Best of
Astronomy

2007

Astronomica (Transatlantic Reference Librar)


Fred Watson - 2007
    Combining the knowledge of astronomy experts with the very latest images to present an in-depth look at the universe and the celestial bodies that abound in the night sky, this reference book covers a wide range of astronomy topics.

Starlight Nights: The Adventures of a Star-Gazer


Leslie C. Peltier - 2007
    In his new foreword, Sky & Telescope contributing editor David H. Levy points out that although many books describe how to watch the sky, Starlight Nights tells us why. The book is illustrated with Peltier family photographs.

Endless Universe: Beyond the Big Bang


Paul J. Steinhardt - 2007
    Over the last three decades the theory has been repeatedly revised to address such issues as how galaxies and stars first formed and why the expansion of the universe is speeding up today. Furthermore, an explanation has yet to be found for what caused the Big Bang in the first place.In Endless Universe, Paul J. Steinhardt and Neil Turok, both distinguished theoretical physicists, present a bold new cosmology. Steinhardt and Turok “contend that what we think of as the moment of creation was simply part of an infinite cycle of titanic collisions between our universe and a parallel world” (Discover). They recount the remarkable developments in astronomy, particle physics, and superstring theory that form the basis for their groundbreaking “Cyclic Universe” theory. According to this theory, the Big Bang was not the beginning of time but the bridge to a past filled with endlessly repeating cycles of evolution, each accompanied by the creation of new matter and the formation of new galaxies, stars, and planets.Endless Universe provides answers to longstanding problems with the Big Bang model, while offering a provocative new view of both the past and the future of the cosmos.  It is a “theory that could solve the cosmic mystery” (USA Today).

The Electric Universe


Wallace Thornhill - 2007
    This book not only complements The Electric Sky book, but actually overlaps very little, while covering cosmic quandaries and plasma and electricity in space. The chapter on the electrical properties of comets is such great material, thoroughly convincing.

Binocular Highlights


Gary Seronik - 2007
    Each object is plotted on a detailed, easy-to-use star map, and most of these sights can be found even in a light-polluted sky. Also included are four seasonal all-sky charts that help locate each highlight. You don't need fancy or expensive equipment to enjoy the wonders of the night sky. In fact, as even experienced star gazers know, to go beyond the naked-eye sky and delve deep into the universe, all you need are binoculars ? even the ones hanging unused in your closet. If you don't own any, Binocular Highlights explains what to look for when choosing binoculars for star gazing and provides observing tips for users of these portable and versatile mini-telescopes. Sprial-bound with readable paper spine, full color throughout.

Life in the Universe: A Beginner's Guide


Lewis Dartnell - 2007
    Lewis Dartnell considers some of the fascinating questions facing researchers today. Could life exist anywhere else in the universe? What might aliens really look like? Dartnell explains why Earth is uniquely suited for life and reveals our profound connection to the cosmos.

Signs & Seasons Understanding the Elements of Classical Astronomy


Jay Ryan - 2007
    The biblical basis for astronomy is emphasized, that the Sun, Moon and stars were created "for signs and seasons, days and years." (Genesis 1:14)Topics include the phases of the moon, learning the constellations, why the length of daylight changes with the seasons and how to identify the visible planets.The text is lavishly illustrated with over 400 drawings, several per page, that make clear the visual appearances of the sky.Signs & Seasons includes extensive quotations from Scripture and alsoclassic authors of ancient, medieval, and early modern times. Forty pages of Field Activities are included to give practical instruction and to document hours for high school credit.Though createdas a homeschool science curriculum, targeted atstudents ages 10 and up, parents and other adult readerswill also enjoySigns & Seasons for their own enlightenment, to appreciate how "the heavens declare the glory of God."(Psalm 19:1) (from the back over) Astronomy is the most ancient science. Throughout all history, people have told time and found direction from the Sun, Moon and stars. This is the purpose for which the LORD created the celestial bodies - for Signs & Seasons, and Days and Years (Genesis 1:14). Lavishly illustrated and extensively quoting ancient sources, Signs & Seasons teaches the traditional, biblical basis for timekeeping and navigation. Topics include: the Phases of the Moon and the Passage of the Seasons; finding the Traditional Constellations and identifying the Visible Planets; how our Calendar is based on the Sun and Moon, and how the times of Passover and Easter are derived from their cycles. Importantly, Signs & Seasons sets the record straight about supposed "pagan influences" in astronomy, and offers challenging biblical explanations that distinguish the legitimate science of astronomy from the ancient superstition of astrology. Signs & Seasons also includes 40 pages of Field Activities, that enable homeschoolers to document work hours for High School Credit, or for adult-assisted activities with younger students. Read Signs & Seasons and rediscover your forgotten astronomical heritage!"

