Astronomy Demystified (Demystified) [Paperback]

Stan Gibilisco (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2002 | ISBN-10: 0071384278 | ISBN-13: 978-0071384278 | Edition: 1

This title offers the fast and painless way to grasp the fundamentals of basic astronomy ...without formal training. Want to master astronomy or aerospace engineering but are intimidated by the complex formulas and equations? Tried other self-teaching guides but were turned off by the dry, complicated presentation? Problem solved! "Astronomy Demystified" is a totally different, very entertaining, and amazingly effective way to learn the mathematics, fundamentals, and general concepts of astronomy.With "Astronomy Demystified", you ease into the subject one simple step at a time - at your own speed. Unlike most other books on the topic, general concepts are presented first - and the details follow. In order to make the learning process as clear and simple as possible, heavy-duty math, formulas, and equations are kept at a minimum. This unique, self-teaching text offers: questions at the end of every chapter and section to reinforce learning and pinpoint your weaknesses; a 100-question final exam for self-assessment; tips on how to get the most out of observational tools such as binoculars and telescopes; discussion of the special problems associated with observing the sky at "invisible wavelengths"; and, an easy way to understand the math involved in astronomy. Simple enough for a beginner but comprehensive enough for an advanced student, "Astronomy Demystified" is your short cut to understanding the heavens.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

THE FAST AND PAINLESS WAY TO GRASP THE FUNDAMENTALS OF BASIC ASTRONOMY . . . WITHOUT FORMAL TRAINING

Want to master astronomy or aerospace engineering but are intimidated by the complex formulas and equations? Tried other self-teaching guides but were turned off by the dry, complicated presentation? Problem solved! Astronomy Demystified is a totally different, very entertaining, and amazingly effective way to learn the mathematics, fundamentals, and general concepts of astronomy.

With Astronomy Demystified, you ease into the subject one simple step at a time – at your own speed. Unlike most other books on the topic, general concepts are presented first – and the details follow. In order to make the learning process as clear and simple as possible, heavy-duty math, formulas, and equations are kept at a minimum.

THIS UNIQUE, SELF-TEACHING TEXT OFFERS:
* Questions at the end of every chapter and section to reinforce learning and pinpoint your weaknesses
* A 100-question final exam for self-assessment
* Tips on how to get the most out of observational tools such as binoculars and telescopes
* Discussion of the special problems associated with observing the sky at “invisible wavelengths”
* An easy way to understand the math involved in astronomy

Simple enough for a beginner but comprehensive enough for an advanced student, Astronomy Demystified is your short cut to understanding the heavens.

About the Author

Stan Gibilisco is one of McGraw-Hill’s most diverse and best-selling authors. Known for his clear, user-friendly, and entertaining writing style, Mr. Gibilisco’s depth of knowledge and ease of presentation make him an excellent choice for a book such as Astronomy Demystified. His previous titles for McGraw-Hill include: The TAB Encyclopedia of Electronics for Technicians and Hobbyists, Teach Yourself Electricity and Electronics, and the Illustrated Dictionary of Electronics. Booklist named his book, The McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Personal Computing, one of the Best References of 1996.

Product Details

• Paperback: 575 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Professional; 1 edition (August 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071384278
• ISBN-13: 978-0071384278
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,084,654 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Since he began writing in 1981, Stan Gibilisco has become one of McGraw-Hill's most prolific authors. He also contributes regularly to whatis.com, a leading technology encyclopedia.

Stan's most popular works include "Physics Demystified," "Alternative Energy Demystified," "Statistics Demystified," "Calculus Know-It-All," and "Teach Yourself Electricity and Electronics."

Stan maintains a Website at sciencewriter.net, where he offers concise explanations for the chapter-ending quiz answers in some of his books. Please follow the "Quiz Explanations" link.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I love the "Demystified" series, January 4, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Astronomy Demystified (Demystified) (Paperback)

I am really enjoying this book. In fact I have the Physics, Calculus, Algebra books also. I find them very well explained. I am using these book as "self study" and find them very good for that purpose, but I can also see how they would be helpful to anyone in High School that needs some extra help, or wants to go beyond the level they are being taught. The end of topic reviews and tests help you see how much knowledge you are gaining and what areas you need to focus on.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Takes us on mind journeys, December 16, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Astronomy Demystified (Demystified) (Paperback)

This is one of the most comprehensive basic astronomy courses I've ever seen. I especially like it because it includes information about the sky as seen from "down under." Half of the globe is, after all, south of the equator (even if most of the landmass is not). The imaginary journeys among the planets are fun. I wish the author had taken me on an intergalactic voyage, but maybe that is asking too much.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Self-teaching guide!, March 10, 2007

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Astronomy Demystified (Demystified) (Paperback)

This book is one of the better ones in the series. Some such as the quantum mechanics and the relativity book(note: I do not have them but have read reviews) are more for college level students majoring in physics. This book is a great book. If you are interested in taking a summer course in astronomy but are disapointed by the material that is covered, or it is too expensive, this book is a valuable alternative. The beginning of the book is a little boring however. Also, in the preface the author recommends reading a chapter a week. I read a chapter in three days. Overall this book is great.