Reviews (5)

Too difficult for the average reader
This book is a bit too professional for anyone who is just starting an astrophysics course.......the provided questions really screw up ur brain.....but if ur sure u have a good solid pure math and advanced physics backgroundthen go ahead and buy it otherwise check out other books.....

An introduction to modern astrophysics
The problems are very challanging, with out an instructor and a good foundation in pure math its nearly impossible for a self learner to solve the end-chapter questions from this book. Im currenlty stuck in many of these problems. If any one happens to have a complete solutions manual, I would give $250.00 for it.
Very difficult to teach from
After surveying available undergraduate texts in astrophysics and consulting colleagues, I settled on this as the best available despite qualms about its size and cost.My students are finding its size and sheer length overwhelming; we are forced to leave out so much material that they are questioning whether it's worth it.The system of units used (cgs) is becoming (if it is not already) obsolete in most areas of astrophysics.In every chapter there are references to material yet to be covered, requiring one to flip back and forth, often over hundreds of pages.Finally, with a 1996 publication date, much of the material is becoming dated (I know, a new edition will be even more expensive).Read more

Subjects:  1. Astronomy - General    2. Astrophysics    3. Astrophysics & Space Science    4. Physics    5. Science    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Astronomy, Space & Time    8. Science / Physics   

Reviews (39)

Turn Left at Orion - Beginners Astronomy
The book was just what I wanted, reasonably priced, and promptly delivered.So far, reading it has been very informative and I want to dig into it more soon.

Excellent
Make this the first book you buy for anyone with a telescope. It is user friendly, well written and illustrated, and will ignite a passion for chasing the beautiful objects scattered through the night sky. Also useful is the guide on interesting Southern Hemisphere objects, including those in the LMC and SMC.
Turn left at Orion and you'll be right with the stars
I purchased this book and the Backyard Astronomers book at the same time.I use them both.......a lot!!This book is great because it gives you sky views (drawings not pictures) that really give you an idea of what to expect when looking up at the sky with unaided eye or through a telescope.The description that accompanies the objects of interest are well written and thought provoking. As a newbie to backyard astronomy I couldn't be more satisfied by the information I've received from this book. As others have stated, this book is a great astronomy starter book, but will inevitably be a life time companion for all of your night sky viewing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Astronomy    3. Astronomy - General    4. Astronomy - Star Guides    5. Science    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Astronomy--Amateurs' manuals    8. Cosmology & the universe    9. Popular astronomy    10. Science / Astronomy   

Reviews (2)

perfect book for reference
If you're looking for a book that is a great read and even a better reference book about the geosciences, this is the one.I refer to it often in my scientific education.The references at the end of each chapter arealso a great way for people to get further information on each subject, ifthey need it.

The evolution of our planet from a new perspective
Earth, Evolution of a Habitable World by Jonathan I. LunineRead more

Subjects:  1. Astronomy - Solar System    2. Earth    3. Earth Sciences - General    4. Earth sciences    5. Environmental sciences    6. Life Sciences - Evolution    7. Science    8. Science/Mathematics    9. Astronomy, Space & Time    10. Pollution & threats to the environment    11. Science / Earth Sciences   

Reviews (4)

Not what I expected, but not bad
When I saw the title of this book, I had images of butterfly diagrams, an adequate amount of astrophysics and space physics, etc. However, the book's subtitle, "Learning to Live with a Stormy Star" was a much better clue as to the book's contents. Although some stellar/space science is briefly discussed, the main theme of the book is centered on sociological hardships, financial losses, research budgets, business interests, etc., all pertaining to our periodically stormy sun. Especially highlighted are: the survival of expensive satellites in space during less than ideal space weather, the sociological effects of their loss and the effects of this weather on power grids on earth. But my unfulfilled expectations and resulting disappointment should not result in a poor rating for this book. It is well written, very informative and seems to thoroughly cover, I think, what it was apparently intended to cover - hence my rating of 4 stars.