America in Space: Nasa's First Fifty Years


Steven J. Dick - 2007
    Until then, America's space exploration had been entrusted to the military, but immediately following Sputnik, the United States began to plan for the first civilian space agency. NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) was officially born on July 29, 1958.America in Space is a visual history of NASA, from its early days as a pioneer in supersonic flight, through the first manned space missions of the 1960s, to the shuttle and international space station missions that are still underway. It also covers NASA's exploration of the Solar System using unmanned probes and the imagery from satellite telescopes like Hubble.In fall 2007, NASA begins to celebrate its 50th Anniversary and Abrams is privileged to publish the official visual history of its many achievements in manned and unmanned space travel. Written and edited by a team of experienced NASA staffers and illustrated with many unpublished and rare images from the voluminous NASA archives scattered across the country, America in Space offers an unparalleled view of the human need to explore unknown places.

Sky & Telescope's Field Map of the Moon


Antonin Rukl - 2007
    The unique design allows you to look at the entire Moon, individual quadrants or any two neighboring quadrants at the same time, and the durable lamination will protect your map from dew, spills, and everyday wear and tear for years to come. It's also available in a mirror-reversed format for use with telescopes with an odd number of reflections (such as refractors and catadioptrics with star diagonals.) Each laminated map is 12 inches by 12 inches, opens to 24 inches by 24 inches.

Cosmic Catastrophes: Exploding Stars, Black Holes, and Mapping the Universe


J. Craig Wheeler - 2007
    This fully updated second edition incorporates new material on binary stars, black holes, gamma-ray bursts, worm-holes, quantum gravity and string theory. It covers the origins of stars and their evolution, the mechanisms responsible for supernovae, and their progeny, neutron stars and black holes. It examines the theoretical ideas behind black holes and their manifestation in observational astronomy and presents neutron stars in all their variety known today. This book also covers the physics of the twentieth century, discussing quantum theory and Einstein's gravity, how these two theories collide, and the prospects for their reconciliation in the twenty-first century. This will be essential reading for undergraduate students in astronomy and astrophysics, and an excellent, accessible introduction for a wider audience.

Celestial Sampler: 60 Small-Scope Tours for Starlit Nights


Sue French - 2007
    With 60 Small Scope Sampler columns, you will be out and exploring the wonders if the night sky in no time. Most of the objects are visible in a 4-inch telescope, making this full-color and easy-to-use book perfect for the backyard astronomer!

Our Changing Planet: The View from Space


Michael D. King - 2007
    Unseen by most of us, they are providing information on the many changes taking place, from movements in the land and volcanic eruptions, to human-caused changes such as the growth of cities, deforestation and the spread of pollutants in the atmosphere and oceans. Led by four editors with support from a production team at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, many of the world's top remote sensing scientists showcase some spectacular and beautiful satellite imagery along with informed essays on the science behind these images and the implications of what is shown. This is a stunningly attractive and informative book for anyone interested in environmental issues and the beauty of our home planet, providing inspiration for students, teachers, environmentalists and the general public alike.

