Discovering Astronomy

by R. Robert Robbins, William H. Jefferys

Overview

Uses a discovery approach which encourages readers to be active rather than passive learners. Organized in the way astronomy developed—from observations to an understanding first of the solar system and later of stars and galaxies. A separate Activity Kit features experimentation and measurement projects in order to obtain direct experience in the scientific gathering and analyzing of data. In this edition, the art program has been expanded to include full color photos plus computer generated multicolor diagrams which help clarify complex concepts. Contains a completely rewritten and updated discussion of the planets and a new Earth/Moon chapter.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780471832119
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	01/18/1988
Edition description:	2nd ed
Pages:	480
Product dimensions:	8.46(w) x 11.02(h) x 0.98(d)

Table of Contents

Beyond the Blue Horizon: A Grand Tour of the Universe.

Science and Pseudoscience.

Astronomical Observations: Angles and Errors.

Basic Observations and Interpretations of the Sky.

The Historical Quest to Model the Solar System.

The Structure and Formation of the Solar System.

The Smallest Bodies of the Solar System: Comets, Minor Planets, and Meteorites.

The Earth and the Moon.

The Earth-Like Planets.

The Jovian Planets and Pluto.

The Nature of Light.

Telescopes: Our Eye of Discovery.

Spectra: The Key to Understanding the Universe.

Understanding Stellar Spectra.

The Observed Properties of Normal Stars.

The Sun and Stars: Their Energy Sources and Structure.

Star Formation and Evolution to the Main Sequence.

Stellar Evolution After the Main Sequence.

Cataclysmic Astronomy.

The Milky Way: Our Galaxy.

Galaxies.

Peculiar and Unusual Extragalactic Objects.

The Origin and Evolution of the Universe.

Appendices.

Glossary.

Index.