Vital, but strangely incomplete
I am recommending this book to everyone. I am quite convinced by Odenwald's data and studies I have encountered prior to this epochal book that our goverments need to take seriously what the good doctor is warning us about. The threat of unprecedented super-solar flares and Coronal Mass Ejections from our unsteady star, ones that could blank out power-grids, destroy communications satellites and possibly fry increasingly vunerable microchips is something every thinking person should consider. Good introduction for general science readers
Interesting topic, though I judged the coverage to be uneven. Readers wanting an update about solar physics will be disappointed by a lack of details; but this can be supplemented by a visit to NASA’s solar physics Web pages.... Policy-makers should be impressed by the real and potential economic fallout from massive solar plasma discharges; but some of Odenwald’s detailed examples illustrate a coincidental rather than true cause-and-effect relation of solar events to Earth-based calamities. The Exon Valdez disaster is discussed at length before being dismissed, and is referenced later. Several pages detail inconveniences due to a power blackout in the D.C. area which had nothing to do with unusual solar activity. I found these references obtuse — I would have greatly preferred to see more information about the sun.Read more

Subjects:  1. Astronomy - General    2. Astronomy - Solar System    3. Environmental aspects    4. Magnetism    5. Science    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Solar activity    8. Popular science    9. Science / Meteorology    10. Solar-terrestrial phenomena    11. The Sun   

Reviews (2)

Stars and Galaxies and Nebula, oh my!
I bought The Planetary System for an Astronomy class and enjoyed the text immensely.I think Morrison and Owen should have added a few more explanations of events/heavenly bodies in a few places but overall this is a great book for introducing astronomy and definitely kept my interest!The cdrom that comes with the book "Voyager Skygazer" turned out to be fabulous fun although a little distracting when I discovered that I was able to track satellite orbits as well as the night sky events with its help.

Unbelievably boring
This book is very clear, but it is quite boring.I have to read it for an astronomy class and the hundred dollars I spent on it has been wasted.All the concepts are very clearly explained through pictures, examples from real life and diagrams, but this textbook still sucks nonetheless.IF you know that you have to purchase this textbook for a class, pray the class isnt as dull as the reading ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Astronomy - Solar System    2. Physics    3. Planets    4. Science    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Science / Physics    7. Solar system   

Reviews (18)

Epic tale of space exploration
This is a fascinating book that takes you inside NASA and the JPL and details just how incredibly hard the modern business of space exploration is.To accomplish something as successful as the two mars rovers have been is nothing short of miraculous.An endless chain of complicated technical, budgetary and scientific challenges awaited the brilliant engineers and scientists on this project.
Fascinating and inspiring
I loved this book and couldn't put it down.What a great story!And the best part is it's true.

History in the making - what more do you want?
Mr. Squyres does not aspire to the heights of great literature, but he does manage to maintain absolute clarity across the many varied and technical aspects of the Mars rover missions - a truly remarkable feat that makes the book accessible to everyone.Because of his account, we learn about the intriguing mission selection process, the critical mission stopping engineering problems, and the seemingly arcane science that drives those missions. Most of all, Steve answers my most perplexing question, i.e., what did we accomplish on Mars with the rovers.
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Subjects:  1. Astronomy - General    2. Astronomy - Solar System    3. Exploration    4. Extraterrestrial Biology    5. Mars (Planet)    6. Science    7. Science/Mathematics    8. Space Exploration    9. Space flight to Mars    10. Planets & asteroids    11. Science / Nanostructures   

Editorial Review

Plenty of books try to explain the origin of the universe, but despite the ascendance of the Big Bang theory, numerous details of that theory remain in flux as new observations are made and new hypotheses formed (and then confirmed or rejected). Timothy Ferris's Read more

Reviews (58)

good overview
A very good overview of the current state of cosmology (even if now almost a decade old).The author though puts his philosphy into a number of parts of the book - which can be quite frustrating at times (hence 4 stars and not 5).If you can walk through these or are of similar mindset this book is a very good place to start your education into cosmolgy. Ithas a very good index, glossary of terms and references at the back of the book, it is just a shame did not also include a list of books to read in short section at the end - rather than having to go through the references.But on the whole recommended.

one of the best cosmology books I've ever read
Every year I read about 5 books about cosmology and physics. So I know what I'm saying: this book really is great.
The Book of the UNIVERSE
Now there is a plenty of the books of the authors of every possible calibers from various schools and predecessors. All of them are good in own way.Read more

