Discovering the Universe [Paperback]

Neil F. Comins (Author), William J. Kaufmann (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0716736373 | ISBN-13: 978-0716736370 | Publication Date: July 1999 | Edition: 5th

This edition of this brief text has been thoroughly updated. The accompanying CD-ROM features a special student version of the award-winning virtual planetarium software "Starry Night" plus software animations and videos, all illustrations from the text, interactive Q&A and exercises, and supplementary resources. Material can be updated periodically from the Freeman Web site. There is an online study guide offering a CD-Web guide, chapter objectives, key terms, review questions, "Starry Night" observations exercises and online tutorials.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

NEIL F. COMINS University of Maine, Orono. - WILLIAM J. KAUFMANN III late of San Diego State University. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 495 pages
• Publisher: W H Freeman & Co (Sd); 5th edition (July 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0716736373
• ISBN-13: 978-0716736370
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,336,415 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "An excellent presentation of fundamental astronomy.", November 11, 1998

By 

J. Alan Cook ([e-mail]) (Anacortes, Washington) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Discovering the Universe (Paperback)

Discovering the Universe is an excellent presentation of fundamental astronomy facts and principles. A major book for amateur astronomers.

William Kaufmann III writes in a clear and concise style, making complex data and theories understandable to the layperson. No sophisticated math or physics backgrounds are required. Yet, he treats complex topics, such as Stellar Evolution, the Origin of the Solar System, etc. in a comprehensive manner. This book will serve as a lasting reference book for your library.

A CD-ROM is included which contains the entire text of the book.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Textbook, September 25, 2005

By 

Lori Ann "author, mamawit (dot) com" (China) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Discovering the Universe, 7th edition w/Starry Night CD-ROM (Paperback)

This beautiful, full-color, highly-informative textbook has been great for my Astronomy class. Completely up-to-date (well, with the exception of the possible two new planets, one of which has been confirmed only recently and definitely since the text's Spring 2005 publication), it teaches astronomy equally well to the physics major and the humanities student (such as myslef) who is taking the class for a science credit. The authors present the information in a fun way and introduce terms simply for the student. Supplemental material includes an excellent computer program, Starry Night, as well as web resources for reviewing the text material for tests. I highly recommend this text! (And so, of course, does my Astronomy teacher)

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rate the book itself not the particular condition of the one you recieved!, November 27, 2007

By 

astrojoe (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Discovering the Universe, 7th edition w/Starry Night CD-ROM (Paperback)

This is an excellent textbook! I bought this book for an intro astronomy class and loved it.. In fact I reread the textbook more indepthly after the course and have recommended this book to others.. these ratings are for the quality of the material not the condition of the particular book that the buyer purchased.. that will be conditional and ever changing... and thusly irrelevant..
Anyhow... terrific book, especially as an overview for an individual new to astronomy... Many topics are covered in a not too technical manner... Good addition to the library...