Features
- Cover Type: Paperback with 552 pages
- Published by: Prentice Hall
- Edition: 4th Edition July 23, 2003
- Written in: English
- ISBN 10 Number: 0131007270
- ISBN 13 Number: 978-0131007277
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Book Dimensions:
11.4 x 9 x 0.8 inches
- Weighs: 3 pounds
Product Description
A brief, introductory astronomy book designed for readers with little or no scientific background,
A Beginner's Guide uses an exceptionally clear writing style. The authors present a broad view of astronomy without complex mathematics, yet the book discusses important concepts without simplification. The book's organization follows the popular and effective “Earth-Out” progression, starting with our planet and then moving through the solar system. A study of the Sun as a model star follows, then the book covers the Milky Way Galaxy, cosmology, and the universe as a whole. Because of its easy-to-read yet comprehensive coverage of astronomy, this book can serve as great reference material for those readers interested in learning about our universe.
Publisher Description
Like its best-selling predecessor, Astronomy Today (1993), this text presents scientific literacy in the context of astronomy, teaching students to think critically and analytically about the physical world and the development of science. The text requires a minimum level of simple algebra and trigonometry (less than Astronomy Today) and maintains the parent text's visual emphasis through an illustrative program sure to become the market standard.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Reader Reviews
This review is from: Astronomy: A Beginner's Guide to the Universe (3rd Edition) (Paperback)
For anyone who has a vague interest in astronomy, this would be the book to read. Albeit not entirely simple, this is a relatively straight forward book that uses excellent examples to explain difficult concepts. There are many charts and diagrams. How exactly does a black hole work? What's the difference between a nova and a supernova (not as simple as you might think)? Why do we get meteor showers? There is a bit of mathematics involved, but nothing too intimidating. This is an excellent textbook. Best of all, a CD-ROM is included with lots of multimedia content, study questions, and links to more sources. Avoid other dry textbooks and purchase this one.
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