The Sun Kings: The Unexpected Tragedy of Richard Carrington and the Tale of How Modern Astronomy Began


Stuart Clark - 2007
    Around the world, telegraph systems crashed, machines burst into flames, and electric shocks rendered operators unconscious. Compasses and other sensitive instruments reeled as if struck by a massive magnetic fist. For the first time, people began to suspect that the Earth was not isolated from the rest of the universe. However, nobody knew what could have released such strange forces upon the Earth--nobody, that is, except the amateur English astronomer Richard Carrington.In this riveting account, Stuart Clark tells for the first time the full story behind Carrington's observations of a mysterious explosion on the surface of the Sun and how his brilliant insight--that the Sun's magnetism directly influences the Earth--helped to usher in the modern era of astronomy. Clark vividly brings to life the scientists who roundly rejected the significance of Carrington's discovery of solar flares, as well as those who took up his struggle to prove the notion that the Earth could be touched by influences from space. Clark also reveals new details about the sordid scandal that destroyed Carrington's reputation and led him from the highest echelons of science to the very lowest reaches of love, villainy, and revenge. The Sun Kings transports us back to Victorian England, into the very heart of the great nineteenth-century scientific controversy about the Sun's hidden influence over our planet.

Astronomical Sketching: A Step-by-Step Introduction


Richard Handy - 2007
    Photography (these days, usually digital imaging with a CCD camera) is one, the other is sketching.Astronomical sketching and drawing has a long and esteemed history. Many astronomers believe it is still unrivalled for recording and illustrating transient phenomena (such as TLPs) or for taking advantage of the fleeting moments of extreme clarity that result from the turbulent atmosphere through which Earth-based astronomers carry out all their observing.Unfortunately, astronomical sketching and drawing is seldom taught as such, and is regarded by many amateur astronomers as the province of a talented few. This is not the case - the necessary techniques can be taught, just as portraiture and still-life drawing can be (and is) taught.This book could become a classic.

Energiya-Buran: The Soviet Space Shuttle


Bart Hendrickx - 2007
    The program eventually saw just one unmanned flight in November 1988 before the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union sealed its fate.After a Foreword provided by lead Buran test pilot Igor Volk, the authors look at the experience gradually accumulated in high-speed aeronautics with the development of various Soviet rocket planes and intercontinental cruise missiles between the 1930s to 1950s and the study of several small spaceplanes in the 1960s. Next the authors explain how the perceived military threat of the US Space Shuttle led to the decision in February 1976 to build a Soviet equivalent, and explore the evolution of the design until it was frozen in 1979. Following this is a detailed technical description of both Energiya and Buran and a look at nominal flight scenarios and emergency situations, highlighting similarities and differences with the US Space Shuttle.The authors then expand on the managerial aspects of the Energiya-Buran program, sum up the main design bureaus and production facilities involved in the project and describe the infrastructure needed to transport the hardware and prepare it for launch at the Baikonur cosmodrome. They go on to detail the selection and training of teams of civilian and military test pilots for Buran, crew assignments for the first manned missions and preparatory flights aboard Soyuz spacecraft.Next the focus turns to the extensive test program that preceded the first flight of Buran, notably the often trouble-plagued test firings of rocket engines, the first flight of Energiya with the enigmatic Polyus payload, test flights of subscale models and atmospheric approach and landing tests. After an analysis of Western speculation on the Soviet space shuttle effort in the pre-glasnost era, a detailed account is given of final preparations for the maiden flight of Buran and the mission itself.In the final chapters the authors look at the gradual demise of the project in the early 1990s, the fate of the Soviet orbiters and their cosmodrome infrastructure, cancelled missions, and the many planned derivatives of the Energiya rocket. Attention is also paid to technological spin-offs such as the Zenit and Sea Launch projects and the RD-180 and RD-191 rocket engines. Finally, an overview is given of alternative spaceplane proposals during and after the Buran era, including the MAKS air-launched spaceplane, the Kliper spacecraft and various single-stage-to-orbit systems.The book closes off with key specifications of the Energiya-Buran system, short biographies of the Buran pilots, an extensive list of Russian acronyms, a short bibliographical essay and a detailed index. Based largely on Russian sources, it is richly illustrated with some 250 pictures and diagrams.Although Energiya-Buran was primarily a program of unfulfilled promises and shattered dreams, it represented a major technological breakthrough for the Soviet Union and its story deserves to be told.

