Title: Unfolding our universe /
Authors: Nicolson, Iain.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press,
Year: 1999
Subjects: Astronomy
Abstract: "Unfolding Our Universe is a comprehensive and accessible introduction to astronomy. With text and illustrations, it takes readers to the heart of the Universe - explaining the facts, concepts, methods and frontiers of astronomical science. The book can be read right through without referring to any mathematics. For the more ambitious reader, key points are developed in more detail and basic mathematics provided in self-contained boxes." "Full color throughout and a very readable text make this book a delight for the casual reader to browse, while the clear and concise explanations will appeal to amateur astronomers, science teachers and college and university students taking an introductory course on astronomy."--Jacket.
Contents: Ch. 1. Overview of the Universe -- Ch. 2. Observing the Universe -- Ch. 3. The Moving Sky -- Ch. 4. Orbits and Gravity -- Ch. 5. The Earth -- Moon System -- Ch. 6. Worlds Beyond: The Planets -- Ch. 7. Wandering Fragments: Minor Members of the Solar System -- Ch. 8. The Sun: Our Neighborhood Star -- Ch. 9. Stars: Basic Properties -- Ch. 10. Nebulas and the Birth of Stars and Planets -- Ch. 11. Stellar Life Cycles -- Ch. 12. Collapsing, Exploding, and Interacting Stars -- Ch. 13. The Milky Way and Other Galaxies -- Ch. 14. Active Galaxies and Quasars -- Ch. 15. Cosmology: Beginnings and Endings -- Ch. 16. Wider Issues -- App. 1. Units of Measurement and Physical Constants -- App. 2. Solar System Data -- App. 3. The Brightest and Nearest Stars.