Pathways to the Universe
Pathways to the Universe
Sir Bernard Lovell, Nuffield Radio Astronomy Laboratories, University of Manchester, Jodrell Bank
Out of Print
Pathways to the Universe is an illustrated introduction to astronomy that begins at the level of common experience and develops the subject to the frontiers of modern research. Using readily comprehensible, nontechnical language, Professors Graham-Smith and Lovell explain how to become an astronomer and how to find your way around the sky using simple binoculars, telescopes, or the naked eye. Each chapter covers the current level of research using modern optical, radio, X-ray, and infra-red astronomy in discussions of the planets, comets, meteors, the Sun, stars, and the galaxies. The book concludes with a stimulating account of cosmology and the origin of life.
These two distinguished astronomers continually show their sense of wonder and excitement at the universe that is now revealed to us. Final year high school students will find this a good introduction to astronomy; one that will appeal equally to amateur astronomers, and to those who want a comprehensive, conventional, and authoritative account from prominent authors in the field.
This book was previously announced under the title The Guide to Modern Astronomy.
Reviews & endorsements
"...a well-written set of paths into an understanding of modern astronomical knowledge, with an originality of approcach that should interest even the knowledgeable reader and be of value to anyone concerned with public education in astronomy." Scope
"It is rare to find such a readable account of this complex subject and perhaps even more rare to find the story being told by two pioneers who developed some of the tools used to make the most pivotal discoveries." Science Books and Films
Product details
January 1989Hardback
9780521320047
242 pages
246 × 189 × 21 mm
0.84kg
170 b/w illus.
Unavailable - out of print August 2006
Table of Contents
- Acknowledgements
- Preface
- 1. How we became astronomers
- 2. Finding your way about the stars
- 3. Optical telescopes
- 4. The electromagnetic spectrum
- 5. The dynamics of the solar system
- 6. The Moon
- 7. The Earth
- 8. The planets and their satellites
- 9. Atmospheres and climates of the planets
- 10. Comets
- 11. Meteors, micrometeorites and meteorites
- 12. The Sun
- 13. The birth, life and death of a star
- 14. Binaries and cluster
- 15. Variables and novae
- 16. Supernovae and pulsars
- 17. The Milky Way - our Galaxy
- 18. The galaxies
- 19. Radio galaxies and quasars
- 20. Cosmology
- 21. The origin of life
- Glossary
- Useful addresses
- Picture credits
- Index.
