system formation, star formation). It also described how unique the earth is and touched on the subject of UFOs and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Chapter Five explained the conflicts between the biblical and secular worldviews and pointed out which one best fits the evidence found in astronomy.


I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.

Reviewed by Debbie from ChristFocus Book Club

A comprehensive guide to God's awesome universe
Taking Back Astronomy is a wonderful introduction to creation astronomy. Not only does it show that the Bible is accurate whenever it touches on astronomy, but it also answers questions in ways that the layman can understand, and that the scientist will appreciate. This lovely book also contains dozens of beautiful, full-color photos that even young children enjoy.
The tremendous size and scale of the universe is often hard to comprehend, yet Taking Back Astronomy makes it easy and clear to understand. It is filled with powerful evidences that confirm that the universe is young, including the recession of the moon, comets, magnetic fields of planets, spiral galaxies, and much more. It also answers two important topics - distant starlight and the idea of extra-terrestrial life.
Truly, the heavens declare creation and science confirms it!

Excellent
The book is informative to the layman. It has many stunning photos to make the point.

A Biblical World View Look at Astronomy
The purpose of this book is to provide an introductory resource in the field of astronomy which interprets evidences from a biblical creation perspective. The book explores passages of Scripture which conflict with the current opinion of the majority of scientists regarding, among others, the age of the universe, the so-called "distant starlight problem," and the idea of extra-terrestrial life.

In Lisle's words, "Many people think the creation versus evolution debate is about evidence, and although the evidence is important, evidence is always interpreted through a person's world view. So the debate is really about world views. The debate is over which interpretation of the evidence is best. Think about it this way: both creationists and evolutionists have the same evidence. They have access to the same fossils and the same rocks. They study the same principles of genetics, chemistry and physics. They observe the same universe. Why then do they draw such different conclusions when it comes to matters of origins? Ultimately, it is because they have different world views, and so they interpret the same evidence differently."

Lisle has created this book to help us understand Astronomy through the biblical world view. There are five chapters: The Splendor of God's Creation, The Universe Confirms the Bible, The Age of the Universe, The Bible and Modern Astronomy, and War of the World Views.

The comprehension level is about 9th grade and up, but used as family reading in small chunks and depending upon the interest of the child, it could be used for other grade levels.

Lisle includes analogies to help make difficult concepts easier to grasp, such as showing a balloon expanding with points on the balloon getting farther away to explain the concept of the expanding universe. A glossary in the back of the book helps with definitions of unknown terms.

The book is printed on glossy paper and features full-color photos and illustrations.

Dr. Jason Lisle graduated summa cum laude from Ohio Wesleyan University where he double-majored in physics and astronomy and minored in mathematics. He received his master's degree and Ph.D. from University of Colorado in Boulder.

I highly recommend this book for students who are interested in astronomy and physics and all students headed for college. For the general student, I would suggest other resources from Master Books such as Astronomy by Design. ... Read more

Product Description

Deep-Sky Video Astronomy is a concise guide to using modern integrating video cameras for deep-sky viewing and imaging with the kinds of modest telescopes available commercially to amateur astronomers. It includes an introduction and a brief history of the technology, camera types, etc. The authors then examine the pros and cons of this unrefrigerated yet highly efficient technology, which is already beginning to compete with expensive astronomical cooled-chip CCD cameras in quality and ease of use.

There is a thorough examination of accessories used to achieve particular results. Examples are focal reducers, Barlow lenses, and optical filters. However, the focus is mostly on the practical side of creating beautiful and detailed astronomical portraits using image-stacking software, enhancement tools like PhotoShop, and creating color images with a black-and-white camera.

Practical step-by-step examples supported by tried and trusted tips show how to achieve the best possible deep-sky video portrait!

Customer Reviews (2)

More of a software guide
The other reviewer hits the nail on the head. With only about 13 pages devoted to describing the various video cameras available this book leaves you with more questions than answers about camera selection. I tracked down websites for the various cameras mentioned and I was unable to make a sensible comparison of their features. The cameras mentioned range from $275 to $800 and they clearly feel this is the best bang-for-the-buck. There is a passing mention of webcams, but little more. There is no mention at all of Celestron's Celestron NexImage Solar System Imager.

