Foundations of Astronomy (with CD-ROM, Virtual Astronomy Labs, AceAstronomy, and InfoTrac) (Available Titles CengageNOW) - Hardcover

Seeds, Michael A.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0534421202 ISBN 13: 9780534421205

Publisher: Brooks Cole, 2004

Synopsis

With this newly revised 8th edition of FOUNDATIONS OF ASTRONOMY, Mike Seeds' goal is to help students use astronomy to understand science and use science to understand what we are. Fascinating and engaging, this text illustrates the scientific method and guides students to these fundamental questions: "What are we?" and "How do we know?" In discussing the interplay between evidence and hypothesis, Seeds provides not just facts, but a conceptual framework for understanding the logic of science. The book vividly conveys his love of astronomy, and illustrates how students can comprehend their place in the universe by grasping a small set of physical laws. Crafting a story about astronomy, Mike shows students how to ask questions to gradually puzzle out the beautiful secrets of the physical world. Mathematics is incorporated into the text (and in separate sections for easy reference), but the book's arguments do not depend on mathematical reasoning, keeping even math-averse students engaged. The revision addresses new developments in astrophysics and cosmology, plus the latest discoveries, from Mars' buried water to proto-galaxies at the limits of the observable universe. This edition is now fully integrated with a FREE, brand-new student tutorial system. AceAstronomy is Web-based, assessment-driven, contains book-specific activities, and is completely flexible, creating a personalized learning plan based on quiz results to help each student focus on key concepts to be mastered. This superior system gives students fun, interactive learning opportunities and a greater chance for success.

About this title

About the Author

Michael A. Seeds has been Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Franklin and Marshall (F&M) College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, since 1970. In 1989, he received F&M College's Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching. Seeds' love for the history of astronomy led him to create upper-level courses on Archaeoastronomy and Changing Concepts of the Universe. His research interests focus on variable stars and the automation of astronomical telescopes. Mike is coauthor with Dana Backman and Michele Montgomery of HORIZONS HYBRID: EXPLORING THE UNIVERSE, Thirteenth Edition, and UNIVERSE HYBRID: SOLAR SYSTEM, STARS AND GALAXIES, Eighth Edition, both published by Cengage Learning. He was Senior Consultant in the creation of the twenty-six-episode telecourse accompanying the book HORIZONS: EXPLORING THE UNIVERSE, Twelfth Edition.

Review

"Many difficult concepts are explained very well. This text is fun to read."

"This is really very nice work in my opinion. Professor Seeds is obviously a master at presenting the essence of the study of astronomy to the university audience, and probably to the public at large. I think that professional astronomy depends on the talent and dedication of people like him. His product certainly represents the cream of what astronomy has to contribute to society at large... Some of his readers will no doubt become part of the next generation of professional astronomers...."

"Seeds succinctly summarizes the historical fascination humans have had with Mars... (This is) a timely overview of the current knowledge and scientific puzzles in Mars research in a very readable format that is extremely accessible to students. A combination of historical and recently acquired images from an array of instruments beautifully compliments the text. Throughout the text, Seeds skillfully reminds students of lessons from previous sections to reinforce concepts and provide continuity in the course material. This is a wonderful introduction..."

Edition details

• Publisher: Brooks Cole
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0534421202
• ISBN 13: 9780534421205
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 688