Astronomy Today
5th Edition
Published on 6. October 2004
Book
Hardback
848 pages
978-0-13-144596-3 (ISBN)
Description
For one- or two-semester introductory courses in astronomy.
Chaisson/McMillan is a trusted text that offers the most complete and innovative learning package available for introductory astronomy. The goal of the Fifth Edition is to focus on the process of discovery and to better convey how science is done. Particular attention was given to clearly and concisely presenting scientific terms to the non-science student. Volume 1 includes Chapters 1-16, plus chapter 28. Volume 2 includes Chapters 1-5 plus 16-28.
Chaisson/McMillan is a trusted text that offers the most complete and innovative learning package available for introductory astronomy. The goal of the Fifth Edition is to focus on the process of discovery and to better convey how science is done. Particular attention was given to clearly and concisely presenting scientific terms to the non-science student. Volume 1 includes Chapters 1-16, plus chapter 28. Volume 2 includes Chapters 1-5 plus 16-28.
Reviews / Votes
*The"Process of Science" is integrated into the text narrative. In particular the focus on scientific discovery and scientific method, or "how we know what we know", is now a much more integral part of the text (e.g. p. 6-8, 121-22, 160-65, 596-97, 611-12).*Part-opening essays emphasize the human endeavor aspect of science. Each part opener introduces a discovery and provides a historical context to the chapters that follow (e.g. p. 1, 140, 402, 600). "What role does your textbook play in your course?"*Student perspective--For this revision, the text's development editor read the text from a student perspective, helping the authors identify places they could clarify or simplify an explanation, better define a term, and discuss the process used in making a discovery. The result is a text that is truly accessible and useful resource for all students. *Expanded Glossary--200+ terms added, including definitions of words students may not know, but are not necessarily "scientific" terms (e.g. "flyby" now defined within chapter 6 Mariner 10 discussion on p. 152). "How can you involve your students in class and make large lectures more interactive?"*Lecture Tutorials -- Developed by Jeffrey Adams, Edward Prather, Timothy Slater and the Conceptual Astronomy and Physics Education Research (CAPER) team, class-tested lecture tutorials challenge students with thought-provoking questions that spark classroom discussion. Designed for large classes (300+) and scaleable for smaller sections. *Classroom Response Systems enhances the interactivity of a lecture course by asking students questions and providing instant feedback on key concepts from the chapter. "Do you have an observation component in your course?"*Starry Night Pro 4.0.5 provides everything the amateur astronomer or hobbyist needs to explore the heavens. Content Changes: *Thoroughly updated Chapter 5-- Reflects recent discoveries and innovations, such as Telescope Design in Section 5.1 *Introduction to solar system formation added to Chapter 6--Sets the stage for the planetary chapters (p. 144-45). *Reorganized Chapter 22--Expands the historical development of Special and General Relativity. *More contemporary coverage in Chapters 24 and 25--Reorganizes material to emphasize the connection between normal and active galaxies, and expands the discussion of black holes in galactic nuclei. *Updates include new discoveries and data, including: *New material in Chapter 7 on the Ozone Hole and Global Warming. *Expanded coverage in Chapters 6 and 10 of the most recent missions to Mars. *Updates in Chapter 10 on Martian oppositions, gullies, oceans, and ice. *Final update on the Galileo/GEM mission in Chapter 11. *Updated discussion of solar system formation in Chapter 15; expanded coverage of competing theories, planet migration, planetesimal ejection, plutinos, and the angular momentum problem. *Latest results in Chapter 23 on Sgr A* and the Galaxy's central black hole. This chapter also includes a new discussion of the Shapley-Curtis debate giving historical context to the "Measuring the Milky Way" section. *Extensive revision of Chapters 26 and 27 to include the most recent observations of cosmic acceleration and discussion of "dark energy" *Revised discussions of the cosmological constant and the age of the universe; results from the CBI and WMAP experiments suggesting a flat universe. *Updated coverage of Europa, Mars, interstellar organic molecules, extra solar planets, and SETI in Chapter 28.More details
Edition
5th edition
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Pearson Education (US)
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Width: 284 mm
Thickness: 31 mm
Weight
2056 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-13-144596-3 (9780131445963)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
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08/2007
6th Edition
Pearson
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Eric Chaisson | Steve McMillan
Astronomy Today
Book
09/2001
4th Edition
Pearson
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Persons
Eric Chaisson. Eric holds a doctorate in astrophysics from Harvard University, where he spent ten years on the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. For five years, Eric was a Senior Scientist and Director of Educational Programs at the Space Telescope Science Institute and Adjunct Professor of Physics at Johns Hopkins University. He then joined Tufts University, where he is now Professor of Physics, Professor of Education, and Director of the Wright Center for Innovative Science Education. He has written nine books on astronomy, which have received such literary awards as the Phi Beta Kappa Prize, two American Institute of Physics Awards, and Harvard's Smith-Weld Prize for Literary Merit. He has published more than 100 scientific papers in professional journals, and has also received Harvard's Bok Prize for original contributions to astrophysics.