Subjects:  1. Astronomy - Universe    2. Cosmology    3. Cosmology (Astronomy)    4. History    5. Science    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Universe    8. Cosmology & the universe    9. Science / Astronomy   

Reviews (2)

Great meteorite reference
This is a fantastic reference to meteorites. Large, beautifully bound and with great colour images and illustrations. Norton certainly knows his subject and takes us on a cosmic jouney, from black rocks found in the desert to a time before the formation of the solar system. There is plenty of technical and scientific details to feed the mind of the most educated reader. He explains concepts like radio-isotope dating with a clarity lacking at many eductional institutions today. Highly recommended for all those with an interest in space or astronomy and the growing number of meteorite collectors out there. My only minor criticism is that the font used in the book could have been a little bolder and easier to read for my aging eyes. Norton deserves a 10/10 for this fine effort.

STUPENDOUS
THERE IS NOT MUCH TO SAY ABOUT THIS EXCEPTIONAL BOOK EXCEPT THIS IS AN EXCELLENT IN-DEPTH LOOK AT METEORITES WITH SUPERB COLOR PICTURES.IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN METEORITES, ESPECIALLY COLLECTING THEM, YOUR LIBRARY SHOLD NOT BE WITHOUT THIS BOOK. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Astronomy - Solar System    2. Cosmology    3. Descriptive Astronomy    4. Meteorites    5. Science    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Earth Sciences    8. Meteors    9. Planets & asteroids    10. Reference works    11. Science / Astronomy   

Reviews (4)

Superb, but...
This is the best work I've read on the solar system, period. The text is wonderful but I dearly wish the author had included the American measuring system along with the metric one. I'm one of those old fogies who has to cogitate in the extreme in order to convert kilometers into miles. Oh, well. An excellent layman's reference to solar system astronomy
Don't buy this book thinking it will be an entertaining reference for your twelve-year-old nephew who enjoys astronomy.This hefty tome is more akin to a college-level textbook than an encyclopedia.If you want to get adetailed, but not overly technical, overview of modern solar systemscience, this is the book for you.

A legacy!
Following a thematic progression, ranging outward from the Sun to other planetary systems, the Encyclopedia of the Solar System details the dynamics of motions and rotations, solar wind, planetary, geologic, andatmospheric conditions, as well as other processes in the formation ofplanets, satellites and the smaller bodies of our planetary environment.The Encyclopedia covers the latest observations employing planetary radar,radio, infrared, and ultraviolet wavelengths.Read more

Subjects:  1. Aeronautics & Astronautics    2. Astronomy - General    3. Astronomy - Solar System    4. Cosmology    5. Earth Sciences - General    6. Encyclopedias    7. Science    8. Science/Mathematics    9. Solar System    10. Reference works    11. Science / Astronomy   

Reviews (1)

The Splendor of Saturn
This book fully deserves five stars! It contains 147 photographs, of which 136 are showing Saturn, its rings and its moons. Almost all photographs are in color and the quality of reproduction is excellent, with much detail. Reproduction quality is in fact unequalled by any astronomy book I read.
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Subjects:  1. Astronomy (General)    2. Astronomy - General    3. Astronomy - Solar System    4. Photography Of Specific Subjects    5. Pictorial works    6. Ring system    7. Sattelites    8. Saturn (Planet)    9. Science    10. Science/Mathematics    11. Subjects & Themes - General    12. Astronomy; science; photography    13. Photographs: collections    14. Popular astronomy    15. Science / Astronomy   

Subjects:  1. Astronomy - Solar System    2. Cosmochemistry    3. Cosmology    4. Earth Sciences - General    5. Origin    6. Science    7. Science/Mathematics    8. Solar System    9. Earth Sciences    10. Science / Earth Sciences   

Reviews (2)

Beautiful images
That book is about the sun, but the sun is so much more than just the sun. The sun gives us amazing Northern Lights, sparkling solar coronas, mysterious green flashes, wonderful halos, pillars and so on, and so on.The book has inspiring pictures of all these phenomenas.One also will see the pictures of prominences and flares. I really recommend that awesome book.
Awesome Pictures
This little book has amazing pictures of the Sun.Great little conversation piece for the coffee table...especially if you've worked on some of the missions that took the pictures. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Astronomy - General    2. Astronomy - Solar System    3. General    4. Photography Of Specific Subjects    5. Science    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Star Observation    8. Subjects & Themes - General    9. Sun    10. Photographs: collections    11. Photography / General    12. Popular astronomy    13. The Sun   

