ASTRONOMY FROM A TO Z: A Dictionary of Celestial Objects and Ideas

Intended for the layperson, this collection of entries made up of articles from Illinois publications includes people's names, astronomy terms and phrases, and names of constellations and planets

YA-- Using nonscientific language, Schweighauser simply and directly discusses topics of interest to the layperson such as specific planets, astronomers, black holes, tides, the sun, eclipses, and UFOs. The alphabetized articles, which were originally written as newspaper columns, are interesting and vary in length from half a page to six pages. Distinct, simplified diagrams and numerous black-and-white photographs further clarify the topics. An appendix diagrams 17 of the better-known constellations, giving locations, significant stars, and sources of their names. An excellent choice for both browsers and science students seeking a general resource. --Claudia Moore, W. T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VA
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

In this excellent introduction to astronomy, Schweighauser presents, in alphabetical order, over 100 articles based on previously published newspaper stories. In "The Cosmological Principle," he explains in the clearest terms the idea of space as that which matter creates by expanding the universe--as the universe expands, space is created where nothing existed before. His simple illustrations are outstanding, especially the one showing the difference between long and short wavelengths: long wavelengths have only a few crests passing by a counter while short ones have many crests during the same period of time. However, the articles on astrology and UFOs should have been omitted as irrelevant to astronomy. Recommended for complex information delivered in common terms.
- Robert Ellis Potter, Dunedin P.L., Fla.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.