The Sky Is Your Laboratory: Advanced Astronomy Projects for Amateurs


Robert K. Buchheim - 2007
    Unfortunately, there is no modern text that points curious amateur astronomers to the research possibilities that are open to them. At the 2006 meeting of the Society for Astronomical Sciences, quite a few participants agreed that the lack of such a text was a serious gap in the astronomical book market, and that this gap is impeding their efforts to encourage more amateur astronomers to get involved in research collaborations. This book will fill that gap, and enable more amateur astronomers to add research-type studies to their pursuit of the hobby.Written by an astronomer who is well known amongst the amateur and professional community for the skill and quality of his work, this book describes a wide range of research areas where amateurs are gathering new scientific data that is utilized by professional astronomers. For each research area, the book provides a concise explanation of the purpose and value of the amateurs’ observations, a description of the equipment that is needed, specific observing procedures, complete data reduction instructions, and an explanation of how, and where, to submit results so that they will be available to the professional users.

Cosmos: Images from Here to the Edge of the Universe


Mary K. Baumann - 2007
    Complemented by insightful descriptions, these photographs are some of the most remarkable ever taken of our universe. Organized thematically into nebulas, stars, the sun, the planets, satellites, galaxies, and the origins of the universe, the entries cover everything from asteroids to white dwarfs. Special boxes highlight significant facts, including the name of the space probe or telescope that captured each image and the distance of the object from Earth. An entire section is devoted to the spacecraft from which the images were taken, including their purpose, who built them, where they have travelled, and what they have discovered.

Cambridge Illustrated Dictionary of Astronomy


Jacqueline Mitton - 2007
    Around 1300 carefully selected and cross-referenced entries are complemented by hundreds of beautiful colour illustrations, taken from space missions, the Hubble Space Telescope, and other major observatories on Earth and in space. Distinguished stellar illustrator Wil Tirion has drawn 20 new star maps especially for inclusion here. A myriad of named astronomical objects, constellations, observatories and space missions are described in detail, as well as biographical sketches for 70 of the most luminous individuals in the history of astronomy and space science. Acronyms and specialist terms are clearly explained, making for the most thorough and carefully assembled reference resource that teachers and enthusiasts of astronomy will ever need.

Galileo Antichrist: A Biography


Michael White - 2007
    A devout Roman Catholic, his genius threw him into conflict with his Church and his refusal to back down turned him into a martyr for many. Here, bestselling author Michael White gets to grips with the man and the world he challenged. Both biography and exploration of a time when religious and scientific understanding had become deeply and dangerously intertwined, Galileo Antichrist traces the path that led to its subject's denunciation as a heretic. While it is perfectly possible to view Galileo's collision with the Catholic Church as near inevitable, White draws on evidence recently discovered in the Vatican archives to question the accepted reasons for his trial. In doing so he shows why Galileo became such a contentious figure that, centuries later, the Pope, then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, felt driven to declare the process against the father of science as “reasonable and just.”

Praxis Manned Spaceflight Log 1961-2006


Tim Furniss - 2007
    It will be a complete chronological log of all attempted orbital manned spaceflights, including the X-15 "astroflights" of the 1960s that only achieved an altitude of c. 50 miles and the two 1961 Mercury and Redstone missions which were non-orbital. There will be an image depicting each manned spaceflight, and data boxes containing brief biographies of all the space travellers and basic flight data. The main text will be a narrative of each mission, its highlights and accomplishments, including those strange facts and humorous stories that are connected to every mission.By targeting publication in September 2006, the return to flight of the Shuttle, two more Soyuz TMA launches and, quite possibly, a second Chinese manned mission. The resulting book will be a handy reference to all manned spaceflights, the names astronauts and cosmonauts who flew on each mission, and their roles and accomplishments. Recent announcements of a return to the Moon and eventual manned flights to Mars, as new hardware and procedures are developed to support these long-range programs, emphasizes the case for future updates of this book.

Star Maps: History, Artistry, and Cartography


Nick Kanas - 2007
    This book features reproductions of maps from antiquarian celestial atlases and prints. It includes a legend for each illustration to explain its astronomical and cartographic features.

Starfinder


Carole Stott - 2007
    The guide will show you how to get started and when to look for stars. The double-sided cards reveal how to identify each constellation, with hints and tips on special features to look for.