Steve McMillan. Steve holds a bachelor's and master's degree in Mathematics from Cambridge University and a doctorate in Astronomy from Harvard University. He held post-doctoral positions at the University of Illinois and Northwestern University, where he continued his research in theoretical astrophysics, star clusters, and numerical modeling. Steve is currently Distinguished Professor of Physics at Drexel University and a frequent visiting researcher at Princeton's Institute for Advanced Study and the University of Tokyo. He has published more than 50 scientific papers in professional journals.
Steve McMillan. Steve holds a bachelor's and master's degree in Mathematics from Cambridge University and a doctorate in Astronomy from Harvard University. He held post-doctoral positions at the University of Illinois and Northwestern University, where he continued his research in theoretical astrophysics, star clusters, and numerical modeling. Steve is currently Distinguished Professor of Physics at Drexel University and a frequent visiting researcher at Princeton's Institute for Advanced Study and the University of Tokyo. He has published more than 50 scientific papers in professional journals.
Content
Volume 1: 1-16, 28
Volume 2: 1-5, 16-28
Part 1: Astronomy and the Universe
Chapter 1. Charting The Heavens: The Foundations of Astronomy
Our Place in Space
Scientific Theory and the Scientific Method
The "Obvious" View
Earth's Orbital Motion
Astronomical Timekeeping
The Motion of the Moon
The Measurement of Distance
Chapter 2. The Copernican Revolution: The Birth of Modern Science
Ancient Astronomy
The Geocentric Universe
The Heliocentric Model of the Solar System
The Birth of Modern Astronomy
The Laws of Planetary Motion
The Dimensions of the Solar System
Newton's Laws
Chapter 3. Radiation: Information from the Cosmos
Information from the Skies
Waves in What?
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
Thermal Radiation
The Doppler Effect
Chapter 4. Spectroscopy: The Inner Workings of Atoms
Spectral Lines
The Formation of Spectral Lines
Molecules
Spectral-Line Analysis
Chapter 5. Telescopes: The Tools of Astronomy
Telescope Design
Images and Detectors
Telescope Size
High-Resolution Astronomy
Radio Astronomy
Interferometry
Space-Based Astronomy
Full-Spectrum Coverage
Part 2: Our Planetary System
Chapter 6. The Solar System: An Introduction to Comparative Planetology
An Inventory of the Solar System
Planetary Properties
The Overall Layout of the Solar System
Terrestrial and Jovian Planets
Interplanetary Debris
Spacecraft Exploration of the Solar System
How Did the Solar System Form?
Chapter 7. Earth: Our Home in Space
Overall Structure of Planet Earth
Earth's Atmosphere
Earth's Interior
Surface Activity
Earth's Magnetosphere
The Tides
Chapter 8. The Moon and Mercury: Scorched and Battered Worlds
Orbital Properties
Physical Properties
Surface Features on the Moon and Mercury
Rotation Rates
Lunar Cratering and Surface Composition
The Surface of Mercury
Interiors
The Origin of the Moon
Evolutionary History of the Moon and Mercury
Chapter 9. Venus: Earth's Sister Planet
Orbital Properties
Physical Properties
Long-Distance Observations of Venus
The Surface of Venus
The Atmosphere of Venus
Venus's Magnetic Field and Internal Structure
Chapter 10. Mars: A Near Miss for Life?
