Product Description

An introductory illustrated and comprehensive guide to observing and understanding the night sky.

This book provides a survey of science's growing understanding of space and includes details of the latest space probes. The most recent photographs from the world's finest observatories and space-based cameras capture the wonder and beauty of the universe.

Astronomy covers a wide variety of heavenly phenomenon: - Distant stars - Planets of the Solar System - Comets and shooting stars - Eclipses - Black holes.

Vivid cross-sections of the planets with a concise description and a chart of their relative distance from the sun provide at-a-glance information. A series of monthly sky charts point out constellations, star clusters, galaxies, nebula and more.

The sky maps use easy-to-read symbols to identify open and globular star clusters, galaxies and planetary nebula. The constellations are labeled and diagramed. Spectacular images of space phenomenon are further explained with colorful digital graphics.

Nebula, clusters, galaxies, etc. are profiled with color images and short descriptions. A pictograph tells whether binoculars or a telescope is required.

Astronomy is a fascinating and easy-to-use illustrated reference for amateur astronomers of all levels.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #777143 in Books
• Published on: 2004-08-07
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 304 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781552979587
• Condition: USED - VERY GOOD
• Notes:

From Booklist
Astronomy is custom designed to inspire stargazing. Twenty-four sky maps are offered for just such an eventuality. Otherwise, astrophysicist Garlick organizes the universe in a conventional but still beautiful manner, proceeding from the solar system outward to the multibillion-light-year depths probed by the Hubble Space Telescope. Its images are not the only space-age source Garlick taps: pictures from less celebrated observatories also populate the presentations of planets, stars, galaxies, and quasars. More than a glossy gallery, the celestial objects Garlick features are embedded within his framing explanations of the electromagnetic spectrum and big-bang cosmology. Gilbert Taylor
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review
Detailed information and detail in the photographs and illustrations are the strengths of this book... Recommended. -- Mark Westhoff, Library Media Connection 04/2005

Excellent visuals coupled with straightforward, broad subject coverage make it appropriate for many purposes and nearly any audience. -- Courtney Greene, E-Streams 02/2005

Illustrat[es] not just western thinking but also the contributions of many cultures to the study of the sky. -- Claudia Fetters, NSTA Recommends (National Science Teachers Assoc) 03/09/2005

Novice astronomers seeking an all-in-one reference to the heavens will find it here. -- Science News 07/31/2004

Review
What makes [this book] stand out is the interesting arrangement of content, mixture of graphics and photography... depth of coverage. (Margaret Dominy American Reference Books Annual, Volume 36 200502)

Panoramic introductions... custom designed to inspire stargazing. (Gilbert Taylor Booklist 20050309)

Experts and amateurs alike will love this book for its stunning photography and clear description of celestial phenomena... highly recommended. (Valerie Ott VOYA 20041212)

Illustrat[es] not just western thinking but also the contributions of many cultures to the study of the sky. (Claudia Fetters NSTA Recommends (National Science Teachers Assoc) 20041101)

The book is bursting with information but is so well-designed and written that the text never seems too heavy. (John Lyons Charleston Post and Courier 200412)

Novice astronomers seeking an all-in-one reference to the heavens will find it here. (Science News 200410)

Excellent visuals coupled with straightforward, broad subject coverage make it appropriate for many purposes and nearly any audience. (Courtney Greene E-Streams 200411)

Introductory and comprehensive... an easy-to-use illustrated reference for amateur astronomers of all levels. (Lunar and Planetary Information Bulletin 200412)

Superb collection of images... they can evoke in the viewer and almost intuitive understanding of the processes they depict. (Geoff Chester Air and Space Smithsonian 200411)

Stargazer's wonderland, offering a trove of hard data and interesting speculation... eminently readable... best of all are the stunning photographs. (Bookpage 20041204)

Will appeal to anyone who's ever marveled at the mysteries of a night sky. (Hemispheres 200502)

One of the most beautiful introductory books on astronomy... an excellent gift for anybody keen on astronomy. (Astronomy 200504)

Overall the photos and the reproduction quality are excellent. (Paul Deans Sky and Telescope )

A wonderfully useful, well-written, complete and attractive introductory text... an excellent, highly impressive book. (Gary W. Finiol Science Books and Films )

Fun... exactly the kind of book that might inspire a youngster to take an interest in the heavens. (Dan Falk Globe and Mail )

An attractive large-scale book... a volume with high visual impact and clear, although brief, explanations. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers. (M.-K.Hemenway Choice )

Detailed information and detail in the photographs and illustrations are the strengths of this book... Recommended. (Mark Westhoff Library Media Connection )

Customer Reviews

Easy To Follow, Beautiful Photos ............
This book is not only full of gorgeous photos , but very easy to understand . Over 295 pages, describing in detail, everything from the planets in our solar system , to galaxies, to helpful info on buying a telescope, and more, including :
* Detailed description of every planet in our solar system.

* Development of Astronomy tools, from B.C to present day

* Major Space Centers & Observatories

* Several kinds of Galaxies, including spiral,elliptical,lenticular ....

* Dates of solar eclipses, Past, Present AND future !!

*Constellation Facts , and their meaning...

The list could go on and on , this is an excellant book for any one interested in the night sky . I wish I had it as a textbook when I was in school , it covers everything without being too scientific or dull . It truly takes you on a journey into space . Highly recommended !!

Caught my Child's Eyes
Our son has a budding interest in astronomy and a nine year old's attention span. That's okay b/c he is nine, btw. This book is definitely visual enough to pique his interest in ways that other astronomy books could not. His father (the astronomer...) is thrilled. The photography is quite simply lovely and provides a different perspective on what is up there. I generally use that "other" part of the brain, but even I was quite engaged. Maybe not terribly technical, but it's a start.

Great pics
I've enjoyed reading this book. It has made a great addition to my small library of astronomy books. It has great pictures with great detail. The only thing I wish is that it would packed with a little more information.