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Astronomy, astrophysics and space research have witnessed an explosive development over the last few decades. The new observational potential offered by space stations and the availability of powerful and highly specialized computers have revealed novel aspects of the fascinating realm of galaxies, quasars, stars and planets. The present completely revised 5th edition of The New Cosmos provides ample evidence of these dramatic developments. In a concise presentation, which assumes only a modest prior knowledge of mathematics and physics, the book gives a coherent introduction to the entire field of astronomy and astrophysics. At the same time it takes into account the art of observation and the fundamental ideas behind their interpretation. Like its predecessors, this edition of The New Cosmos will provide new insight and enjoyment not only to students and researchers in the fields of astronomy, physics and earth sciences, but also to a wide range of interested amateurs.
List of contents
1. Introduction.- I. Classical Astronomy and the Solar System.- 2. Classical Astronomy.- 3. The Physical Structure of the Objects in the Solar System.- II. Radiation, Instruments, and Observational Techniques.- 4. Radiation and Matter.- 5. Astronomical and Astrophysical Instruments.- III.The Sun and Stars: The Astrophysics of Individual Stars.- 6. The Distances and Fundamental Properties of the Stars.- 7. The Spectra and Atmospheres of Stars.- 8. The Structure and Evolution of Stars.- IV. Stellar Systems. Cosmology and Cosmogony.- 9. Star Clusters.- 10. Interstellar Matter and Star Formation.- 11. The Structure and Dynamics of the Milky Way Galaxy.- 12. Galaxies and Clusters of Galaxies.- 13. Cosmology: the Cosmos as a Whole.- 14. The Cosmogony of the Solar System.- A.1 Units: the International and the Gaussian Unit Systems.- A.2 Names of the Constellations.- Selected Exercises.- Literature and Sources of Data.- Acknowledgements.- Fundamental Physical Constants (Inside back cover).- Astronomical Constants and Units (Inside back cover).
Summary
Astronomy, astrophysics and space research have witnessed an explosive development over the last few decades. The new observational potential offered by space stations and the availability of powerful and highly specialized computers have revealed novel aspects of the fascinating realm of galaxies, quasars, stars and planets. The present completely revised 5th edition of The New Cosmos provides ample evidence of these dramatic developments. In a concise presentation, which assumes only a modest prior knowledge of mathematics and physics, the book gives a coherent introduction to the entire field of astronomy and astrophysics. At the same time it takes into account the art of observation and the fundamental ideas behind their interpretation. Like its predecessors, this edition of The New Cosmos will provide new insight and enjoyment not only to students and researchers in the fields of astronomy, physics and earth sciences, but also to a wide range of interested amateurs.
Additional text
From the reviews of the fifth edition:
"... The library copies of the earlier editions are well thumbed, which is a good indication of how often they are referenced. I have no doubt that this new edition will prove as popular."
(Journal of the British Astronomical Association)
"The present volume remains, I believe, a valuable contribution to astronomy education, particularly because of its enormous breadth at a level of detail not really found elsewhere. For many an undergraduate course it should provide an ideal text, while for a wide range of other situations … it will provide an excellent companion; even among the professional community, it will be a handy reference … . It is nicely produced and at a very reasonable price." (David Stickland, The Observatory, Vol. 122 (1167), 2002)
Report
From the reviews of the fifth edition:
"... The library copies of the earlier editions are well thumbed, which is a good indication of how often they are referenced. I have no doubt that this new edition will prove as popular."
(Journal of the British Astronomical Association)
"The present volume remains, I believe, a valuable contribution to astronomy education, particularly because of its enormous breadth at a level of detail not really found elsewhere. For many an undergraduate course it should provide an ideal text, while for a wide range of other situations ... it will provide an excellent companion; even among the professional community, it will be a handy reference ... . It is nicely produced and at a very reasonable price." (David Stickland, The Observatory, Vol. 122 (1167), 2002)
