Foundations of Astronomy (with AceAstronomy(TM), Virtual Astronomy Labs Printed Access Card) [Hardcover]

Michael A. Seeds (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0495015784 | ISBN-13: 978-0495015789 | Publication Date: February 10, 2006 | Edition: 009

With this newly revised 9th edition of FOUNDATIONS OF ASTRONOMY, Mike Seeds' goal is to help students use astronomy to understand science and use science to understand what we are. Fascinating and engaging, this text illustrates the scientific method and guides students to answer these fundamental questions: "What are we?" and "How do we know?" In discussing the interplay between evidence and hypothesis, Seeds provides not just facts, but a conceptual framework for understanding the logic of science. The book vividly conveys his love of astronomy, and illustrates how students can comprehend their place in the universe by grasping a small set of physical laws. Crafting a story about astronomy, Mike shows students how to ask questions to gradually puzzle out the beautiful secrets of the physical world. Mathematics is incorporated into the text (and in separate sections for easy reference), but the book's arguments do not depend on mathematical reasoning, keeping even math-averse students engaged. The revision addresses new developments in astrophysics and cosmology, plus the latest discoveries, including evidence of a new world beyond Pluto and new evidence of dark energy and the acceleration of the universe. Students are also provided with an online assessment tool, called AceAstronomy. Designed specifically to help students prepare for tests and exams, AceAstronomy improves conceptual understanding by providing a personalized learning plan based on a pre-test diagnostic.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 736 pages
• Publisher: Brooks Cole; 009 edition (February 10, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0495015784
• ISBN-13: 978-0495015789
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 9.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #366,771 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Michael A. Seeds has been Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, since 1970. In 1989, he received F&M College's Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching. Seeds's love for the history of astronomy led him to create upper-level courses on Archaeoastronomy and Changing Concepts of the Universe. His research interests focus on variable stars and the automation of astronomical telescopes. Mike is coauthor with Dana Backman of HORIZONS: EXPLORING THE UNIVERSE, Eleventh Edition (2009); ASTRONOMY: THE SOLAR SYSTEM AND BEYOND, Sixth Edition (2009); and PERSPECTIVES OF ASTRONOMY (2008), all published by Cengage. He was Senior Consultant in the creation of the twenty-six-episode telecourse accompanying the book HORIZONS: EXPLORING THE UNIVERSE.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Be careful with "Printed Access Card Ace Astronomy , Virtual Astronomy Labs", January 1, 2007

By 

Timothy Auch (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Foundations of Astronomy (with AceAstronomy(TM), Virtual Astronomy Labs Printed Access Card) (Hardcover)

I've worked through the first 3 chapters of the book and so far it is quite good. Review questions and problems in the book are valuable to validate what you learned.

However, one reason I selected this book was the stated access to online materials (as part of the "Product" purchased). The online materials (especially the tests) are also quite helpful. Once registered, you only have access to the materials for 180 days. While that sounds like a lot of time, if you are learning in your spare time, this will most likely not be enough. After a few phone calls, it seems that you may be able to purchase more time for $30-$40, but it is not real clear if adn how to do this.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful, current, and accessible introduction, July 16, 2009

By 

spumn - See all my reviews

This review is from: Foundations of Astronomy (with AceAstronomy(TM), Virtual Astronomy Labs Printed Access Card) (Hardcover)

It is a shame that there are no other reviews of this text available, and the low average rating gives altogether the wrong impression. Seeds' is a remarkable text in that it is targeted at a lay audience, one perhaps without any understanding of mathematics or even science in general, yet its treatment is neither narrow nor shallow. That is, very, very few topics are completely ignored here, and those that are presented are presented in great (although not technical) detail. Between the two covers lie a wealth of lucid explanation, inspiring photographs, and helpful diagrams relevant to countless astronomical topics. Another big point in Seeds' favor is his dedication to currency: nothing in this book is anything short of up-to-date. I think it is truly inspiring that students reading this textbook can discover images taken by robotic probes still exploring our solar system, right now, as they read.

Altogether missing from this book is any kind of mathematical treatment; on no more than a dozen occasions does Seeds at all attempt to speak in terms of equations or numerical methods. Moreover, the underlying physics is very thinly presented - I don't think the words "quantum mechanics" or even "thermodynamics" ever appear anywhere in the text. The relativistic concepts in the text are at a level no higher than that of a Discover magazine. Seeds' treatment of stellar structure and evolution is entirely qualitative and intuitive (although, oddly, all four of the differential equations of stellar structure appear without explanation in a somewhat humorous graphic). In his treatment of planetology, Seeds makes little more than a passing reference to haematite on Mars and "basalts" on pretty much every other body. Rather than use side notes to speak "more precisely" about a topic (as the excellent "Astronomy Today" text does), Seeds uses his boxes to speak about how science works and how scientists think. In fact, there is an entire section toward the beginning of the book dedicated to debunking astrology.

I should be clear: this is not a graduate text, or even a senior undergraduate text. This is a textbook for high school students or college freshmen, and particularly, for those who do not intend to pursue a degree in the physical sciences. The broad and up-to-date treatment is perhaps the greatest strength here. It is remarkable how much Seeds can teach to a completely lay audience without resorting to difficult math or physics. For his intended audience, this text will undoubtedly be a great joy to read.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars amature review, February 7, 2008

By 

Sir Patrick Spens "oleary" (Sandy, Utah United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Foundations of Astronomy (with AceAstronomy(TM), Virtual Astronomy Labs Printed Access Card) (Hardcover)

As an amature I found this text an excellent overview of the astronomy world. It is well organized and presented a basic overview of most all topics. It is well written and clear and would be very usefull for any one starting out in astronomy and interested in gaining a broad knowledge of the subject. Subjects covered lay a good foundation and also act as a spring board to other books with greater depth. I have kept and used this text for many years. It is great.