Astronomy: A Beginner's Guide to the Universe [Paperback]

Eric Chaisson (Author), Steve McMillan (Author), S. McMillan (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 013733916X | ISBN-13: 978-0137339167 | Publication Date: December 9, 1997 | Edition: 2nd

Designed for those with little or no scientific background, Astronomy 2/e has been streamlined throughout with a more open, user-friendly design. In addition, a free electronic multimedia version of the book is included with each copy.

Updated throughout for the most current and authoritative content and art available. New coverage includes searching for planets outside our solar system; the possibility of life on Mars and Jupiter's moon Europa; Galileo's data on Ganymede and Europa; and the latest studies on the possibility that comets brought water and complex molecules to Earth. Includes a CD-ROM containing electronic html version of text with hyperlinks, exclusive animations, videos, an interactive study guide, and the Microsoft Explorer web browser.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

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 alternate Paperback edition.

From the Back Cover

Designed for those with little or no scientific background, Astronomy 2/e has been streamlined throughout with a more open, user-friendly design. In addition, a free electronic multimedia version of the book is included with each copy. Updated throughout for the most current and authoritative content and art available. New coverage includes searching for planets outside our solar system; the possibility of life on Mars and Jupiter's moon Europa; Galileo's data on Ganymede and Europa; and the latest studies on the possibility that comets brought water and complex molecules to Earth. Includes a CD-ROM containing electronic html version of text with hyperlinks, exclusive animations, videos, an interactive study guide

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 556 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall College Div; 2nd edition (December 9, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 013733916X
• ISBN-13: 978-0137339167
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,805,707 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Textbook, February 28, 2001

By 

cinemagirl (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my 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.

4.0 out of 5 stars Not hard to read at all!, July 9, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Astronomy: A Beginners Guide to the Universe, 2000 Media Update Edition (Paperback)

This book is exactly what it claims to be: "A Beginners Guide to the Universe." I had a vague interest in astronomy and picked up this book to see if this interest could be further developed. There was information about a wide variety of topics: the planets, telescopes, and, of course, stars. While the reading was not thrilling, it never got too specified which would have made it hard to read. There were also some nice little pieces of history here and there, which I really liked. All in all, a good basic source of information about all aspects of astronomy.

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Astronomy book, January 12, 2008

By 

Jennifer Salazar-meixner "jenn2277" (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Astronomy: A Beginner's Guide to the Universe, Fourth Edition (Paperback)

I was very pleased with the timeliness of delivery as well as the condition of this book. Excellent condition.