This combined set is comprised of the Spectral Atlas for Amateur Astronomers, a full colour reference featuring detailed commented spectral profiles of more than one hundred astronomical objects, and its companion guide, Spectroscopy for Amateur Astronomers, which explains in detail the methods for recording, processing, analysing and interpreting spectra. Together they cover astronomical objects such as stars, planets, nebulae, novae, supernovae; stellar clusters, galaxies and quasars; astronomical events such as eclipses and comet passages; and some terrestrial light sources. This comprehensive reference set benefits many groups, from individual novices and learners in astronomy clubs to advanced students and teachers of astrophysics. It aims to help readers understand and practise this scientifically important and growing field of amateur astronomy, and to encourage future professional-amateur collaborations.
Though the United Federation of Planets still reels from Andor’s political decision that will forever affect the coalition, Captain William T. Riker and the crew of the U.S.S. Titan are carrying out S
To protect the cargo ships essential to the continuing existence of the fledgling Coalition of Planets, the captains of the United Earth's Starfleet are ordered to interstellar picket duty, with littl
Introducing planetary photometry as a quantitative remote sensing tool, this handbook demonstrates how reflected light can be measured and used to investigate the physical properties of bodies in our Solar System. The author explains how data gathered from telescopes and spacecraft are processed and used to infer properties such as the size, shape, albedo, and composition of celestial objects including planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. Beginning with an overview of the history and background theory of photometry, later chapters delve into the physical principles behind commonly used photometric models and the mechanics of observation, data reduction, and analysis. Real-world examples, problems, and case studies are included, all at an introductory level suitable for new graduate students, planetary scientists, amateur astronomers and researchers looking for an overview of this field.
In Strange New Worlds, renowned astronomer RayJayawardhana brings news from the front lines of the epic quest to find planets-andalien life-beyond our solar system. Only in the past two decades, after
Kids love to read astonishing, absurd, and amusing facts such as these and then share them with their families and friends. The Incredible Book of Outrageous Facts for Kids will have curious readers saying "Oh, wow!" as they turn the pages and read through the 1,500 facts inside. Amazingly pointless, but verified, factoids will gear kids up to master Jeopardy and win at family trivia nights. Chapters will feature categories with kid-appeal, including animals, sports, planets, dinosaurs, toys, technology, strange foods, superheroes, unusual pets, fashion, movies, weather, and more. Every time kids pick up this book, they'll learn something new. (Parents also might grab this book as a boredom buster.) Did you know . . . a blue whale's tongue weighs nearly 6,000 pounds, about as heavy as an Asian elephant the world's first underwater post office operated on the sea floor of the Bahamas in 1939 pogonophobia is the fear of beards (perhaps spurred by a study showing that beards contain mo
Heliophysics is a fast-developing scientific discipline that integrates studies of the Sun's variability, the surrounding heliosphere, and the environment and climate of planets. This volume, the fourth in the Heliophysics collection, explores what makes the conditions on Earth 'just right' to sustain life, by comparing Earth to other solar system planets, by comparing solar magnetic activity to that of other stars, and by looking at the properties of evolving exoplanet systems. By taking an interdisciplinary approach and using comparative heliophysics, the authors illustrate how we can learn about our local cosmos by looking beyond it, and in doing so, also enable the converse. Supplementary online resources are provided, including lecture presentations, problem sets and exercise labs, making this ideal as a textbook for advanced undergraduate- and graduate-level courses, as well as a foundational reference for researchers in the many subdisciplines of helio- and astrophysics.
Magnetic fields pervade the universe and play an important role in many astrophysical processes. However, they require specialised observational tools, and are challenging to model and understand. This volume provides a unified view of magnetic fields across astrophysical and cosmological contexts, drawing together disparate topics that are rarely covered together. Written by the lecturers of the XXV Canary Islands Winter School, it offers a self-contained introduction to cosmic magnetic fields on a range of scales. The connections between the behaviours of magnetic fields in these varying contexts are particularly emphasised, from the relatively small and close ranges of the Sun, planets and stars, to galaxies and clusters of galaxies, as well as on cosmological scales. Aimed at young researchers and graduate students, this up-to-date review uniquely brings together a subject often tackled by disconnected communities, conveying the latest advances as well as highlighting the limits of
DawnDusk Asymmetries in Planetary Plasma Environments Dawn-dusk asymmetries are ubiquitous features of the plasma environment of many of the planets in our solar system. They occur when a particu
Recording the proceedings of the IAU XXVII General Assembly, this volume of Highlights of Astronomy provides an up-to-date review of modern astrophysics, as discussed by 2400 participants. Covering planets, stars, galaxies, dark matter and modern cosmology, it gives a broad overview, allowing specialists and non-specialists alike to bring themselves up to date with the latest developments. This text brings together the work of observers and theoreticians from widely different fields who work towards a common goal: understanding the physics of the Universe. Together with the Proceedings of the IAU Symposia 262–267, this volume examines all of the astrophysics presented at the General Assembly, and provides a valuable testament to the vigour and momentum of astrophysical discovery in 2009, the International Year of Astronomy.
How do I get started in astronomy? Should I buy binoculars or a telescope? What can I expect to see? This wonderful beginners' guide to astronomy covers all the information you need to get started. This second edition has been fully updated and now includes new illustrations, the latest astronomy equipment and celestial events through to the year 2025. It starts by explaining the basic techniques and equipment you need for exploring the skies before taking you on a tour of the night sky, covering the Moon, Sun, stars, planets and more. Any necessary technical terms are clearly explained. The author gives sound advice on using and purchasing affordable binoculars, telescopes and accessories, and the book is illustrated with photos taken by the author, showing how objects in the sky actually look through modest amateur equipment. It contains a comprehensive glossary and references to further astronomy resources and websites.
THE BEGINNING OF A NEW STAR TREK R ODYSSEY After almost a decade of strife against foes such as the Borg, the Cardassians, the Klingons, and the Dominion, the United Federation of Planets is at the d
As the dreaded Berserkers threaten the Twin Worlds of Prairie and Timber, kidnapping the planets' president and reprogramming him to suit their own violent agenda, only the Huveans, invaders from anot
