The Cosmic Keyhole: How Astronomy Is Unlocking the Secrets of the Universe (Astronomers' Universe) [Hardcover]

Will Gater (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 15, 2009 | ISBN-10: 144190512X | ISBN-13: 978-1441905123 | Edition: 2009

In the last thirty years humans have probed the Universe, explored the Solar System and visited with spacecraft some of the most incredible places humans have ever laid eyes upon. We have expanded our knowledge slowly and surely, but still now only see a glimpse of the bigger picture. The Cosmic Keyhole explores the big discoveries of recent years and asks what’s next? How prolific is life in the Universe? How far back to the Big Bang can we probe? And what hidden treasures still await us in the hidden corners of our Solar System?

Editorial Reviews

Review

From the reviews: “This is a journey through astronomical discoveries past, and what we have learned from and since. … The text is very up-to-date in terms of the latest science … . For those who have a curiosity about the Universe and would like to catch-up with all that has been happening in the past few years, then this book really is a must-buy.” (John Rowlands, Astronomy Now, April, 2010) “This is a series of short essays of topics of interest in modern astronomy. … This experience manifests itself in the ability to take cutting-edge research topics and present them at a level which is both clearly explained and informative without being too simplistic … . On the whole, this is a considered, well-written, and informative book which can be dipped into as the fancy takes one.” (Robert Argyle, The Observatory, Vol. 130 (1214), June, 2010) “The Cosmic Keyhole is an absorbing volume that presents recent developments in the fields of planetary science and astronomy at a level that is understandable to general readers and undergraduate students. … The work’s strengths include the author’s selection of subjects that will intrigue readers interested in astronomy; his engaging writing style; and the well-researched chapters … . Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower- and upper-division undergraduates and general readers interested in astronomy and planetary studies.” (S. A. Russell Gonzalez, Choice, Vol. 47 (8), April, 2010)

From the Back Cover

It is 400 years since Galileo first turned the newly invented telescope towards the heavens and saw things that few had ever seen before. His discoveries, along with those of his contemporaries, completely changed our view of the world. Since that time, there have been many revolutions in our understanding of the universe, some perhaps even more revolutionary than the ones from Galileo’s time. In this book, Will Gater leads us through various recent advances in modern astronomy that have increased our understanding of the universe and seen it grow from a single Solar System full of intriguing worlds to a galaxy filled with other star systems and their own planets — maybe even Earthlike worlds. This is a journey like no other. What you glimpse through Gater’s keyhole is vast, breathtakingly beautiful, and sometimes utterly bizarre, certainly unfamiliar to those of us on Terra Firma. From the desolate plains of Mars and the frozen moons of the outer Solar System, from the Milky Way to the ends of the universe, you will learn of wonders often hard to describe and sometimes even harder to fathom. And you, too, will come to know some of the enthralling secrets of the universe.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 263 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 2009 edition (September 15, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 144190512X
• ISBN-13: 978-1441905123
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,544,625 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Will Gater is an astronomy journalist and author based in the UK. He has written extensively for the UK's top science magazines including Sky at Night Magazine, Focus, BBC Knowledge and Astronomy Now. He has appeared many times on television and radio, including the BBC's The Sky at Night, to promote astronomy and science. He is the author of The Cosmic Keyhole, The Night Sky Month by Month and co-author of Dorling Kindersley's The Practical Astronomer. Will blogs regularly on his website www.willgater.com You can find him on Twitter as @willgater