The Astronomy Encyclopedia
The universe beyond our own has been an object of scientific inquiry and a preoccupation of avid stargazers from antiquity up to the present day, and this preoccupation has evolved into a complex field in which mysteries are unlocked and discoveries are made on a constant basis. The Astronomy Encyclopedia covers the full width and breadth of the discipline and includes the latest and most important advances. In more than 3,000 alphabetically organized articles accompanied by 500 stunning color and black and white photographs, star maps, and diagrams, The Astronomy Encyclopedia covers everything both the researcher and general enthusiast wants to knowfrom adaptive optics and cold dark matter to Islamic astronomy and the principle of equivalence. It includes a host of major articles on the cornerstones of astronomical investigation, such as the Milky Way, the sun and planets, optical and radio telescopes, stars , black holes, astrophysics, observatories, astronomical photography, space programs, the constellations and famous astronomers. Also featured are tables which display relevant data such as the brightest stars in the major constellations, annual meteor showers, major variable stars, dwarf stars, and energy production processes in the sun. More than 100 astronomers from leading universities and observatories, each an expert in a specialized area of the field, wrote and reviewed the entries to ensure their authority. Patrick Moore, distinguished astronomer and longtime host of the popular BBC television program The Sky at Night, serves as the general editor for this most up-to-date and reliable reference work. A glimpse into humanitys last great frontier, the Astronomy Encyclopedia is both accessible and comprehensive enough for both the serious stargazer and the professional astronomer.
Related posts
read moreThe Lawnchair Astronomer
An easy-to-read guide to charting the night sky from one’s own backyard shows the best way to see the planets and galaxies, how to buy astronomy equipment, and when to watch for eclipses and meteor showers.
Related posts
read moreDavid Levy’s Guide to Observing Meteor Showers
Meteors occur when a meteoroid, a speck of dust in space, enters the Earth’s atmosphere. The heat generated when this happens causes the surrounding air to glow, resulting in ‘shooting stars’. During the most spectacular meteor storms larger particles give rise to fireballs and firework-like displays! Meteors are a delightful observing field – they do not require a telescope, and they can be seen on any clear night of the year, even in bright twilight. It was the sight of a single meteor that in
Related posts
read moreWisconsin Starwatch (Starwatch: The Essential Guide to Our Night Sky)
“Make the Stars Your Old Friends!” . . . with Mike Lynch, America’s Master Stargazing instructor
Mike has led stargazing classes for over 30 years and has instructed 1000s of would-be backyard astronomers (and maybe a few would-be professional astronomers!)
Related posts
read moreObserving Comets, Asteroids, Meteors, and the Zodiacal Light (Practical Astronomy Handbooks)
If you are an amateur astronomer, and comets, asteroids, meteors, and the zodiacal light are your quarry, then this is the book for you. Comet observers can learn how to make visual estimates of brightness and size, and how to make photographic studies of cometary heads and tails. Asteroid hunters will find a “life list” of objects and guidelines on how to search for them and then how to photograph or electronically image them. Practical photographic and electronic methods for studying meteors and meteor showers are provided. Visual and photographic techniques show you how to examine the often elusive zodiacal light. The more adventurous are provided with advanced techniques on how to make successful astrometric, spectroscopic and electronic observations. David Levy is the author of The Sky: A User’s Guide (CUP, 1991). Both authors have had asteroids named after them.
Related posts
read more