Cosmology, Astronomy - General & Miscellaneous, Astronomical Star Guides & Charts, Stargazing - Amateur's Manuals

The Universe explained

Name: The Universe explained
Author: Colin A. Ronan
ISBN: 9780805034882

by Ronan, Colin A.

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Overview

For as long as humans have looked upward to the heavens we have wondered at the majesty of the universe, for there, displayed night after night in a dazzling light show, is the celestial kingdom of which we are a part. Our wonder and awe has led us stargazers to be inquisitive and inventive, to explore the wider world beyond our rocky, watery planet. The Universe Explained not only celebrates these explorations but also brings their findings and conclusions within our understanding. Superbly drawn art and brilliant photographs show how the cosmos is investigated, what it contains, and how it works. With a unique and lively format, The Universe Explained uses examples familiar to our everyday lives to explain the exotic aspects of the universe: a string of streetlights is used to demonstrate the brightness of stars, the noise of a motorcycle helps to reveal how our universe is expanding. While each of the book's double-page spreads is a self-contained story, the study of the universe is, by its very nature, complex. To deal with this, The Universe Explained incorporates a unique cross-referencing system, one that takes readers both within a particular section and among the other four. This system also makes the book fully interactive and forges the links of understanding between the different areas of astronomy. Readers of all ages drawn to the science of the universe will find this book the perfect companion, for here wonders and mysteries are magnificently revealed on every page.

Combining the very latest information with dazzling, color photographs and illustrations, The Universe Explained expands our understanding of the cosmos by using familiar examples from our everyday world--from street lamps to motorcycles--to link theory to real experience. A perfect guide to the marvels and machinery of the universe.

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Editorials

School Library Journal

YA-Covering everything from rotation to relativity, comets to Pluto, and big bang theory to time travel, this outstanding overview explains the whys of the universe, making astronomy understandable. The book is divided into five broad, logically ordered sections: Observatory Earth, Planets, Sun and Stars, Nebulae and Galaxies, and How the Universe Works. Each color-coded unit title corresponds with matching arrows on each page to facilitate subject identification and accessibility. In addition, the far right margin contains color-coded references to related topics found elsewhere. Clear and informative graphics surround concise, readable descriptions. The exceptional artwork is characterized by dazzling colors and well-planned graphic design. The pictures, paintings, cutaways, perspectives, and computer graphics make even difficult astronomical concepts comprehensible. Similar in format and vocabulary to the author's Science Explained (Holt, 1993), this title is sure to be a hit with earth science students.-David B. O'Hara, W.T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VA

From The Critics

Drawing on telescopes, satellites, computer imagery, and intriguing current theories, this book examines the interlinked relationships of the cosmos. Ronan, a noted astronomy writer, has written a book that explains the marvel and mystery of the universe for all ages Five major sections concentrate on the universe from our observatory Earth, the planets, the sun and stars, nebulae and galaxies, and how it all works. An introductory page to each section is followed by double-page spreads on specific topics. Such topics as "Clouds That Never Rain," "Mapping the Sky," and "Wormholes in Space" intrigue and lead the reader to a fresh view of the macrocosm we inhabit. Each topic is highlighted by readable, stimulating text, spectacular art and photography, colorful diagrams, informative captions, and a sidebar that leads the reader to connections with related ideas. Feature boxes that relate to science or scientists add historical or technological interest. The extensive use of analogies allows the reader to make associations with familiar items or experiences such as likening geysers on a moon of Neptune to a coffee percolator or the colors of the stars to the heated metal in a foundry A welcome addition to any collection for budding scientist or curious information seeker, "The Universe Explained" is recommended for all school or public libraries. Reading any topic in this book is like taking an excursion to an astronomy exhibition or space museum.