That said, the bulk of the book is an in-depth step-by-step guide to manipulating the raw video you have captured and explains how to get the best possible images. The book is also filled with great photos, each listed with the telescope specs listed, but not always the camera model. There's also a nice little section on using a video camera for guiding.

If I ever buy a video camera this book will be invaluable; but I'll have to find another source of information to guide my camera selection.

Prescriptive astrophotgraphy
Massey and Quirk's (M&Q) latest book is largely a prescriptive guide to operating a monochrome frame-accumulation video camera with a telescope.It tells the user what to do and when to do it.It describes the GSTAR-EX camera sold by Massey, and the well-known Registax program, and spends a lot of time in describing the steps the operator must go through to get results from the astrophoto session.

M&Q spend most time on the GSTAR-EX camera sold by Massey, with only occasional mention of other competing products (StellaCam, Mintron, Watec, Imaging Source) and no mention at all of the Mallincam Hyper.This is not a criticism; if you use one of these other devices you will still find the book useful.

Careful reading is needed to tease out equipment configuration which will work with a given telescope.This is one area where M&Q could have spent more time, as it represents the greatest cost to the isolated amateur trying to get things right.The writers are also exclusively PC-centric, but if you use Macs you may still find the broad steps applicable to the software you do use.

The gallery at the end of the book is spellbinding, and shows M&Q's consummate abilities at the telescope.Enviable indeed.The section on "photographs from light polluted skies" gives some idea of what can be achieved with the GSTAR from suburbia using moderate telescopes (8 - 10" Newtonians and SCTs, 4" ED refractors, etc).

My verdict - the book is a worthwhile addition to the amateur's library.It will not provide as much background theory as the amateur might wish for, but in its stated aim of introducing the amateur astronomer to video astronomy, it does a very good job.

Disclaimer:- the author does not have a GSTAR-EX nor is affiliated with M&Q. ... Read more

Product Description
With 21st Century Astronomy, students see the universe through the eyes of a scientist.21st Century Astronomy’s distinctive writing style, superior art, and supporting media package all work together to teach students how science works, help students visualize basic concepts and physical processes, and keep students focused on the “big picture.”

For the Third Edition, the entire text has been reread from a student’s perspective and rewritten to eliminate jargon and ensure that the book’s hallmark tone resounds throughout every chapter. New Visual Analogy icons help students connect the textual analogies used to describe physical processes with the figures that illustrate them, and new AstroTour animations and simulations developed at the University of Nebraska provide students with opportunities for interactive learning.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Astronomy textbook
Very well written astronomy textbook.I attended a week-long Elderhostel seminar on astronomy after reading this book and heard almost nothing I hadn't already read in it.Astronomy is a difficult subject to wrap your mind around, but 21st Century Astronomy is a tremendous help.Be sure to do all the exercises and problems at the end of each chapter.That's how half the learning takes place.Engineers, mathematicians and physicists will want to dig deeper, but this text takes the reader about as far as possible with only a good grounding in algebra.I heartily recommend it.

A teacher in a book
I am learning the fundamentals of science, while exploring the skies. This book lays out complex information in a very descriptive way, it aids in teaching the way to think when it comes to science.

One of the best!
I am teaching an introductory astronomy course this semester, and chose to use a different text since that is what others before me had used.Early on, the publisher sent a free copy of this book to me.I liked it so much that I ended up using it to prepare many of my lectures, and when I teach this course again I suspect that this will become the new text.The overall tone of the book is very good, presenting scientific material in a well thought-out fashion that doesn't talk down to the reader.The figures are clear, and often address common misconceptions.The material is also very up to date, addressing hot topics like Pluto's status as a planet, dark energy, WMAP results, etc.The only thing I don't like about the book is that the chapter titles and section headings are often complete sentences.For example, the chapter on the Sun is called "The Sun is an ordinary G star," instead of just calling it "The Sun."Strange, but overall an excellent book.

