Cambridge Dictionary of Astronomy

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 468 pages
• Published by: Cambridge University Press January 29, 2001
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0521804809
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0521804806
• Book Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.8 x 1.2 inches
• Weighs: 1.4 pounds

Product Review
Aberration: "An apparent displacement in the observed position of a star." Earthshine: "A faint illumination of what would otherwise be the 'dark' part of the Moon when its phase is a thin crescent." Peculiar galaxy: "A term loosely applied to any galaxy that does not readily fit into the Hubble classification, shows signs of unusual energetic activity, or is interacting tidally with other neighboring galaxies."

The language of astronomy is both oddly poetic and utterly prosaic, dotted with terms and names from classical mythology (Orion, Charon), Arabic (Aldebaran, Ras Algethi), and no-nonsense scientific classification (jansky, Supernova 1987A). In this gathering of more than 3,000 entries, ranging from Abell Catalogue to ZZ Ceti Star, Cambridge-trained astronomer Jacqueline Mitton provides an authoritative survey of the most commonly used technical terms in the discipline, along with a few terms borrowed from physics and space science. Many of the entries are cross-referenced and illustrated. The result is an accessibly written reference that is of particular use to students and hobbyists. --Gregory McNamee

From Library Journal
Mitton (The Scholastic Encyclopedia of Space), press officer of the British Astronomical Association, has substantially revised The Penguin Dictionary of Astronomy (1993) under a new title. This authoritative work provides definitions of over 3200 words, names, and abbreviations commonly found in astronomy, from Foucault's Pendulum to WIMPs (weakly interacting massive particles) to mice astronomers' slang for two interacting galaxies. The definitions vary in length from a few sentences to several paragraphs and are clearly written and very informative. Appendixes include tables providing data on the constellations, planets, natural satellites, planetary ring systems, and brightest stars, but the only illustrations are 57 line diagrams. This work is very similar in scope and quality to Dictionary of Astronomy (Oxford Univ., 1997), which has more entries (4000, to be precise) and includes biographical entries that are unfortunately missing from Mitton's. The two sources complement each other, often providing different details or focus on the same subject, but some libraries may not want to own both. However, both amateur and professional astronomers will find the Cambridge Dictionary useful, and it is an important resource for public and academic libraries libraries that need a current and complete astronomy collection. Teresa Berry, Univ. of Tennessee Lib., Knoxville
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.