Basic Select Solar System

With this newly revised sixth edition of THE SOLAR SYSTEM, author Mike Seeds' goal is to help you use astronomy to understand science--and use science to understand what we are. Fascinating and engaging, this text will help you answer two fundamental questions: What are we? How do we know? Crafting a story about astronomy, Seeds shows you how to ask questions to gradually puzzle out the beautiful secrets of the physical world and our place in it. This edition addresses the newest developments and latest discoveries in the exciting study of astronomy, including new data on Jupiter's ring system; new observations of the shapes of stars; new evidence of dark energy, quasars, and galaxy collisions; and a look inside supernova explosions. And for students looking for an interactive alternative to the print text, the FOUNDATIONS OF ASTRONOMY Online Version is the ideal solution. The Online Version gives you Web-based access to a digital version of Michael A. Seeds' best-selling astronomy textbook containing the complete text of THE SOLAR SYSTEM. If your instructor is using the Enhanced WebAssig® online homework management system, the Online Version includes access to your homework assignments as well, allowing you to navigate quickly between your homework and the text. Visit webassign.net/seeds to learn more.

Booknews

Introducing astronomy as a science that facilitates understanding of the meaning of our own existence as well as that of the physical universe, 27 chapters explore the sky per Newton and Einstein; and provide perspectives on the origin of the universe, the solar system, and extraterrestrial life. Seeds is an astronomy professor at Franklin and Marshall College, where he directs its Joseph R. Grundy Observatory. Includes attractive color graphics, discussion and review questions (some aimed at utilizing the Web), information on astronomical units, observing the sky with sky charts, a ten-page glossary, and answers to selected problems. The Sky software CD- ROM accesses "a personal planetarium." No date is given for the first edition. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Mike Seeds is Professor of Astronomy at Franklin and Marshall College, where he has taught since 1970. His research interests have focused on peculiar variable stars and the automation of astronomical telescopes. He extended his research by serving as the principal astronomer in charge of the Phoenix 10, the first fully robotic telescope, located in southern Arizona. In 1989, he received the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching. In addition to teaching, writing, and doing research, Mike has published educational systems for use in computer-smart classrooms. His interest in the history of astronomy led him to offer the upper-level courses Archaeoastronomy and Changing Concepts of the Universe, which is a history of cosmology from ancient times to Newton. He also has published educational software for preliterate toddlers. Mike was Senior Consultant in the creation of the 26-episode telecourse UNIVERSE: THE INFINITE FRONTIER. He is the author of several introductory astronomy textbooks, including HORIZONS: EXPLORING THE UNIVERSE, 10e (2008) and PERSPECTIVES OF ASTRONOMY (2008).