Astronomy: A Self-Teaching Guide (Wiley Self-Teaching Guides) [Paperback]

Dinah L. Moche (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 31, 2009 | ISBN-10: 0470230835 | ISBN-13: 978-0470230831 | Edition: 7

Discover the wonders of the night sky with this bestselling Astronomy Guide

For a generation, Astronomy: A Self-Teaching Guide has introduced hundreds of thousands of readers worldwide to the night sky. Now this classic beginner's guide has been completely revised to bring it up to date with the latest discoveries.

Updated with the latest, most accurate information and more than 100 new graphics and photos, this Seventh Edition features:

• Web site addresses throughout for the best color images and astronomy resources online
• Technical ideas made simple without mathematics
• A beautiful new full-color, glossy insert with spectacular astro-images
• An interactive format with learning goals, reviews, self-tests, and answers for fast learning
• Five beginners' Star and Moon maps for fun stargazing

Dinah L. Moché, Ph.D., is Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the City University of New York. An award-winning author and lecturer, her books have sold over ten million copies in seven languages.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

 

From the Back Cover

Discover The Wonders of the night sky with this bestselling Astronomy Guide

From stars, planets, and galaxies to black holes, the Big Bang, and life in space, Astronomy has introduced hundreds of thousands of people worldwide to the secrets of the universe. A unique, successful self-teaching format makes it easy for you to quickly grasp basic principles and keep up with contemporary discoveries. You can use this user-friendly book alone or with a textbook, modules, Internet-based or distance-learning course, computer software, telescope manual, or as a handy reference. Updated with the latest, most accurate information and more than 100 new graphics and photos, this Seventh Edition features:

• Web site addresses throughout for the best color images and astronomy resources online
• Technical ideas made simple without mathematics
• A beautiful new full-color, glossy insert with spectacular astro-images
• An interactive format with learning goals, reviews, self-tests, and answers for fast learning
• Five beginners Star and Moon maps for fun stargazing

Praise for previous editions of Astronomy:

"One of the best ways by which one can be introduced to the wonders of astronomy."
—The Strolling Astronomer

"Excellent . . . provides stimulating reading and actively involves the reader in astronomy."
—The Reflector

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 388 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 7 edition (August 31, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470230835
• ISBN-13: 978-0470230831
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #16,532 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #30 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Astronomy & Space Science > Astronomy

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent update to a classic book., October 12, 2009

By 

nerdyguy1618 (Long Island, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Astronomy: A Self-Teaching Guide (Wiley Self-Teaching Guides) (Paperback)

I am a college professor and have used earlier editions of this book as a required text and also as a recommended text for an introductory astronomy course. I like this book because it has the information that is needed and is not overloaded with extraneous information or pictures. It gets to the point. Many other popular textbooks have way too much information to be covered in a semester course, and it costs the students well over a hundred dollars to get the book. These texts have fancy color pages that aren't really all that necessary, in my opinion, and long explanations that are too much for an introductory course for non-science majors. Moche's book is different. It has what you need but doesn't go overboard. But does it have enough? Colleagues of mine have tried to point out topics that are missing from the book. I look them up, and sure enough, those topics are there! The book treats a large number of topics in a concise way. As a result, the information is accessible, and the book is quite affordable for the student. If a student or a professor wishes to go more in depth on a particular topic, that's what class time is for, or sources such as current articles from astronomy magazines.

While I have mostly used this book in an academic setting, I would also recommend this book to someone wanting to learn astronomy on his or her own. The format is helpful for self-learning.

This latest edition will not disappoint you. There are many updates, such as the numbers of moons of the planets. Plus, there is a color insert, which adds some color without adding to the book's price.

What a great way to celebrate the International Year of Astronomy 2009!

Clear skies....

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource for parents, November 28, 2009

By 

R. Kahlenberg "Busy Mom" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Astronomy: A Self-Teaching Guide (Wiley Self-Teaching Guides) (Paperback)

I'm a mother who doesn't know much about astronomy but now I've found a resource to use when my kids ask me questions about the stars and planets. This is an easy-to-read guide for parents who are not experts.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent introduction to astronomy!, September 1, 2009

By 

Astronomy Fan - See all my reviews

This review is from: Astronomy: A Self-Teaching Guide (Wiley Self-Teaching Guides) (Paperback)

This book provides an excellent introduction to astronomy. It is up to date with excellent photographs and clear explanations. I would highly recommend this book to students in astronomy classes as well as people who wish to learn about astronomy as a hobby.