Best of
Astronomy

2003

Sun, Moon and Stars


Stephanie Turnbull - 2003
    Includes internet links to carefully selected websites with video clips and activities.

My Favorite Universe


Neil deGrasse Tyson - 2003
    Clear Science Teaching to Set the Stage for an Awe-Inspiring Course Created for a lay audience and readily accessible, in this course science always takes precedence over drama. The lectures are certainly entertaining, often funny, even awe-inspiring at times, as befits the subject matter. Even though you will be entertained, you will be learning good science. Clear introductions to essential principles of physics support these lectures, including density, quantum theory, gravity, and the General Theory of Relativity. Professor Neil deGrasse Tyson also includes forays into disciplines such as chemistry and biology as needed to explain events in astronomy. For example, Dr. Tyson begins one lecture at a point 13 billion years ago, when all space, matter, and energy in the known universe were contained in a volume less than one-trillionth the size of a pinpoint-about the size of a single atom. By the time he finishes, the cosmos has been stretched, the planets and our Earth formed, and 70 percent of existing Earth species have been wiped out by a gigantic asteroidclearing the way for the evolution of humanity. Along the way he has touched on Einstein's famous equation, E=mc2; on the four forces that were once unified in the early cosmos in a way physicists are still trying to explain; and on the chemical enrichment of the universe by exploding supernovae, which give the universe its necessary supply of heavier elements including oxygen, nitrogen, iron and, most important, carbon. Carbon, we learn, is a "sticky" atom, capable of making more kinds of molecules than all other elements combined. It's the ideal element with which to experiment in the building of life forms and is, of course, the element responsible for the remarkable diversity of life, including us. As Dr. Tyson notes, we are made of stardust, just as the planets are. And he has created a course that explains exactly how that came to be, beginning with a grounding in the basic "machinery" of matter, forces, and energy that has been discovered on Earth and which also reveals itself throughout the universe. The Stark and Violent Beauty of the Universe With this basic foundation in place, explanations of cosmic events fall logically into place, and the realities of the universe-including its eventual demise-are revealed in stark and often violent beauty. You learn: how Saturn's rings were formed, and why they will eventually be lost why low-density conditions are necessary to produce the drama of the northern and southern auroras why even the most jagged and wild of the Earth's mountain ranges are, from a cosmic standpoint, really part of a perfectly smooth sphere how black holes are formed and the extraordinary way in which they can wreak havoc in the universe how asteroids moving through space represent threats of extraordinary consequence to Earth, no matter how long those threats may take to be realized why the seemingly infinite panorama of celestial bodies revealed by the Hubble Space Telescope's famous "Deep Field" so intrigued astronomers how astronomers actually look for new planets, why the odds seem overwhelmingly in favor of some kind of life out there, whether we ever make contact or not. Most important, none of these ideas are presented as isolated "space factoids" that serve no purpose but to entertain. They are there to illustrate and reinforce the key principles of physics and astrophysics that are continually being presented in this course. But the inclusion of real science doesn't prevent Dr. Tyson from having some fun, either. When it's time to show how a black hole might remove one from the universe, he leads you right up to the "event horizon" and slips you in-feet first. Since the event horizon represents the point within which nothing, not even light, can escape, you might think this is a bad idea. And you would be right. But as you plummet toward the "singularity" at the heart of the black hole, you will learn firsthand about the interesting effects of gravity truly unleashed, including what physicists refer to, with a straight face, as "spaghettification." (Actually, Professor Tyson recommends that you be sucked in to a large black hole rather than a small one. You'll still be spaghettified, but it won't happen as quickly.) But make no mistake: Dr. Tyson does not consider the cosmos a laughing matter, this kind of whimsical touch notwithstanding. In spite of his training, he remains, admittedly, still in awe of his subject. And he has created a course that might well produce the same feeling in you.

Beyond: Visions Of The Interplanetary Probes


Michael Benson - 2003
    These images provide a visual tour of the solar system and are accompanied by essays that explain the history of the journeys of the probes.

Lonely Planets: The Natural Philosophy of Alien Life


David Grinspoon - 2003
    David Grinspoon, a planetary scientist who has helped to shape modern planetary exploration, brings the subject to a new generation of readers with his reflections on the most recent developments in astrobiology, including NASA's search for life on Mars. In Lonely Planets, he investigates the big questions: How widespread are life and intelligence in the cosmos? Is life on Earth an accident or in some sense the "purpose" of this universe? And how can we, working from the Earth-centric definition of "life," even begin to think about the varieties of life-forms on other planets?Using the topic of extraterrestrial life as a mirror with which to view human beliefs, evolution, history, and aspirations, Grinspoon provides an authoritative scientific narrative of cosmic evolution, along with provocative ruminations on how we fit into the story of the universe. An accessible, lively blend of science, history, philosophy, and personal narrative, Lonely Planets reveals how the search for extraterrestrial life unites our spiritual and scientific quests for connection with the cosmos.

