Astronomy Today (5th Edition) [Hardcover]

Eric Chaisson (Author), Steve McMillan (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0131445960 | ISBN-13: 978-0131445963 | Publication Date: July 26, 2005 | Edition: 5

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

*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.

From the Publisher

The number-one, best-selling astronomy text, Astronomy Today, has been revised based on reviewers' comments and extensive development. Astronomy Today has been shortened (from 30 to 28 chapters), but retains its informal-but-scientific writing style, and exceptional art program. Its unique subscription program COMETS now includes computer-generated animations from NASA illustrator Dana Berry. Astronomy Today, Second Edition employs the familiar planets-sun-stars- galaxies organization. Key concepts are introduced in the familiar context of the Earth and solar system; the concepts are carefully developed as discussion moves outward towards the stars and galaxies. A highly praised approach to spectroscopy and light (topics often difficult for students) and outstanding treatment of active galaxies and cosmology are other highlights. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 848 pages
• Publisher: Benjamin Cummings; 5 edition (July 26, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0131445960
• ISBN-13: 978-0131445963
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.7 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #60,134 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A joy to read!, February 17, 2005

By 

Peter (Netherlands) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Astronomy Today (4th Edition) (Hardcover)

This book is really outstanding! It contains 757 pages of text (not counting the preface and appendix), about 480 (mostly quite smallish) photos, some 400 drawings/figures/illustrations and almost 50 tables. The writing style is very clear, not at all dry or overtly technical. It is a joy to read this book. I know of no other book that clarifies all kind of astronomical subjects as thoroughly and understandably as this book (and I did read many books on astronomy.....). Highly recommended!

31 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What astronomy lovers should know other than telescopes ..., May 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Astronomy Today (Hardcover)

Written for non-science college students, this book is highly recommended for anyone interested in astronomy. Its breath, clarity, superb illustrations and software are first rate. Prentice Hall appears to hvae repurposed this text for amateur astronomers in another book, Astronomy: A Beginner's Guide to the Universe, which is nearly identical, albeit abbreviated in areas. Both books are an excellent value and users need to decide whether the academic version is worth more. Having read "Astronomy Today" cover to cover, there is much than can be shortened, such as when the authors discuss difficulties encountered in obtaining astronomy knowledge, rather than the knowledge itself. Its generous illustrations reinforce much of the text, taking this philosophy further, it could have been that much of the text could take a back seat to more detailed illustrations. Nevertheless a marvelous job!

Marvin Gozum, MD

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Astronomy Today 5th edition, March 10, 2006

By 

Jack D. Turken MD (Miami, Fl) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Astronomy Today (5th Edition) (Hardcover)

I have had a lifetime love of Astronomy but have lacked the mathmatical background for a thorough understanding. Most popular books on the subject rarely cover the field in the manner that I desire. Astronomy Today is a textbook for a beginning course in astronomy at the college level and does, in fact, cover a great deal of information without the need for mathmatical knowledge. The authors express their ideas and information in clear, concise language and clearly manifest an enthusiasm for their subject. I have enjoyed the book immensely.