A Favorite Astronomy Textbook
This is my third year teaching introductory astronomy.I've used three textbooks.Last year I got a copy of 21st Century Astronomy free--publishers are always trying to get professors to adopt their textbooks.Anyway, I really like this one.I haven't been able to use it in a class yet, but I would like to.I use it already to help me prepare for lectures.It's clear and don't talk down to the reader.Many textbooks get weighted down with frills, but not this one.The graphics are clear but never superfluous.In keeping with its title, it includes may up to date topics.

The other texts I have used are Kaufman, Seeds, and Bennet et al. (which I liked a lot too--it's a little bulky though.)

Out of this world
Wonderful explanations.This is the astronomy book I never had as a kid!I'm a biologist and always thought I had the good fortune of working in the most interesting field.It sounds trite, but this book has opened my eyes to a universe out there.Now I even sort of understand black holes and the implications of relativity. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

An amazing accomplishment
"Cosmos" is a wonderful book by one of the truly great historians of astronomy.It is easily the most comprehensive popular astronomy history ever published and is a model of clarity and scholarship.In my mind, there are two factors that set this book apart:

1. The scope of the work is comprehensive and covers astronomy from ancient times to the most modern techniques and challenges.You should scan the Table of Contents in the "Look Inside" feature on Amazon to get a feel for the range of topics presented.

2. It gracefully explains how, over time, contributions from cultures and individuals combined and evolved into the astronomical systems in use in each era and evolved into today's view of the universe.

The first half of the book deals with ancient and medieval astronomy, including not only Western cultures, but also how astronomy developed and was used in China, India and the Americas.The presentation is seamless and gives the reader a good feel for how astronomical ideas and measurements were influenced by many cultures.

The second half focuses on the evolution of astronomy as a science and how contributions from many individuals were refined and combined to create a coherent view of the universe.

It ends with a look at the research challenges facing the modern astronomer and astrophysisist.

"Cosmos" is an expanded version of North's, "Norton's History of Astronomy and Cosmology", with a large amount of additional material and is much better illustrated.It is written for an educated general audience and can serve as a "read" just for fun, a textbook or a permanent reference.

It took me rather a long time to get through the entire book as it inspired me to dig into other sources for more detailed material on some points.What more can you ask of a history book than to open doors?
... Read more

Product Description
Pathways to Astronomy is designed more like a series of mini-lectures instead of a monograph of the entire field of astronomy.The same material covered in other introductory astronomy texts is included, but this is broken up into smaller self-contained units.These units are woven together to flow naturally for the person who wants to read the text like a book, but it is also possible to assign them in different orders, or skip certain units altogether.Professors can customize the units to fit their course needs.They can select individual units for exploration in lecture while assigning easier units for self-study, or they can cover all the units in full depth in a content-rich course.With the short length of units, students can easily digest the material covered in an individual unit before moving onto the next unit.

Pathways to Astronomy offers the most complete technology media support package available. That technology media package includes: Starry Night Planetarium Software free with the purchase of every new text; ARIS (text web site providing a complete online tutorial, electronic homework, and course management system); 23 Interactives (on the text web site and Digital Content Manager CD); Animations (on the text web site). Electronic Media Integration has been incorporated throughout the text by the use oficons to indicate where additional understanding can be gained through an animation or interactive. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Super quick service, great shape!
The book was delivered quickly and was in great condition--like brand new!And I saved money buying it from this company rather than the school bookstore!

SWIFT AND EXACTLY HOW DESCRIBED
This book was exactly how they said it was and also it arrived super duper fast.I would order from them again ... Read more

Product Description

There are two basic methods of recording astronomical images seen through the eyepiece of a telescope. Photography (these days, usually digital imaging with a CCD camera) is one, the other is sketching.

Astronomical sketching and drawing has a long and esteemed history. Many astronomers believe it is still unrivalled for recording and illustrating transient phenomena (such as TLPs) or for taking advantage of the fleeting moments of extreme clarity that result from the turbulent atmosphere through which Earth-based astronomers carry out all their observing.

Unfortunately, astronomical sketching and drawing is seldom taught as such, and is regarded by many amateur astronomers as the province of a talented few. This is not the case – the necessary techniques can be taught, just as portraiture and still-life drawing can be (and is) taught.

This book could become a classic.