Astronomy: The Definitive Guide


Robert Burnham - 2003
    Prepared under the direction of consultant editor Robert Burnham, the guide includes hundreds of photographs, illustrations, and sky maps that bring to life the intriguing subject of astronomy.The guide is divided into two sections. The first, "Discovering the Universe", explains our changing understanding of earth's place in the universe and provides an up-to-the-minute guide to astronomy today. It describes the main celestial bodies and explores the big questions raised by our evolving understanding of the universe. Also included is advice on selecting the most appropriate equipment for skywatching and tips on becoming a successful viewer.The second section, "A Guide to Celestial Objects", is a field guide to the night sky. It includes hundreds of maps and photographs, with sections on the sun, moon and planets, stars, nebulas and galaxies, as well as monthly star charts and sky tours of both northern and southern hemispheres."Ten years from now, I expect many professional and amateur astronomers to trace their passion for the field back to this book."—New Scientist, London

Hubble: The Mirror on the Universe


Robin Kerrod - 2003
    Hubble uses hundreds of the latest, most spectacular images from the HST to illustrate a comprehensive astronomy reference. Stargazers will be astonished to see in color pictures what were once fuzzy photographs, dots on a star map or words in a textbook.Hubble explains how new discoveries are revising scientific understanding of the Universe. Detailed images of the Eagle Nebula show several fingers rising above a massive gas cloud. At the end of each fingertip -- the width of our solar system -- is the birth of a star.The book covers the observable universe in six sections:Stars in the Firmament Stellar Death and Destruction Gregarious Galaxies The Expansive Universe Solar Systems The Heavenly Wanderers Clear and concise text explains the fascinating history of astronomy and the development of the HST. Hubble transports readers to the planets of our solar system and on to galaxies millions -- even billions -- of light years away. These dramatic, unforgettable images will bring into sharp focus how the Universe is unfolding in new and astonishing ways.

The Modern Scholar: Astronomy I: Earth, Sky, and Planets


James B. Kaler - 2003
    By studying the physical astronomy of all the planets in the Solar System, we can attempt to understand their true nature. Ultimately, these lectures will bring us to a greater understanding of the Solar System's creation, which brings us again back to the beginning and what it means to us as we look outward from our rotating Earth.

The Cambridge Guide to the Solar System


Kenneth R. Lang - 2003
    It is written in a concise, light and uniform style, without being unnecessarily weighted down with specialized materials or the variable writing of multiple authors. It is filled with vital facts and information for astronomers of all types and for anyone with a scientific interest in the Earth, our Moon, all the other planets and their satellites, and related topics such as asteroids, comets, meteorites and meteors. The language, style, ideas and profuse illustrations will attract the general reader as well as professionals. A thorough report for general readers, it includes much compact reference data. Metaphors, similes and analogies will be of immense help to the lay person or non-science student, and they add to the enjoyment of the material. Vignettes containing historical, literary and even artistic material make this book unusual and interesting, and enhance its scientific content. Kenneth Lang is professor of astronomy in the Physics and Astronomy Department at Tufts University. He is the author of several astrophysics books, including The Sun from Space (Springer Verlag, 2000), Astrophysical Formulae: Radiation, Gas Processes, and High Energy Physics (Springer Verlag, 1999), Sun, Earth and Sky (Copernicus Books, 1997), Astrophysical Data: Planets and Stars (Springer Verlag, 1993), and Wanderers in Space: Exploration and Discovery in the Solar System (Cambridge, 1991),

The Hidden Records: The Star of the Gods


Wayne Herschel - 2003
    The author proves that Stonehenge has the same cosmic solution and that the pyramid layouts of the Maya, the Incas, the Khmer and many others around the world, all repeat the same star map theme.

Stories of The Planets


Joan Marie Galat - 2003
    Each colorful chapter focuses on a specific planet (even Earth) and shares the myths that have come to be associated with it. Each chapter also features Planetary Notes, tips for observing the planet in the sky, and informative sidebars with planetary facts and dates in the history of planet gazing and discovery.

Planets, Moons, and Stars


Laura Evert - 2003
    Young astronomers and explorers will learn to identify our nine planets and how to seek out the shapes in the sky that our ancestors saw thousands of years ago. This book includes information on which planets and constellations you can see with the naked eye or with binoculars, and which ones require telescopes. Statistics, illustrations and interesting facts are included in each section. What are shooting stars? How has the night sky changed over time? Which planet has the most moons? How did Orion get its name? How old is our sun?

