A Beginner's Guide to the Universe
A Beginner's Guide to the Universe is a fascinating introduction to astronomy and the wonders of the night sky. It begins by looking at the universe as a whole, describing what we can see in the night sky. The authors then go on to explore the planets of our solar system, from the hot world of Mercury near the Sun to the distant, frozen world of Pluto. Moons, asteroids, meteoroids and comets are described in detail, and objects outside the solar system are explained. Young readers will learn what stars are, and how they cluster together to form galaxies that allow us to map out the furthest reaches of our Universe. A key feature is a section in which John Brown, Astronomer Royal for Scotland, answers astronomy questions posed by schoolchildren. This guide will also appeal to adults wishing to learn about astronomy for the first time.
Andrew Conway is a lecturer in astronomy, based in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the Open University, UK. He is an active researcher in solar physics, and has given many lecture courses on popular astronomy. He is also a regular guest lecturer at astronomical societies.
Rosie Coleman is a primary school teacher in Scotland, UK, and has taught children for almost thirty years. She has given many educational talks, and produced material for use in schools throughout Scotland.
- Written by a professional astronomer and an experienced primary school teacher
- Spectacular colour illustrations throughout
- Contains a guide to the constellations
Reviews & endorsements
"This handy, fact-filled book explains things like how black holes work and how the constellations were named, using full-color photographs and helpful pictures.... This book is a must for any would-be astronomer or anyone interested in our universe." Children's Digest
"A Beginner's Guide to the Universe is an amazing, fact-filled science book especially recommended for inquisitive young readers ages seven to fourteen, but which would be an instrinsically interesting introduction for readers of any age or background. Color artwork and photography superbly enhance the enriching and informative text packed from cover to cover with information about the solar system, planets, galaxies, and beyond. An amazing and educational guide to stir interest in the stars, A Beginner's Guide to the Universe is enthusiastically recommended for personal, school, and community library Astronomy collections." The Midwest Book Review
Product details
February 2003Hardback
9780521806930
156 pages
254 × 198 × 17 mm
0.619kg
8 b/w illus. 86 colour illus.
Unavailable - out of print November 2012
Table of Contents
- 1. Our view of the universe
- 2. The Solar System
- 3. Stars and galaxies
- 4. Questions and answers.