Astronomy: A Beginner's Guide to the Universe (3rd Edition) - Softcover

Chaisson, Eric J.; McMillan, Steve; Chaisson, Eric

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0130873071 ISBN 13: 9780130873071

Publisher: Prentice Hall, 2000

Synopsis

This introductory textbook by Chaisson (Tufts U.) and McMillan (Drexel U.) has some of the best explanations of light and matter I've seen in a textbook for non-science majors particularly good are the sections on spectral analysis. The third edition incorporates new information about recent discoveries: e.g., the reported detection of neutrino oscillations and its relevance to the solar neutrino problem; new H-R diagram based on Hipparcos data on nearby stars; and discussion of recent spacecraft missions to Mars and the NEAR mission to asteroid Eros. Chapters follow the earth-out approach: from the Earth and its moon to galaxies and cosmology. The CD-ROM includes an electronic version of the text and 56 videos with voiceovers. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

About this title

From the Publisher

Like its best-selling predecessor, Astronomy Today (1993), this text presents scientific literacy in the context of astronomy, teaching students to think critically and analytically about the physical world and the development of science. The text requires a minimum level of simple algebra and trigonometry (less than Astronomy Today) and maintains the parent text's visual emphasis through an illustrative program sure to become the market standard.

From the Back Cover

Nearly every chapter substantially updated with new and late-breaking information, such as:

• Coverage of the search for extrasolar planets.
• A discussion of the accelerating universe.
• Expanded coverage of gamma ray bursts.
• Continuing coverage of the Galileo mission to Jupiter.

New Concept Check discussion questions integrated throughout each chapter
These critical thinking questions test conceptual understanding of the material just presented and help place it in a broader context. Answers to Concept Check questions are included in the Appendix to aid self-assessment.

A fully integrated media package
The media package for Astronomy: A Beginner's Guide to the Universe, Third Edition fully integrates the text and its accompanying multimedia resources. Icons are included throughout to indicate the availability of additional complementary material on the CD-ROM and/or text-specific website. The CD-ROM and website are also hyperlinked where appropriate.

The free CD-ROM inside this text includes:

• An electronic, fully-hyperlinked version of the entire Astronomy: A Beginner's Guide to the Universe, Third Edition text. Cross-links, objectives, glossary terms, and hints to end-of-chapter true/false and fill-in-the-blank self-tests are all linked to the relevant text section.
• Integrated links to the Chaisson/McMillian website.
• 56 videos and animations, larger and enhanced, and now featuring narrative voiceovers.

Edition details

• Publisher: Prentice Hall
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0130873071
• ISBN 13: 9780130873071
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 504