Customer Reviews (4)

Solid resource for the astronomical sketch artist
Although I imagine a fair amount of the techniques and approaches in this book are covered in other books on sketching, the focus on astronomical targets is beneficial.The authors go over various targets from the moon to galaxies to star clusters both open and globular, and techniques from graphite pencil sketching to charcoal and colored pencil work.Very solid resource, and one of the only on the subject of astronomical sketching.I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking to pursue sketching of the moon, planets, and other heavenly subjects.

What choice do you have?It's one of a kind.

Let's face it, not many people are into astronomical sketching.But for those who are this is THE book.I know of no other book quite like it.I've been to most of the web sites on astronomical sketching.They can be very helpful.In fact, I learned later that several of the web sites I found most helpful were by the authors of this book!Websites help, but, even the web sites are incomplete.Sketching is covered regularly in various astronomy magazines.Those articles are also helpful, but it would take years for them to cover the material covered in this book.If you want to try your hand at Astronomical Sketching, you need this book to get you started.

Great starters book on Astro sketching
Approaches to different subjects are well set out. Inclusion of some information on digitizing would be useful but internet web-sites are listed that provide some further discussion and instruction about that by the authors.Tips and techniques are spread throughout different chapters. Perhaps it would have been better to have them presented in one section but it's not a big issue.

Good book for advanced or beginner astronomers
I was already familiar with most of the material in this book. If you have any art training you probably already know the techniques. The strength of this book is the detail given on how to use art techniques to draw astronomical objects! Even if you know little about art it is detailed enough to get you started at a high level of sketching at the eyepiece. ... Read more

Product Description

This book is intended for amateur astronomers who are readers of Sky & Telescope magazine or similar astronomy periodicals – or are at least at the same level of knowledge and enthusiasm. In particular, those of us who have reached a point where enjoyment is fading because the challenges have run out will appreciate it, because it takes such people to the "next level" in observational astronomy.

It begins with teaching astronomers to use their most important astronomy tool, their eyes. Then it discusses how to select the right telescope – taking into account that everyone is unique – and shows readers how to set up and care for their instruments. Subsequent chapters take the readers on a tour of the solar system as they have never viewed it before… through their own eyes. We start close to home with the hidden treasures of the Moon, on to investigate the power of the Sun, incredibly hot Mercury, the subtleties of Venus, the changing surface of Mars, the outer solar system and then on into deep space. Each chapter includes a series of observing challenges that will entertain and push the reader to continually higher levels of achievement.

Amateur astronomers will learn, through this book, many of the same lessons that professionals learned as they conducted similar observations.

Customer Reviews (2)

easy to read
This is a easy book to read. well done.
alot of helpful info. I have learned a
few new things.A must read for anyone
starting out with stargazing..........

Observing techniques
I expected this book to be more detailed concerning human vision in observing thenight sky - i.e an update to Clark's book on Visual Astronomy of the Deep Sky. It is not really that, but does have many interesting observing exercises. I would rate it as good for the mid-level observer who has worked through some of the best and brightest. ... Read more

Product Description
Covering all aspects of astronomy, including its history, the origins of the Universe, the Solar System and its exploration, stars, and galaxies, this is the essential handbook for the amateur astronomer. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Astronomy
An excellent introduction to the study of astronomy - beautifully presented, like all DK books, and reasonably priced.

good companion
This book is appropriately named as a companion book,...the kind that is small enough to take with you, and it will give you ideas of potential sky objects to view or photograph that night.Nice reading, and good photographs to aid you.Excellent for beginners and intermediates alike. ... Read more

Product Description
Advance praise for Philip Plaits Bad Astronomy

"Bad Astronomy is just plain good! Philip Plait clears up every misconception on astronomy and space you never knew you suffered from." —Stephen Maran, Author of Astronomy for Dummies and editor of The Astronomy and Astrophysics Encyclopedia

"Thank the cosmos for the bundle of star stuff named Philip Plait, who is the worlds leading consumer advocate for quality science in space and on Earth. This important contribution to science will rest firmly on my reference library shelf, ready for easy access the next time an astrologer calls." —Dr. Michael Shermer, Publisher of Skeptic magazine, monthly columnist for Scientific American, and author of The Borderlands of Science

