Buy a book... 
| Discovering the Essential Universe | Buy a book...
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| Author(s): | N. F. Comins |
| Publisher: | Macmillan |
| ISBN: | 0716758040 |
| Format: | softback |
| 358pp | |
| Price: | £28.99 |
| Review Date: | 30 September 2003 |
| Review: | This textbook for astronomy students provides a broad overview of the cosmos, from our nearest neighbours in the solar system to the cores of distant galaxies and the origin and evolution of the Universe. It begins with astronomical objects that are visible to the naked eye and moves on to areas that can only be studied using a telescope. The author describes the physics involved: gravity and the nature of light, telescopes, how stars and other astronomical bodies emit light and other radiation, before going on to look at the solar system, beginning with the Earth and Moon. The planets, their moons, the smaller bodies in the solar system and the Sun are all described in detail. He goes on to describe the nature and evolution of stars, black holes, the Milky Way and other galaxies, quasars, and the whole life of the Universe. A new feature called ‘Movie misconceptions’ points out the inaccuracies in popular films are asteroids crowded together as depicted in The Empire Strikes Back? |