In writing this textbook the author's objective was to provide students with a non-trivial, reasonably priced introduction to astronomy. Starting with problems astronomers face on Earth connected with observation, the book then moves on to cover the Solar System, galaxies and finally cosmology, one of the most exciting and fastest developing areas of astronomy. Up-to-date and carefully structured Introductory Astronomy has a strong narrative thread running through it; concepts are gradually introduced and subsequently built upon in later chapters. The science behind the subject is integrated and presented in a way that allows readers to gain a thorough understanding of the subject without being blinded by unnecessary mathematical detail or scientific theory. Throughout the book there are plenty of worked examples, problems, figures and photographs.

FEATURES

• A balanced coverage of the field of astronomy.
• Many carefully chosen worked examples and problems.
• Clear exposition of the science behind astronomy.

CONTENTS: Introduction; Light; Seeing into Space; The View From Earth; The Sun, the Stars and Time; Observation of the Solar System; Gravity and the Solar System; The Origin of the Solar System; A Closer Look at the Terrestrial Planets; A Closer Look at the Jovian Planets; The Sun; Studying Stars; Stellar Birth and Early Life; Stellar Evolution and Death; Galaxies; Cosmology; Appendices: Measurement and units; Atoms, ions and molecules; Ellipses; Historical milestones in astronomy; Compendium of astronomical data; Some fundamental physical constants; Multiple choice quiz; Short answers to selected questions; Index.

About the Author
Dr Keith Holliday is a senior lecturer in the Department of Physics and Applied Physics in the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.

Reviews
"INTRODUCTORY ASTRONOMY integrates the science behind the subject, providing a clear and concise narrative, without unnecessary mathematical detail or scientific theory." (The Science Book Board Book Review, 1999)

"Based on a course for non-astronomers this very clearly set out book will serve the general reader." (Aslib Book Guide, Vol. 64, No. 2)
"Klar und verstandlich, in erzahlendem Stil geschrieben, bezieht dieser Band den naturwissenschaftlichen Hintergrund unaufdringlich ein, ohne unnoetigerweise auf mathematische oder theoretische Details einzugehen." The Science Book Board Book Review

"Ein auf der Grundlage einer Vorlesungsreihe fur Nicht-Astronomen entstandenes Buch, klar und ubersichtlich strukturiert, zu dem alle Interessenten leicht Zugang finden werden." Aslib Book Guide




Book Information
ISBN 9780471983323
Author Keith Holliday
Format Paperback
Page Count 336
Imprint John Wiley & Sons Inc
Publisher John Wiley & Sons Inc
Weight(grams) 595g
Dimensions(mm) 245mm * 168mm * 19mm