"Philip Plait has given us a readable, erudite, informative, useful, and entertaining book. Bad Astronomy is Good Science. Very good science..." —James "The Amazing" Randi, President, James Randi Educational Foundation, and author of An Encyclopedia of Claims, Frauds, and Hoaxes of the Occult and Supernatural

"Bad Astronomy is a fun read. Plait is wonderfully witty and educational as he debunks the myths, legends, and 'conspiracies that abound in our society. 'The Truth Is Out There'–and it's in this book. I loved it!" —Mike Mullane, Space Shuttle astronaut and author of Do Your Ears Pop in Space? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (43)

A Great Read for Laypeople and Astronomy Buffs
Phil Plait does a pretty concise review of basic astronomical facts that people should know. He points out several cases of common bad science.

Excellent book!
I love Dr. Plaitt's blog, and I really enjoyed this book.It's easy to understand but contains really good information.

A highly informative and enjoyable book.
This book was like a breath of fresh air - dealing with something very different than any other book out there and in a really fun way too. It cleared many of my "bad" concepts about astronomy. Mr. Plait has a knack of making simple explanations so detailed and interesting at the same time that the reader can't help but go on until the end. Even found myself smiling at some parts. Highly recommended. 5 Stars.

Wonderful fun and loaded with invaluable information!
Phil Plait is a treasure. He takes the time to address kooky claims and mistaken beliefs held by the majority of the public. Our world would be far better off if more scientists cared enough to try and educate people who have been led astray by those who preach nonsense.

Bad Astronomy is loaded with interesting stuff. From explaining away Moon Hoax looniness to fixing common mental errors about seasons, quantum leaps, light years, tides, UFOs, and so on, this book is fantastic fun and intellectually invaluable.

Beyond his astronomy expertise, Plait is a wonderful example of the sort of positive and constructive science-based skeptic who brings more light to the world. His sincerity and enthusiasm jump out at you from every page.

"It's too easy to simply accept what you are told," writes Plait. "This is extraordinarily dangerous. If you just assume without thinking critically that someone is right, you may be voting for the wrong politician, or accepting a doctrine that has a bad premise, or buying a used car that might kill you. Science is a way of distinguishing good data from bad."

I highly recommend Bad Astronomy for everyone. It's highly readable. Anyone can handle it. Save the world, buy a copy for a high school kid today!

I also loved Plait's book, Death from the Skies!: These Are the Ways the World Will End . . .


--Guy P. Harrison, author of

50 Reasons People Give for Believing in a God

and

Race and Reality: What Everyone Should Know about Our Biological Diversity

Bad and Good Astronomy
"The Eagle has landed." Neil Armstrong


"Houston, we have a problem."

"Stop goofing around, Charlie, and get that rock spiked center stage, and let's break for the day. I'm as dry as a nun's gusset."

It's the summer of 2009, and the 40th anniversary of Apollo 11 NOT going to the moon, or at least according to Bill Kaysing, author of We Never Went to the Moon, which details the findings of a purported NASA hoax. That's right: the Apollo moon landings were staged in a top-secret sound stage in the Nevada desert, conveniently located near Las Vegas with easy access to air-conditioned casinos, cold beer, and exotic dancers.

I believe there's a little conspiracy theorist living in all of us, or maybe that's just my alien implant talking, but save your money for the slots. Let's take a small sanity check here. It's now well known that the Soviets were well on the way to sending men to the moon in the 1960's. While the missions never got off the ground, the Soviets worked very hard on them, and were watching carefully when NASA broadcast the historic footage. Both governments spent billions of dollars and countless man hours on their lunar projects; national prestige was at stake for two superpowers. Do you really think Pravda would have acknowledged the truth of the moon missions if there was any doubt?

No one is more appalled that millions of people actually agree with Bill Kaysing than Philip Plait, author ofBad Astronomy: Misconceptions and Misuses Revealed, from Astrology to the Moon Landing "Hoax".Philip Plat debunks the "moon hoax" as well other astronomy-related urban legends--such as you can make an egg stand on end only during the vernal equinox.

