The Solar System (with AceAstronomy™, Virtual Astronomy Labs Printed Access Card) (Paperback)

by Michael A. Seeds (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
ASTRONOMY: THE SOLAR SYSTEM AND BEYOND with its accompany online learning tools, Ace Astronomy and Virtual Astronomy Labs shows you your place in the universe,not just your location, but also your role as a planet dweller in an evolving universe. You will learn to focus on the scientific method through the strong central questioning themes of "What are we?" and "How do we know?" Rather than memorize facts, you will be empowered to create your own understanding of your place in the cosmos. Your purchase includes Ace Astronomy, an online learning tool that will help you enhance your conceptual understanding of the content, but to improve your grade in the course.

About the Author
Mike Seeds is Professor, Emeritus of Astronomy at Franklin and Marshall College, where he has taught since 1970. His research interests have focused on peculiar variable stars and the automation of astronomical telescopes. He extended his research by serving as the principal astronomer in charge of the Phoenix 10, the first fully robotic telescope, located in southern Arizona. In 1989, he received the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching. In addition to teaching, writing, and doing research, Mike has published educational systems for use in computer-smart classrooms. His interest in the history of astronomy led him to offer the upper-level courses Archaeoastronomy and Changing Concepts of the Universe, which is a history of cosmology from ancient times to Newton. He also has published educational software for preliterate toddlers. Mike was Senior Consultant in the creation of the 26-episode telecourse UNIVERSE: THE INFINITE FRONTIER. He is the author of several introductory astronomy textbooks, including HORIZONS: EXPLORING THE UNIVERSE, 10e (2008) and PERSPECTIVES OF ASTRONOMY (2008).

Product Details

• Paperback: 496 pages
• Publisher: Brooks Cole; 5 edition (March 10, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 049501575X
• ISBN-13: 978-0495015758
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #715,840 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Book, February 8, 2009

By	Norman Strojny "retired tech-person" (western desert of Utah) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Solar System (with CD-ROM, Virtual Astronomy Labs, AceAstronomy, and InfoTrac) (Paperback)

"The Solar System (with CD-ROM, Virtual Astronomy Labs, AceAstronomy, and InfoTrac)", fourth edition. is an excellent book for learning the elements of astronomy withing our solar system. The author, Michael A. Seeds, gives not just facts, but, also, a conceptual framework to understand how the logic of science works. The book has many, excellent, colored illustrations and photos with simple explanations. While some of the mathematics is there, the author makes it possible to use the book without resorting to the math.

This edition comes with a CD that has a student tutorial system. This addition makes this edition more worthwhile than the sixth edition that does not have this useful extra.

The book is extensive (my copy has 657 pages) and is easy to read. I strongly recommend this book for any teenager who is interested in learning more about the Solar System and about astronomy.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Solar System (with Printed Access Card AceAstronomy , Virtual Astronomy Labs), March 8, 2007

By	S. Outarid "sue" (staten Island, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

it's excellent but no cd included

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Book. Good Printing. Great Writing., June 27, 2006

By	John Matlock "Gunny" (Winnemucca, NV) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

For a science that has been studied for as long as there have been humans around to look at the sky, astronomy is rapidly changing. That has resulted in this the fifth edition of this book. Dr. Seeds treats Astronomy almost like a revival preacher. He clearly loves the subject and this comes through in his writing. More than anything else he wants the students to learn a bit about astronomy but to come away clearly knowing the basic principles of the scientific method and perhaps, hopefully seek a career in science.

The book is printed like a high end coffee table book. Brilliant pictures, beautiful printing, and backed up with enough text to explain what is going on. Dr. Seeds has written several astronomy texts. He has had time and feedback from them so that his explanations of fairly complex things such as Einstein's General Theory of Relativity make it seem simple.

This book is primarily on the solar system, but it gets out enough to cover the rest of the galaxy just enough to let you know just how big the universe is.

Finally, visit SETI@Home and let your computer search for signs of extraterresterial intelligence.