Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I think the book itself was pretty informative it got me through the class well. The thing that isn't so great is how people are selling it for $5 when it costs over $100 new at my school bookstore. How am I supposed to get anything back from that purchase huh?
yes, I am aware this is bratty but man, that is really annoying I always make money off of selling my books back on amazon except for this one...

Since ordering this book on May 21, 2008, I have neither received the book nor any communication from the server (as of June 20, 2008). I have contacted Amazon twice by phone and they've told me to wait "3 more days" each time I've called. Then they told me to contact the 3rd party supplier (Yoshi6363). I've done that also to NO AVAIL!!!!!! My class starts in 2 weeks and I still have no book!!!! Now I need to cancel that order, try to get my money BACK and reorder the book I NEED!!!! I am obviously VERY UNHAPPY with this transaction!

The book was listed in mint condition and I got it with a giant gash in it. It reveals nothing new as far as information goes of course and really is just a required course text as expected.