A Question and Answer Guide to Astronomy

"Are we alone in the Universe? Was there anything before the Big Bang? Are there other universes? What are sunspots? What is a shooting star? Was there ever life on Mars? This book answers the fascinating questions that we have been asking ourselves for hundreds of years. Using non-technical language, the authors summarize current astronomical knowledge, taking care to include the important underlying scientific principles. Plentiful color illustrations, graphs and photographs lend further weight to their simple yet meticulously written explanations. An extensive bibliography allows you to pursue or recap on the subjects that rouse your particular interest. Dip in to discover and learn fascinating facts about our Solar System and the Universe beyond!"--Provided by publisher. Are we alone in the Universe? Was there anything before the Big Bang? Are there other universes? What makes stars shine? Where does Earth's water come from? Why is the night sky dark? Was there ever life on Mars? How do telescopes work? This engaging guide book answers all these questions and hundreds more, making it a practical reference for anyone who has ever wondered what is out in the cosmos, where it all comes from, and how it all works. Richly illustrated in color throughout, it gives simple yet rigorous explanations in non-technical language, summarizing current astronomical knowledge, without overlooking the important underlying scientific principles. This second edition includes substantial new material throughout, including the latest findings from the New Horizons, Rosetta, and Dawn space missions, and images from professional telescopes such as the Hubble Space Telescope and the Atacama Large Millimeter Array. Provides concise, informative answers to basic questions spanning planets, stars, the Universe, and the tools astronomers use. Makes widespread use of color graphics and photos, to ensure the book is attractive and, more importantly, to help aid understanding. Written by two astronomers experienced in teaching and working with the public, the content is detailed and rigorous, while remaining approachable for a broad range of people -- Provided by publisher.

Are we alone in the Universe? Was there anything before the Big Bang? Are there other universes? What are sunspots? What is a shooting star? Was there ever life on Mars? This book answers the fascinating questions that we have been asking ourselves for hundreds of years. Using non-technical language, the authors summarize current astronomical knowledge, taking care to include the important underlying scientific principles. Plentiful color illustrations, graphs and photographs lend further weight to their simple yet meticulously written explanations. An extensive bibliography allows you to pursue or recap on the subjects that rouse your particular interest. Dip in to discover and learn fascinating facts about our Solar System and the Universe beyond!

Amazon has done a disservice to those of us that bought this book to see the colorful illustrations in the iPad and iPhone. All color has been stripped. Many figures rely on color differentiation to describe and explain the content. The color should have been retained, since now the kindle books can be read on many devices, including computers, that provide color. Otherwise, the book description in amazon should provide a disclaimer. I do have another kindle book that I can read in color on the phone, PC and iPad, so it is not a rule that all kindle books are intrinsically black and white. Cover......Page 0 A Question and Answer Guide to Astronomy......Page 4 Contents......Page 6 Preface......Page 14 Stars......Page 16 The Solar System......Page 51 The Earth......Page 87 The Moon......Page 110 Celestial phenomena......Page 126 The Universe......Page 136 Life in the Universe......Page 188 History of astronomy......Page 208 Telescopes......Page 224 Amateur astronomy......Page 265 Unit conversion and basic physical and astronomical measurements......Page 279 References......Page 280 Bibliography......Page 282 Index......Page 286 Cover 1 A Question and Answer Guide to Astronomy 4 Contents 6 Preface 14 Stars 16 The Solar System 51 The Earth 87 The Moon 110 Celestial phenomena 126 The Universe 136 Life in the Universe 188 History of astronomy 208 Telescopes 224 Amateur astronomy 265 Unit conversion and basic physical and astronomical measurements 279 References 280 Bibliography 282 Index 286 9780521180665 Are we alone in the Universe? Was there anything before the Big Bang? Are there other universes? What is a shooting star? Was there ever life on Mars? Written in an easy-to-read style with color illustrations throughout, this book gives simple and accurate answers to these and other age-old questions. Machine generated contents note: Stars; The Solar System; The Earth; The Moon; Celestial phenomena; The Universe; Life in the Universe; History of astronomy; Telescopes; Amateur astronomy; Bibliography; References; Index.