Orbital Properties
Physical Properties
Long-Distance Observations of Mars
The Surface of Mars
The Martian Atmosphere
Martian Internal Structure
The Moons of Mars
Chapter 11. Jupiter: Giant of the Solar System
Orbital and Physical Properties
The Atmosphere of Jupiter
Internal Structure
Jupiter's Magnetosphere
The Moons of Jupiter
Jupiter's Ring
Chapter 12. Saturn: Spectacular Rings and Mysterious Moons
Orbital and Physical Properties
Saturn's Atmosphere
Saturn's Interior and Magnetosphere
Saturn's Spectacular Ring System
The Moons of Saturn
Chapter 13. Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto: The Outer Worlds of the Solar System
The Discovery of Uranus
The Discovery of Neptune
Physical Properties of Uranus and Neptune
The Atmospheres of Uranus and Neptune
Magnetospheres and Internal Structure
The Moon Systems of Uranus and Neptune
The Rings of the Outermost Jovian Planets
The Discovery of Pluto
Physical Properties of Pluto
The Origin of Pluto
Chapter 14. Solar System Debris: Keys to Our Origin
Asteroids
Comets
Meteoroids
Chapter 15. The Formation of Planetary Systems: The Solar System and Beyond
Modeling Planet Formation
Planets in the Solar System
Interplanetary Debris
The Role of Catastrophes
Planets Beyond the Solar System
Is Our Solar System Unusual?
Part 3: Stars And Stellar Evolution
Chapter 16. The Sun: Our Parent Star
Physical Properties of the Sun
The Heart of the Sun
The Solar Interior
The Solar Atmosphere
The Active Sun
Observations of Solar Neutrinos
Chapter 17. Red Giants and White Dwarfs: A Field Guide to the Stars
The Solar Neighborhood
Luminosity and Apparent Brightness
Stellar Temperatures
Stellar Sizes
The Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram
Extending the Cosmic Distance Scale
Stellar Masses
Mass and Other Stellar Properties
Chapter 18. The Interstellar Medium: Gas and Dust Among the Stars
Interstellar Matter
Emission Nebulae
Dark Dust Clouds
21-Centimeter Radiation
Interstellar Molecules
Chapter 19. Star Formation: A Traumatic Birth
Star-Forming Regions
The Formation of Stars Like the Sun
Stars of Other Masses
Observations of Cloud Fragments and Protostars
Shock Waves and Star Formation
Star Clusters
Chapter 20. Stellar Evolution: The Life and Death of a Star
Leaving the Main Sequence
Evolution of a Sun-like Star
The Death of a Low-Mass Star
Evolution of Stars More Massive than the Sun
Observing Stellar Evolution in Star Clusters
The Evolution of Binary-Star Systems
Chapter 21. Stellar Explosions: Novae, Supernovae, and the Formation of the Elements
Life after Death for White Dwarfs
The End of a High-Mass Star
Supernova Explosions
The Formation of the Elements
The Cycle of Stellar Evolution
Chapter 22. Neutron Stars and Black Holes: Strange States of Matter
Neutron Stars
Pulsars
Neutron-Star Binaries
Gamma-Ray Bursts
Black Holes
The Theory of Relativity
Space Travel Near Black Holes
Observational Evidence for Black Holes
Part 4: Galaxies And Cosmology
Chapter 23. The Milky Way Galaxy: A Spiral in Space
Our Parent Galaxy
Measuring the Milky Way
Galactic Structure.