The History of Astronomy


Heather Couper - 2007
    They also interviewed 26 of the world's most esteemed astronomers, including Stephen Hawking.Comprehensive in scope, The History of Astronomy covers such areas as:Australian Aborigines, Stonehenge, Polynesian navigators Egyptian, Chinese and Babylonian astronomers, the Star of Bethlehem Greek astronomers, early concepts of the Earth's shape and orbit Galileo, Copernicus, the far Universe The Solar System and the movements of the planets Newton, gravity, Halley Discovery of Uranus and Neptune, discovery and demotion of Pluto What stars are made of and why they shine Hubble, the Cosmos, new galaxies, the Big Bang Pulsars, quasars and black holes Are we alone? Through its engaging narrative and stunning full-color photography, The History of Astronomy tells a remarkable story of a subject that continues to test the limits of imagination and exploration.

Steve O'Meara's Herschel 400 Observing Guide


Stephen James O'Meara - 2007
    It comprises 231 galaxies, 107 open clusters, 33 globular clusters, 20 planetary nebulae, 2 halves of a single planetary nebula, and 7 bright nebulae. In this guide Steve O'Meara takes the observer through the list, season by season, month by month, night by night, object by object. He works through the objects in a carefully planned and methodical way, taking in some of the most dramatic non-Messier galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters in the night sky. Ideal for astronomers who have tackled the Messier objects, this richly illustrated guide will help the amateur astronomer hone their observing skills.

Atlas of the Southern Night Sky


Steve Massey - 2007
    Each full colour chart presents realistic visual star brightness for most urban areas with keys to objects visible to most small to medium telescopes.Hundreds of ImagesImages taken by the author's and other Southern Hemisphere astronomers show what can be achieved by amateurs with cost effective cameras and telescopes.The Solar SystemMaps to navigate the primary features of the Moon with a comprehensive table of lunar targets accessible to most telescopes. How to observer the Sun and the planets beyond.Telescopes and Photographing the StarsPacked with information on Telescopes, Binoculars and other accessories for getting the most out of a night under the southern stars. Plus information on astro-imaging and processing pictures on your computer(back cover information)

A Look at Uranus


Suzanne Slade - 2007
    Particular attention is paid to the most recent scientific discoveries.

Glow-In-The-Dark Stars and Constellations


Seymour Simon - 2007
    The starry evening sky is a beautiful and familiar sight.But did you know that the stars above you are really glowing balls of fiery gas? How did they come to be? And what happens when they die?Have you ever played connect-the-dots with them, forming pictures in the night sky?Find out everything you ever wanted to know about stars and constellations as award-winning science author Seymour Simon takes you on a ride through the far reaches of space.

Astronomical Symbols on Ancient and Medieval Coins


Marshall Faintich - 2007
    In a time when few members of the population could read or write, the symbols depicted on coins offered a medium for communication, propaganda, and historical archiving. This work hypothesizes that astronomical symbols on ancient and medieval coins were often used as a way to record actual celestial events. The author provides more than 550 figures and line drawings of coins, maps, and astronomical events to illustrate this hypothesis. In addition, several appendices evaluate the historical accuracy of ancient and medieval coinage and offer additional examples not included in the main volume.

The New Worlds: Extrasolar Planets


Fabienne Casoli - 2007
    With over forty research programmes ongoing, and just as many planned, the search for these new worlds has become the main objective for a new generation of giant ground-based telescopes as well as many future space missions. Experimental methods and observational techniques are pushing existing instruments to their limits. The most exciting possibility offered by this research is the discovery of Earth-like extrasolar planets, with a mass comparable to that of Earth, located at the right distance from its star to host liquid water in other words, a place where life could evolve.The authors tackle this challenging field of research by first looking at early searches for extrasolar planets, the very first discoveries and the observational techniques involved. They then examine the very wide range of extrasolar planets that have been discovered during the past ten years and look at what we can learn about such planets by studying the bodies in our own solar system. The formation of planetary systems, the way in which such systems may evolve and the final systems of planets that result are then discussed. Finally Drs Casoli and Encrenaz examine the possibilities for life on extrasolar planets, again using our own solar system as a model, and look to the plans for future extrasolar planet searches. A number of Appendices summarise the extrasolar planet discoveries to date.