Intelligent Life in the Universe: Principles and Requirements Behind Its Emergence


Peter Ulmschneider - 2003
    It scrutinizes what kind of information about extraterrestrial intelligent life can be inferred from our own biological, cultural and scientific evolution and the likely future of mankind. There is emphasis on the geological conditions and consequences of life's conquest of land as the pre-condition for the emergence of life with our type of technical intelligence.

Classical Mechanics: Point Particles and Relativity


Walter Greiner - 2003
    The idea of developing a coherent, complete presentation of an entire ?eld of science in a series of closely related textbooks is not a new one. Many older physicians remember with real pleasure their sense of adventure and discovery as they worked their ways through the classic series by Sommerfeld, by Planck, and by Landau and Lifshitz. From the students' viewpoint, there are a great many obvious advantages to be gained through the use of consistent notation, logical ordering of topics, and coherence of presentation; beyond this, thecompletecoverageofthescienceprovidesauniqueopportunityfortheauthortoconvey his personal enthusiasm and love for his subject. These volumes on classical physics, ?nally available in English, complement Greiner's textsonquantumphysics, mostofwhichhavebeenavailabletoEnglish-speakingaudiences for some time. The complete set of books will thus provide a coherent view of physics that includes, in classical physics, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, classical dyn- ics, electromagnetism, and general relativity; and in quantum physics, quantum mechanics, symmetries, relativistic quantum mechanics, quantum electro- and chromodynamics, and the gauge theory of weak interactions.

Balatik: Etnoastronomiya, Kalangitan sa Kabihasnang Pilipino


Dante L. Ambrosio - 2003
    As he pursued the search, he discovered that the Philipines’ ancient civilization can be read in the sky.""Historian finds Philippine ancient civilization in the sky." PhilippineHistory.ph (January 22, 2012)

Vault of the Heavens (Exploring the Solar System's Place in the Universe)


James B. Kaler - 2003
    Each course introduces listeners to fascinating, and sometimes startling, insights into the intellectual forces that shape our understanding of the world. Each package includes 14 riveting lectures presented by notable professors as well as a book-length course guide.Since the beginning of recorded history, and likely for much longer than that, humankind has gazed to the heavens for clues to the most fundamental mysteries about our place in the universe. In the modern age, when the science of astronomy has replaced mythology as the primary tool for interpreting the heavens, we continue to search the skies for answers as we tumble through the solar system. In this remarkable course, award-winning astronomer James Kaler, moving outward from our vantage point on Earth, explains the workings of the planets and sun and shows how this knowledge provides remarkable insights into the mechanics of the universe at large.COURSE LECTURES We and the Universe Reflections of the Spinning Earth Sun and Seasons Stories in the Sky: Constellations Romance of the Moon Happy Wanderers: The Planets Keeping It All Together Reaching Outward Our Domain: Earth and the Moon Iron Planets: Mercury, Venus, and Mars Monsters of the Midway: Jupiter and Saturn Distant Outposts: Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto Leftovers of Creation: Comets, Asteroids, and Meteors Creation

Visions of the Cosmos


Carolyn Collins Petersen - 2003
    Featuring the latest and most stunning images, it provides a magnificent picture of the beauty of the cosmos. The accompanying text is an accessible guide to the science behind the wonders and includes clear explanations of all the major themes in astronomy. An essential guide to understanding and appreciating the Universe, Visions of the Cosmos builds on the success of the authors' previous book, Hubble Vision, which became an international best-seller and won world-wide acclaim. Carolyn Collins Petersen is a science journalist and creator of educational materials for astronomy. She is the former Editor of Books & Products at Sky Publishing Corporation, and served as Editor of SkyWatch and Associate Editor of Sky & Telescope magazines. Petersen is the lead author of the book Hubble Vision, first published in 1995 by Cambridge University Press, and co-written with Dr. John C. Brandt. She is also co-editor (with J. Kelly Beatty and Andrew Chaikin) of The New Solar System, fourth edition, co-published by Sky Publishing Corporation and Cambridge University Press. John C. Brandt has held positions as a research scientist, teacher, and administrator, and is currently an adjunct professor of physics and astronomy at the University of New Mexico. He served for 20 years as Chief of a major NASA scientific laboratory and was the Principal Inverstigator for the Goddard High Resolution Spectograph on the Hubble Space Telescope. John received the NASA Medal for Exceptional Scientific Achievement in 1978 and 1992, and has had a minor planet formally named after him (3503 Brandt) for his fundamental contributions to understanding of solar system astrophysics.