What manner of data could possibly convince someone that the moon still lies beyond our grasp? The answer is in the photographs themselves. If you look carefully at the images, the hoax believers say, you'll see the lie. What lie? Thousands of photos were taken, and many of them are quite famous. Most consist of the astronauts performing their duties, and are unremarkable, except for the fact that they show space-suited humans on an alien landscape; unremarkable, unless you are looking for a dark conspiracy.

There are five basic concerns raised by the conspiracy theorists. These are: 1. There are no stars in the astronaut photos 2. The astronauts could not have survived the radiation during the trip 3. There is dust under the lunar landing. 4. The high temperature of the moon should have killed the astronauts, and 5. the play of light and shadows in the surface proves that the photos are faked.

Plait systematically dismantles every point made by the hoax believers with clear, understandable explanations. The hoax believers in many cases use simple physics and common sense to prove their point. Initially, their accusations make sense; however, common sense may not apply on the airless surface of the Moon, and the theorists tend to misunderstand basic physics. Upon closer logical inspection, their arguments fall apart. After all, do you really think that after building elaborate sets, and hiring hundreds of technicians and cameramen and spending millions on the hoax and hookers that NASA would forgot to put stars in the pictures? It is indeed 40 years of inspiration and innovation we celebrate when we acknowledge mankind's epic journey to the Moon, a triumph of human engineering and the human spirit...
... Read more

Product Description
Astronomy is one of the oldest sciences, and one which has repeatedly led to fundamental changes in our view of the world. This book covers the history of our study of the cosmos from prehistory to a survey of modern astronomy and astrophysics. It does not attempt to cover everything, but deliberately concentrates on the important themes and topics, including stellar astronomy in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries--the source of many important concepts in modern astronomy--and the Copernican revolution, which led to the challenge of ancient authorities in many areas other than astronomy. This is an essential text for students of the history of science and for students of astronomy who require a historical background to their studies. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A status-quo history
I was disappointed greatly with the contents of the book. Hoskin and Gingerich peddle the old Eurocentric view of astronomy. Short shrift is given to the views of scholars such as R.R. Newton and Dennis Rawlins. The presentation of material is very shallow, and the tangled web behind the advances of Kepler and others is not presented. It is like whitewash.

Excellent scientific history
Although this appears to be in a coffee-table format, this book coversboth history and technical aspects of the subject withoutoversimplification.Side issues are explained in detail.Illustrationsare well-presented, clear and in color when appropriate; very useful inthis largely visual subject.The very best history of astronomy I havefound. ... Read more

Product Description
This is a very useful reference book for working astronomers and astrophysicists. Forming the proceedings of a recent IAU meeting where the availability and the needs of atomic and molecular data were discussed, the papers published here discuss existing and planned instruments for astronomical spectroscopy from earth-orbiting satellites. In particular, the atomic and molecular parameters that are, or will be, needed for analysis of the data obtained by these instruments are considered. A number of significant shortcomings in the available databases are identified. The needs highlighted will be of interest to laboratory astrophysicists, both experimentalists and theorists, who can produce the data required. A second group of papers provides a current inventory of atomic and molecular data compilations. ... Read more

Product Description

Guide to Observing Deep-Sky Objects is a reference book for amateur astronomers. It contains, for each constellation, a star chart showing the Bayer labels, a table for many of the stars in the constellation, along with their positions and magnitudes, and a table of the deep-sky objects in the constellation, with relevant observational data. Facing pages provide unique year-long graphs that show when the constellation is visible in the sky, allowing the user to quickly determine whether a given constellation can be seen, and when the best time to see it will be.

A major feature is an included CD-ROM containing a PC program [unique as far as we can determine] that produces a list of what deep-sky objects are visible in the sky at a user-determined time and place, for any location on the Earth. It produces a convenient and (disposable!) list that the user can take to the telescope for an observing session.