The Formation of the Milky Way
Galactic Spiral Arms
The Mass of the Milky Way Galaxy
The Galactic Center
Chapter 24. Normaland Active Galaxies: Building Blocks of the Universe
Hubble's Galaxy Classification
The Distribution of Galaxies in Space
Hubble's Law
Active Galactic Nuclei
The Central Engine of an Active Galaxy
Chapter 25. Galaxies and Dark Matter: The Large-Scale Structure of the Cosmos
Dark Matter in the Universe
Galaxy Collisions
Galaxy Formation and Evolution
Supermassive Black Holes in Galactic Nuclei
The Universe on Large Scales
Chapter 26. Cosmology: The Big Bang and the Fate of the Universe
The Universe on the Largest Scales
The Expanding Universe
The Fate of the Cosmos
The Geometry of Space
Will the Universe Expand Forever?
Dark Energy and Cosmology
The Cosmic Microwave Background
Chapter 27. The Early Universe: Toward the Beginning of Time
Back to the Big Bang
The Evolution of the Universe
The Formation of Nuclei and Atoms
The Inflationary Universe
The Formation of Structure in the Universe
Chapter 28. Life In The Universe: Are We Alone?
Cosmic Evolution
Life in the Solar System
Intelligent Life in the Galaxy
The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence
Volume 2: 1-5, 16-28
Part 1: Astronomy and the Universe
Chapter 1. Charting The Heavens: The Foundations of Astronomy
Our Place in Space
Scientific Theory and the Scientific Method
The "Obvious" View
Earth's Orbital Motion
Astronomical Timekeeping
The Motion of the Moon
The Measurement of Distance
Chapter 2. The Copernican Revolution: The Birth of Modern Science
Ancient Astronomy
The Geocentric Universe
The Heliocentric Model of the Solar System
The Birth of Modern Astronomy
The Laws of Planetary Motion
The Dimensions of the Solar System
Newton's Laws
Chapter 3. Radiation: Information from the Cosmos
Information from the Skies
Waves in What?
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
Thermal Radiation
The Doppler Effect
Chapter 4. Spectroscopy: The Inner Workings of Atoms
Spectral Lines
The Formation of Spectral Lines
Molecules
Spectral-Line Analysis
Chapter 5. Telescopes: The Tools of Astronomy
Telescope Design
Images and Detectors
Telescope Size
High-Resolution Astronomy
Radio Astronomy
Interferometry
Space-Based Astronomy
Full-Spectrum Coverage
Part 2: Our Planetary System
Chapter 6. The Solar System: An Introduction to Comparative Planetology
An Inventory of the Solar System
Planetary Properties
The Overall Layout of the Solar System
Terrestrial and Jovian Planets
Interplanetary Debris
Spacecraft Exploration of the Solar System
How Did the Solar System Form?
Chapter 7. Earth: Our Home in Space
Overall Structure of Planet Earth
Earth's Atmosphere
Earth's Interior
Surface Activity
Earth's Magnetosphere
The Tides
Chapter 8. The Moon and Mercury: Scorched and Battered Worlds
Orbital Properties
Physical Properties
Surface Features on the Moon and Mercury
Rotation Rates
Lunar Cratering and Surface Composition
The Surface of Mercury
Interiors
The Origin of the Moon
Evolutionary History of the Moon and Mercury
Chapter 9. Venus: Earth's Sister Planet
Orbital Properties
Physical Properties
Long-Distance Observations of Venus
The Surface of Venus
The Atmosphere of Venus
Venus's Magnetic Field and Internal Structure
Chapter 10. Mars: A Near Miss for Life?
