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This introductory astronomy textbook is aimed at undergraduates across a range of disciplines. It encourages the development of vital science-based critical-thinking skills, and outlines our present-day understanding of our universe and the profound questions still to be answered in this ancient, yet rapidly changing field.
List of contents
- I The Process of Science Through the Lens of Astronomy
- 1: The Nature of Science
- 2: The Heavens: A Realm of Mystery
- 3: On the Path Toward Modern Science
- 4: The Copernican Revolution
- 5: Sir Isaac Newton's Universe
- 6: The Universality of Physical Law
- 7: Revealing Secrets Hidden in Light and Matter
- 8: Modern Physics: New Science to Study the Universe
- II The Sun, Our Solar System, and Exoplanets
- 9: The Sun, Our Parent Star
- 10: An Overview of the Solar System
- 11: The Rocky Planets and Our Moon
- 12: The Giant Planet Systems
- 13: Dwarf Planets and Small Bodies
- 14: Planets Everywhere and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life
- III Stars and the Universe Beyond
- 15: Measuring the Stars
- 16: The Lives of Stars
- 17: The End of a Stellar Life
- 18: Galaxies Galore
- 19: The Once and Future Universe
- Appendices
About the author
Professor Ostlie earned his BA degree from St. Olaf College in 1977 and his PhD in theoretical astrophysics from Iowa State University in 1982. Following a two-year position at Bates College, Ostlie went to Weber State University in 1984, where he remained until his retirement in 2014. Along with teaching astronomy, physics, and mathematics courses, Ostlie conducted research in stellar pulsation theory, served as Chair of the Physics Department and Dean of the College of Science. Ostlie also co-authored a highly successful introductory astrophysics textbook with WSU colleague, Bradley W. Carroll. Ostlie continues an active career in textbook writing today.
Summary
This introductory astronomy textbook is aimed at undergraduates across a range of disciplines. It encourages the development of vital science-based critical-thinking skills, and outlines our present-day understanding of our universe and the profound questions still to be answered in this ancient, yet rapidly changing field.