Customer Reviews (1)

Useful but uninspiring
There is not much to this book.There are nine pages of introduction, mostly about the software included on the accompanying CD.The remainder of the book consists of descriptions of all the constellations.Each constellation has two pages devoted to it, comprising a diagram, a list of its bright stars and their coordinates, a list of deep sky objects classified according to the scheme galaxy, globular cluster, planetary nebula etc and a diagram showing rising and setting times of the constellation throughout the year.Here the author displays typical northern hemisphere bias.The charts are for mid-northern latitudes and are obviously computer generated.I expect it would have taken very little effort to generate similar charts for mid-southern latitudes, but it never seems to occur to many people that there are actually astronomers in the Southern Hemisphere.

I have not seriously used the software yet, but I expect that this is the most useful part of the book.It appears to be straightforward to use.Essentially, you enter your location and time and indicate which objects you want to look at (nebulae, galaxies, clusters etc--multiple choices are possible) above a given magnitude.This generates a nice looking file which lists each object, its constellation, classification, coordinates, magnitude, size and a brief description (eg The Snake Nebula, Andromeda Galaxy).It would have been nice to have generated transit times as well.

I expect this book (especially the software) to be a useful resource in planning an observing or imaging session, at least as a first run. ... Read more

Product Description

This book contains the expanded lecture notes of the 32nd Saas-Fee Advanced Course. The three contributions present the central themes in modern research on the cold universe, ranging from cold objects at large distances to the physics of dust in cold clouds.

Product Description
On a clear night, the vastness and beauty of the star-filled sky is awe inspiring. In Stargazing: Astronomy without a Telescope Patrick Moore, Britain's best known astronomer, tells you all you need to know about the universe visible to the naked eye. With the aid of charts and illustrations, he explains how to "read" the stars, to know which constellations lie overhead, their trajectory throughout the seasons, and the legends ascribed to them. In a month-by-month guide he describes using detailed star maps of the night skies of both the northern and southern hemispheres. He also takes a look at the planets, the Sun and the Moon and their eclipses, comets, meteors, as well as aurorae and other celestial phenomena--all in accessible scientific detail. This captivating book shows how, even with just the naked eye, astronomy can be a fascinating and rewarding hobby--for life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Excellent guide to the night sky
I own the first edition of this book, which is excellent. For the northern and southern hemispheres, Patrick Moore gives sky maps for the different seasons, so it is fairly easy to get to an appropriate place. What I like most, though, is that he shows useful outlines of constellations, instead of classic ones: What the book illustrates is much more likely to match what you see in the night sky of a city than what you would find in other sources. In addition, his instructions on finding specific stars are very easy to follow.

I'd strongly recommend this book for anyone who wants to be more familiar with the stars they see at night, as well as anyone with a high interest in astronomy in general.

Before you buy a telescope...
...learn the constellations. You will find this advice on many astronomy forums and I generally concur with it. I would just enhance it a little: knowing the costellations (and your way around the night sky) will help you enjoy your telescope.
This book will help you with the learning.The charts are not crowded (with the non-constellation stars) and easy to read; there is a separate chart or set of charts for each month and a corresponding description of what you can expect to see. Since I live in a light-polluted suburb I found that having a pair of binoculars helped me find all the stars in the constellations (and so did clear sky :-)

Excellent introduction to the night sky
I enjoyed this book very much.I liked the fact that the author goes through each month of the year and does an excellent job of describing the constellations, and provides maps to help find the stars he mentions.He even covers both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.While I obviously live in the Northern Hemisphere, and so the Northern Hemisphere's sky maps are the most helpful in my own stargazing, I thought it was fun to read about how the sky in other parts of the world compares with my own backyard sky.He also gives helpful advice for finding each of the planets visible with the naked eye.He also describes comets, meteors, and other astronomical phenomona visible with the naked eye.I highly recommend this book for those who want to enjoy astronomy without necessarily spending a lot of money on equipment. ... Read more

Product Description
The book has no illustrations or index. Purchasers are entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Subjects: Astronomy; ... Read more

Product Description

Majestic spiral arms of a remote galaxy shimmer from the combined light of 50 billion stars. The ethereal curtains of the aurora borealis ripple across the night sky. Vast clouds of gas and dust, 10,000 times wider than the solar system, pervade the galaxy. Captured by the cameras of talented amateur astronomers and by the world's most powerful research telescopes, the universe's impressive wonders are presented in Astronomy 2011 in brilliant high-resolution color.

