The Supernova Story [Paperback]

Laurence Marschall (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0691036330 | ISBN-13: 978-0691036335 | Publication Date: June 13, 1994

Astronomers believe that a supernova is a massive explosion signaling the death of a star, causing a cosmic recycling of the chemical elements and leaving behind a pulsar, black hole, or nothing at all. In an engaging story of the life cycles of stars, Laurence Marschall tells how early astronomers identified supernovae, and how later scientists came to their current understanding, piecing together observations and historical accounts to form a theory, which was tested by intensive study of SN 1987A, the brightest supernova since 1006. He has revised and updated The Supernova Story to include all the latest developments concerning SN 1987A, which astronomers still watch for possible aftershocks, as well as SN 1993J, the spectacular new event in the cosmic laboratory.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

On February 23, 1987, astronomers the world over rushed to their telescopes and electronic instruments to observe one of the rarest and most spectacular of cosmic eventsthe birth of a supernova in the nearby (only 160,000 light years away) Large Magellanic Cloud. What they saw confirmed many of their theories, but also left some abiding puzzles. Marschall, professor of physics at Gettysberg College in Pennsylvania, here presents a lucid history of supernova research culminating in an engrossing account of the discovery of Supernova 1987A. The explosion of Supernova 1987A released more energy in 10 seconds than is produced by an entire spiral galaxy of hundreds of millions of stars in a year. To set the stage, Marschall notes that ancient astronomers, particularly in China, had recorded many supernovae and thought that they were merely atmospheric phenomena. Nowadays, supernovae are known to be titanic explosions signaling the end of the lives of massive stars. Supernovae create the chemical elements that make up the earth and our bodieswe are literally made of atoms created in the hearts of stars. The book is a wonderous romp through astrophysics written by an expert guide.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

Marschall's supernova book is a superb piece of writing; it reads almost as easily as a good novel. -- Nature



A wondrous romp through astro-physics written by an expert guide. -- Publishers Weekly



This is a wonderful book about science, about astronomy, and, of course, about supernovae. -- American Journal of Physics



A superb piece of writing; it reads almost as easily as a good novel. -- Nature

Product Details

• Paperback: 344 pages
• Publisher: Princeton University Press (June 13, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0691036330
• ISBN-13: 978-0691036335
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #346,256 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Blast!, December 30, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Supernova Story (Paperback)

Found the book to be inspirational to my own writing. A good introduction to the lay person, and with healthy detail for the versed.

0 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good overview about Supernovae, though its from 1988, April 19, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Wissen, Germany (near Cologne)) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Supernova Story (Paperback)

This book brings a good overview to the reader, how Supernovae brings their information to our planet and how they develop with all the basics of astrophysics an cosmology needed to understand. It was published first in 1988 but a 2. series came out in 1994. So you can't find the newest informations on Supernovae.