Night Sky Atlas


D.K. Publishing - 2007
    Revised with a new CD-ROM, this entry in DK's successful series of informative and visually compelling atlases explains how to see and read the night sky at all latitudes for a worldwide audience.Book Details: Format: Hardcover Publication Date: 7/30/2007 Pages: 48 Reading Level: Age 3 and Up

Double Stars for Small Telescopes: More Than 2,100 Stellar Gems for Backyard Observers


Sissy Haas - 2007
    With over 2,100 star pairings listed with coordinates, color, and interesting information about every pair, Double Stars for Small Telescopes is an essential addition to the library of every astronomy enthusiast. 248 pages, 8 1/2 x 11 invhes, softcover.

Space: The First 50 Years


Patrick Moore - 2007
    Sir Patrick Moore, the world’s most famous amateur astronomer, and space photographer HJP Arnold have combined their talents to chronicle this entire exciting period. Featuring the finest images beautifully reproduced, it relives all the amazing advances and discoveries, from the first manned spaceflight to the first moon landing, from the first Space Shuttle to the first probes that went to the outer planets…and beyond. The engaging text showcases Moore’s trademark clarity, simplicity, passion, and authority, and Arnold’s photographs capture the drama, scale, majesty, and minutiae of the Universe. Also included: a countdown of the 50 Greatest Ever Space Images as chosen by Arnold.

Dark Side of the Universe: Dark Matter, Dark Energy, and the Fate of the Cosmos


Iain Nicolson - 2007
    We now know that more than 98 percent of all matter in the universe is dark. It emits absolutely nothing yet bends space and time; keeps stars speeding around galaxies; and determines the fate of the universe.But dark matter is only part of the story. Scientists have recently discovered that the expansion of the universe is speeding up, driven by a mysterious commodity called dark energy. Depending on what dark matter and energy happen to be, our seemingly quiet universe could end its days in a Big Rip, tearing itself apart, or a Big Crunch, collapsing down to a universe the size of nothing, ready to be reincarnated in a Big Bang once again.For the general reader and armchair astronomer alike, Iain Nicolson’s fascinating account shows how our ideas about the nature and the content of the universe have developed. He highlights key discoveries, explains underlying concepts, and examines current thinking on dark matter and dark energy. He describes techniques that astronomers use to explore the remote recesses of the cosmos in their quest to understand its composition, evolution, and ultimate fate.

The de Vaucouleurs Atlas of Galaxies


Ronald J. Buta - 2007
    Using an image database of over 500 galaxies, the de Vaucouleurs classification is made more accessible and understandable so that astronomy researchers, students, and amateurs can apply the system with ease. Because much has been learned about the physical basis of galaxy morphology since de Vaucouleurs published his revision, the atlas contains a comprehensive review of the recent literature, outlining how different morphological features are interpreted. The de Vaucouleurs Atlas of Galaxies is not only a pictorial atlas, but it is an up-to-date reference on our understanding of the physical processes that underlie galaxy morphology. Additional materials will be available at www.cambridge.org/9780521820486.

The International Atlas of Lunar Exploration


Philip J. Stooke - 2007
    It tells the story of every spacecraft mission to the Moon since the dawn of the space age, illustrating each account with a unique combination of maps and annotated photographs. Many of the illustrations were created especially for this atlas, including panoramic photographs from every lunar mission. The missions are listed in chronological order, providing readers with an easy to follow history of lunar missions. Special attention has been given to describing the processes involved in choosing landing sites for Apollo and its precursors. The atlas also includes missions that were planned but never flown, before looking ahead to future missions as the world's space agencies prepare for a new phase of lunar exploration.

Digital SLR Astrophotography


Michael A. Covington - 2007
    It is now easier to photograph the stars than ever before! They are compact and portable, flexible to adapt with different lenses and for telescope use, and above all DSLR cameras are easy and enjoyable to use. In this concise guide, experienced astrophotography expert Michael Covington outlines the simple, enduring basics that will enable you to get started, and help you get the most from your equipment. He covers a wide selection of equipment, simple and advanced projects, technical considerations and image processing techniques. Unlike other astrophotography books, this one focuses specifically on DSLR cameras, not astronomical CCDs, non-DSLR digital cameras, or film. This guide is ideal for astrophotographers who wish to develop their skills using DSLR cameras and as a friendly introduction to amateur astronomers or photographers curious about photographing the night sky.