This 12-image collection was compiled by stargazing authority Terence Dickinson, author of NightWatch. He brings a wealth of practical experience to the calendar's diary of predicted celestial events, which range from meteor showers to eclipses.

Product Description
Completely current with the newest developments from the field, FOUNDATIONS OF ASTRONOMY, 11e helps readers use astronomy to understand science--and use science to understand what we are. Fascinating and engaging, this text helps you answer two fundamental questions: What are we? And how do we know? This edition addresses the latest discoveries in the exciting study of astronomy, including information to emphasize observations over the entire electromagnetic spectrum; new data on star formation and stellar structure; new insight on global warming and ozone depletion; updated information on the Kuiper belt and dwarf planets; and much more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

VERY NICE
IM TRYING TO REMEMBER IF I BOUGHT THIS USED OR NEW. I THINK IT WAS USED BUT WHEN IT CAME, IT WAS BRAND NEW AND STILL IN ITS PLASTIC COVERING. CAME ONTIME.

Great purchase!
Thank you for send such a great purchase. The book was in excellent condition! Thank you!

I didn't care for this book
I used this book in an introductory astronomy course in college.I found it difficult to follow the text - not because of poor comprehension, but it was just written really poorly.I much prefer Bennett's Cosmic Perspective.

Great basic astronomy textbook, for beginners only
I took beginning astronomy at college, and this was my book. The 1999 edition. It came with 2 CD-ROMS which are very interesting and helpful. The book goes step-by-step in laying down the history and foundations ofastronomy, and takes you all the way through a chapter on life on otherplanets. In between, it's easy to follow and stops to explain certain termsand well-accepted ideas among modern astronomers. Great book for beginners,intermediate and expert look elsewhere. ... Read more

Product Description

This book is about using an 80mm refractor / 90mm Maksutov (such as a Helios 80 or Meade ETX90) as more than a "quick look" instrument, but rather something capable of use as an introduction to scientific observations. Emphasis is on measurement and discovery activities rather than on casual observing. There are two objectives to these activities: to re-enact the process of discovery and to provide amateur observers with the knowledge and skill that will help them make genuine contributions to the field of astronomy.

It is often said that users of small telescopes can conduct worthwhile scientific work, but ‘how’ is seldom explained except in the context of observations carried out by the most advanced amateur astronomers. This book provides the necessary introduction – derived from the author’s many year of experience in teaching the subject – that will be the starting point for serious work.

Users will find many activities and projects suitable for an 80mm refractor or 90mm reflector or Maksutov that have not been published elsewhere.

Product Description
Derived from the content of the respected McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, Sixth Edition, each title provides thousands of definitions of words and phrases encountered in a specific discipline. All include:

* Pronunciation guide for every term
* Acronyms, cross-references, and abbreviations
* Appendices with conversion tables; listings of scientific, technical, and mathematical notation; tables of relevant data; and more
* A convenient, quick-find format (20031001) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Somewhat disappointing but a good reference
I had already a dictionary of science, a dictionary of physics
and a dictionary of philosophy.
Over a long period of time they have been helpful as references.
With the Internet available to search dictionaries like this have to provide a service
that is useful or they will not be bought.
I have this book now and I'll use over the long term,
but I wouldn't buy it again ...
I wouldn't have gotten this except I misplaced my good astronomy book
and needed a good look up reference for everyday.

McGRAW-HILL COULD DO A LOT BETTER!
If you need to know how to pronounce "telescope", its here. But no definiton. And no entry for Maksutov or any other type of telescope. Many satellites and asteroids are here, but very few star names. I guess they are too hard to pronounce. All the constellations appear to be here but not the possessive forms which can be tricky to pronounce. Solar activity, solar day, solar max, solar month, solar sail, and hundreds of other simple terms are here but nothing on interferometry. You get the idea. This book would be of very little help while reading a history of astronomy or a book on telescopes or even an astronomy periodical. For some one like me who has been an amateur astronomer for 40+ years and lives far from population centers this book is a disappointment. I still have trouble with many pronounciations and was hoping for some help. This book is a start, but you will need help from many other sources. ... Read more