A Closer Look At The Evidence


Richard Kleiss - 2003
     The primary purpose of this book is to help people understand what makes Christianity so trustworthy. Many books are available on the scientific evidence for creation, but most are difficult to share due to the technical nature of the subject matter. This book is written to be enjoyed as a daily devotional, but can also serve as an easy-to-read resource on the physical evidence that our Creator exists. God’s desire is that the knowledge of what He has done through both the cross and creation is for everyone. We must not keep this knowledge to ourselves. The evidence that He is our Creator is so overwhelming and encouraging that it desperately needs to be shared in the world today. A Closer Look at the Evidence is designed to be an affordable resource to both reinforce our individual faith and facilitate sharing the reasons for this faith. Each page summarizes interesting facts about God and/or creation.  The reader is encouraged to find more extensive and detailed information through the sources listed at the bottom of each page.  Occasionally the source is quoted directly, but more often the material is summarized.  The book is a great resource for both individuals and classrooms, suitable for elementary through adult.

The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Amateur Astronomy


Michael E. Bakich - 2003
    Organized thematically for ease of use, it covers observing techniques, telescopes and observatories, internet resources, and the objects that can be studied. Those new to the field will find tips, techniques and plans on how to begin their quest, and more advanced observers will find useful advice on how to get more from their hobby. Michael E. Bakich obtained a bachelors degree in Astronomy from Ohio State University and a masters degree in Planetarium Education from Michigan State University. He has written numerous original planetarium programs, and gives lectures on astronomy to groups of all ages. He is also a tour guide to eclipses and astro-archaeological sites. Bakich has written two previous books: The Cambridge Planetary Handbook (2000) and The Cambridge Guide to the Constellations (1995), both published by Cambridge University Press.

Newton's Principia, the Central Argument: Translation, Notes, Expanded Proofs


Dana Densmore - 2003
    This title moves from Newton's definitions and axioms through the essential propositions, as Newton himself identified them, to the establishment of universal gravitation and elliptical orbits.

The Truth about Challenger


Randy Avera - 2003
    It is not a condemnation of NASA or the space agency's contractors. Rather, it is a testimony to the exceptional qualities and practices of the organizations and leaders that have produced successful and historic program management, and exploration of ways in which mangement failed, and a description of the standards of excellence needed for successful aerospace research and implementation. This book had to be written in order to restore the technical accuracy of the cause of theChallenger crash, and to honor th unselfish and reliable working people who made great space exploration projects successful but who were rarely recognized. The primary goal of this book is to offer a first-person message of hope, history, and motivation to the working class of people, and to the great explorers of today and of the future.

Constellation Handbook


Antonin Rukl - 2003
    Locate every constellation and star grouping; use the meridian to establish when each constellation will appear in your area; and know visual cues for recognizing the planets. The dazzling pictorial section points out and defines all the deep-space objects: stars of various types; our own galaxy, the Milky Way; clusters and nebulae. Search through star, constellation, and orientation maps; distinguish visible radiation and see how our atmosphere limits and distorts our view.

Star Clusters


Brent A. Archinal - 2003
    These includes: star clusters, globular clusters, asterisms and other objects that have been misidentified as such.It is both a descriptive text of the historical study and astrophysics of some the youngest (open clusters) and oldest (globular clusters) objects that populate the Universe along with the most up-to-date catalog of these objects in existence—an effort that has taken more than a decade to complete. Over the last few hundred years many of these objects have been repeatedly rediscovered and subsequently renamed, misidentified as to their true nature, or given incorrect celestial coordinates.Altogether there are 5,045 individual objects catalogued in this work that have a total of 13,949 “alias” names—on average, nearly 3 names for each object. This work catalogs 2,017 clusters in the Milky Way or previously misidentified as Milky Way clusters, including 151 globular clusters or possible globular clusters, and 1547 open clusters or possible open clusters. Also cataloged are clusters or objects misidentified as such in several of the Local Group galaxies. This includes 2,025 objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud, 419 objects in the Small Magellanic Cloud, 578 objects in the Andromeda (M 31) galaxy and 6 objects in the Fornax Dwarf galaxy.An extensive Appendix explains the origin of all object names and abbreviations and provides detailed references to the original source material for all object discoveries.In total there are 197 illustrations and 119 pages of extended notes on objects that are either astrophysically or observationally of interest, or have been especially troublesome to catalogers. The approach to developing this catalog has involved a comprehensive survey of discovery documents, visual reports from telescopic observers and personal inspection of the great photographic surveys of the past century.Particular care has been exercised to determine accurate positions across the entire catalog. Finally, in addition to the chapters on the history and astrophysics of globular and open clusters a chapter is devoted to the observation of these objects.

Mars


Robin Birch - 2003
    - A section on surface features- Descriptions of noteworthy explorations- A list of questions remaining for future explorers- A fact summary box