Orbital Properties
Physical Properties
Long-Distance Observations of Mars
The Surface of Mars
The Martian Atmosphere
Martian Internal Structure
The Moons of Mars
Chapter 11. Jupiter: Giant of the Solar System
Orbital and Physical Properties
The Atmosphere of Jupiter
Internal Structure
Jupiter's Magnetosphere
The Moons of Jupiter
Jupiter's Ring
Chapter 12. Saturn: Spectacular Rings and Mysterious Moons
Orbital and Physical Properties
Saturn's Atmosphere
Saturn's Interior and Magnetosphere
Saturn's Spectacular Ring System
The Moons of Saturn
Chapter 13. Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto: The Outer Worlds of the Solar System
The Discovery of Uranus
The Discovery of Neptune
Physical Properties of Uranus and Neptune
The Atmospheres of Uranus and Neptune
Magnetospheres and Internal Structure
The Moon Systems of Uranus and Neptune
The Rings of the Outermost Jovian Planets
The Discovery of Pluto
Physical Properties of Pluto
The Origin of Pluto
Chapter 14. Solar System Debris: Keys to Our Origin
Asteroids
Comets
Meteoroids
Chapter 15. The Formation of Planetary Systems: The Solar System and Beyond
Modeling Planet Formation
Planets in the Solar System
Interplanetary Debris
The Role of Catastrophes
Planets Beyond the Solar System
Is Our Solar System Unusual?
Part 3: Stars And Stellar Evolution
Chapter 16. The Sun: Our Parent Star
Physical Properties of the Sun
The Heart of the Sun
The Solar Interior
The Solar Atmosphere
The Active Sun
Observations of Solar Neutrinos
Chapter 17. Red Giants and White Dwarfs: A Field Guide to the Stars
The Solar Neighborhood
Luminosity and Apparent Brightness
Stellar Temperatures
Stellar Sizes
The Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram
Extending the Cosmic Distance Scale
Stellar Masses
Mass and Other Stellar Properties
Chapter 18. The Interstellar Medium: Gas and Dust Among the Stars
Interstellar Matter
Emission Nebulae
Dark Dust Clouds
21-Centimeter Radiation
Interstellar Molecules
Chapter 19. Star Formation: A Traumatic Birth
Star-Forming Regions
The Formation of Stars Like the Sun
Stars of Other Masses
Observations of Cloud Fragments and Protostars
Shock Waves and Star Formation
Star Clusters
Chapter 20. Stellar Evolution: The Life and Death of a Star
Leaving the Main Sequence
Evolution of a Sun-like Star
The Death of a Low-Mass Star
Evolution of Stars More Massive than the Sun
Observing Stellar Evolution in Star Clusters
The Evolution of Binary-Star Systems
Chapter 21. Stellar Explosions: Novae, Supernovae, and the Formation of the Elements
Life after Death for White Dwarfs
The End of a High-Mass Star
Supernova Explosions
The Formation of the Elements
The Cycle of Stellar Evolution
Chapter 22. Neutron Stars and Black Holes: Strange States of Matter
Neutron Stars
Pulsars
Neutron-Star Binaries
Gamma-Ray Bursts
Black Holes
The Theory of Relativity
Space Travel Near Black Holes
Observational Evidence for Black Holes
Part 4: Galaxies And Cosmology
Chapter 23. The Milky Way Galaxy: A Spiral in Space
Our Parent Galaxy
Measuring the Milky Way
Galactic Structure.
The Formation of the Milky Way
Galactic Spiral Arms
The Mass of the Milky Way Galaxy
The Galactic Center
Chapter 24. Normaland Active Galaxies: Building Blocks of the Universe
Hubble's Galaxy Classification
The Distribution of Galaxies in Space
Hubble's Law
Active Galactic Nuclei
The Central Engine of an Active Galaxy
Chapter 25. Galaxies and Dark Matter: The Large-Scale Structure of the Cosmos
Dark Matter in the Universe
Galaxy Collisions
Galaxy Formation and Evolution
Supermassive Black Holes in Galactic Nuclei
The Universe on Large Scales
Chapter 26. Cosmology: The Big Bang and the Fate of the Universe
The Universe on the Largest Scales
The Expanding Universe
The Fate of the Cosmos
The Geometry of Space
Will the Universe Expand Forever?
Dark Energy and Cosmology
The Cosmic Microwave Background
Chapter 27. The Early Universe: Toward the Beginning of Time
Back to the Big Bang
The Evolution of the Universe
The Formation of Nuclei and Atoms
The Inflationary Universe
The Formation of Structure in the Universe
Chapter 28. Life In The Universe: Are We Alone?
Cosmic Evolution
Life in the Solar System
Intelligent Life in the Galaxy
The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence