Astronomy: Journey to the Cosmic Frontier Fourth Edition with Starry Nights Pro CD-ROM (v.3.1) [Hardcover]

John D Fix (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0073040789 | ISBN-13: 978-0073040783 | Publication Date: January 12, 2005 | Edition: 4

This is a text for an introductory astronomy course. One of the main goals is to provide a broad enough and deep enough background in astronomy so the student will be able to follow current developments in astronomy years after they complete the course. This book presumes that most of its readers are not science majors and that they probably have not had a college-level science or mathematics course. The book provides a complete description of current astronomical knowledge, neither at an extreme technical level nor at a level that fails to communicate the quantitative nature of physical science. Finally, the historical development of astronomy is emphasized to show that astronomy, like other sciences, advances through the efforts of many scientists, and to show how present ideas have been developed.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John D. Fix is a professor of physics and dean of the College of Science at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Before joining UAH, he was a professor of astronomy at the University of Iowa, where he was a member of the faculty from 1969 to 1999. He studied physics as an undergraduate at Purdue University, and then went on to earn a Ph.D. in astrophysics at Indiana University. He has played an active role in the academic affairs of the university, serving as President of the University of Iowa Faculty Senate in 1991-92 and Associate Dean for Research and Development of the College of Liberal Arts from 1992 to 1998. During his career as an astronomer, Jack has taught a variety of courses, including general education courses in astronomy, introductory and upper level undergraduate courses for astronomy and physics majors, and graduate courses in theoretical astrophysics. Recently, his research activity has focused on the structure and evolution of the extended atmospheres of red giant stars and the properties of interstellar and interplanetary dust particles. He has received many grants from the National Science Foundation and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and has written more than 60 scientific papers for the Astrophysical Journal, the Astronomical Journal, and other professional journals. The second edition of his introductory astronomy textbook, "Astronomy: Journey to the Cosmic Frontier" was published by WCB/McGraw-Hill in 1998. Jack also finds time to review scientific papers for professional journals and scientific proposals for the National Science Foundation and NASA. He is a member of several professional societies including the International Astronomical Union and the American Astronomical Society, for which he serves as a Harlow Shapley Lecturer, traveling to college and university campuses on behalf of the society.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Science/Engineering/Math; 4 edition (January 12, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0073040789
• ISBN-13: 978-0073040783
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 9.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,096,612 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Yay! Color pictures!, July 13, 2001

By 

M. Osorio "M" (CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Astronomy : Journey to the Cosmic Frontier (Hardcover)

This was an excellent book and fun to read. I've been a lover of astronomy for 7 years since I was 13 years old! I've read dozens of astronomy books and this one really is a great one. It definitely made my class easier and more enjoyable. The CD-ROM helps too! Nice big book with tons of color pictures, and interesting facts. Not boring at all. It was a good choice for the class.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Astronomy: Journey to the Cosmic Frontier, May 3, 2000

By 

Durruty Jesús de Alba Martínez (Inst de Astronomía y Meteorología, Universidad de) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Astronomy : Journey to the Cosmic Frontier (Hardcover)

This book is a well expresed and enjoyable introduction toastronomy; pictures and graphics, text-boxes on seminal concepts,clear writing do it an amazing reading. Programs and texts on CD arethe precise aid to textbook as a powerful tool for those that want learn about modern astronomy, this thanks to up-to-date references and glossary.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent text For High School or College intro Level, November 29, 2010

By 

Mr. Grim "Gene Grim" (Bethany PN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Astronomy: Journey to the Cosmic Frontier (Hardcover)

I have taught astronomy in high school and college for 25 years, and for the last 7 - I have used John Fix's Astronomy. The text is clear, easy to read and does not assume a great deal from the reader in the way of advanced knowledge of physics or astronomy.

The suplemental materials and on-line interactives are first rate, and I especially like the historical perspective of the rise of Western Astronomy from across many cultures.

If I could change anything, I would add a better section on geometric optics (lens and mirror theory, ray diagrams, how a telescope and binocular work, etc.), and a more comprehensive section on Einstein's Relativity - especially on the curvature of spacetime.

Any beginning student or instructor would do well to use this text - an excellent value. Do not however, get the edition with Starry Night software - overpriced and cumbersome. I use free planetarium software from Stellarium.org in my classes - it saves students money and works just as well.

Dr. Eugene Allen Grim
Associate Prof. Astronomy
Republic College