Firefly Astronomy Dictionary

Complete guide to astronomers and astronomical terms and theories.

The Firefly Astronomy Dictionary is an invaluable reference for understanding the major terms and theories used in astronomy. There are 1,000 up-to-date entries that are extensively cross-referenced. This dictionary also provides concise coverage of the many new developments in space exploration.

Two hundred color illustrations and 35 tables provide concise details about the planets and stars. Written in a style that is both interesting and accessible, its compact size is ideal for a handy reference and study guide. As well as defining scientific terms and explaining theories, the dictionary provides brief biographies of over 100 famous astronomers including Ptolemy, Galileo, Johann Kepler, Copernicus and Edwin Hubble. An appendix provides tables of symbols and mathematical units and calculations used in astronomy.

From aberration to Zwicky, the Firefly Astronomy Dictionary is an invaluable reference for active observers, armchair enthusiasts and students.

A comprehensive dictionary to the major terms and theories used in astronomy, with concise details about the planets and stars, and brief biographies of major figures. It includes over a 1,000 entries, extensive cross-referencing, diagrams and tables.

Kathie M. Josephs - Children's Literature

The red dwarf is not part of Snow White's beloved dwarfs, but rather, a star at the lower end of the main sequence, of special types K or M, and has solar masses of between 0.8 and 0.08 of a solar mass. Wow—this is just a sample of what you will find in this perfectly sized dictionary for those whose interests lie in astronomy. Over 1,000 articles are included as well as over 180 colored illustrations that contain information about a multitude of topics. All articles are concise and vary in length, but still give a nice summary of the topic covered. The dictionary also incorporates a system of using bold letters to indicate cross-references. Woodruff uses a user-friendly style of writing for this dictionary that makes it a great resource for a variety of ages. The dictionary defines terms, explains theories and includes mini biographies of famous astronomers. Even if you are not an ardent astronomy buff, there is ample information to interest anyone. I can see this dictionary in a classroom library, the school library as well as the library of ardent students of the universe and what it holds for us. There is an appendix included that provides mathematical units and calculations used in astronomy as well as table of symbols for better clarification of text. 2003, Firefly Books Ltd, Ages 12 up.