Reviews (16)

A Classic--Any Edition
True that the first version of this book--appeard some time ago, that does not diminish its usefulness to the layman or person interested in the history of the popularization of cosmology--which is a steady business with many competitors.
Dated Description of Cosmology
This book was first published in 1977, and the discoveries in the 29 years since then have made the material obscelecent.
Mother
Steven Weinberg's book is the mother of all popular, but scientific, tales about the history of the universe.
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Subjects:  1. Astronomy - Universe    2. Cosmology    3. Cosmology (Astronomy)    4. Physics    5. Science    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Cosmology & the universe    8. Science: General Issues   

Reviews (17)

Cream of the Crop
I read Koestler's "Darkness at Noon" way back yonder and was impressed with it. This work far surpasses that book and is one of the most lucid I have read about the giants of astronomy. This book ought to be required reading!

A Masterwork
Koestler has written a superb summary of the early history of science. The views expressed are certainly partial but it is almost impossible not to be transported by Koestler's prose into a world inhabited by Aristotle, Copernicus, Brahe, Kepler and Galileo.It is a wonderful exploration of the progress of science and I would recommend it to anyone interested in the history and philosophy of science.

A GREAT INTELLECT, PERHAPS, BUT A HIGHLY PREJUDICED ONE!
Arthur Koestler was touted throughout his life by many for his courage, insight and style, qualities he exhibited in works such as Darkness At Noon. But in this book, he appears more interested in swiping at great scientists with a broad axe than in providing unbiased insight regarding their works and achievements.
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Subjects:  1. Astronomy    2. Astronomy - Universe    3. General    4. History    5. History of controversy    6. New Age    7. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    8. Religion and science    9. Cosmology & the universe    10. History of ideas, intellectual history    11. History of science    12. Philosophy / Modern    13. Philosophy of science    14. Popular astronomy   

Reviews (1)

A great by-the-telescope companion to Southern observers
I love this book. It has been my sole companion during long nights of telescope observation. Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Astronomy    3. Astronomy (General)    4. Astronomy - General    5. Astronomy - Star Guides    6. Science    7. Science/Mathematics    8. Southern sky (Astronomy)    9. Star Observation    10. Astronomical observation: observatories, equipment & methods    11. Astronomy--Amateurs' manuals    12. Popular astronomy    13. Science / Astronomy   

Reviews (16)

The Universe is a Green Dragon
Thanks for getting the book out so quick!

Undiscriminating mix of fact and fancy, patronizing tone
I am a scientist, and I do appreciate and feel the vastness and beauty of the universe, and the elegance of biological evolution. But I don't think Swimme's romanticizing of science, cosmology, and particle physics is going to lead us to build a better society or better individual lives. Educated people have already tried making a god of science in this culture, I presume because of the seeming miracles it has performed, and the result has been people with empty spiritual lives and a desperate need to fill the void with stuff - food, things, travel - anything to avoid facing the sense of meaninglessness they get when theyfeel like tiny insignificant cogs in a vast machine. It doesn't really matter whether the machine is the military/industrial complex or the universe, in terms of its effect on the human spirit. Granted, the current state of much organized religion is not ideal, but I don't think Swimme's approach is going to have any better results. There are many alternative approaches between religious fundmentalism on one pole and an exclusive devotion to matter on the other. Why are we all here?
This book is the author's answer to that most basic of questions.His answer is a beautiful, life affirming one and given from the prespective of the cosmos.It also highlights are responsiblity as humans - ones that can be done with great joy.However, I don't know if I really see it as a synthesis of spirituality and science as it is made out to be.This is one of the best books I have ever read, if I only read one book this year, this would be it.Read more

Subjects:  1. Astronomy - Universe    2. Body, Mind & Spirit    3. Cosmology    4. General    5. Meditations    6. Mysticism    7. New Age    8. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    9. Popular works    10. Science (General)    11. Body, Mind & Spirit / Gaia & Earth Energies    12. Mind, body, spirit: mysticism & self-awareness   

Reviews (9)

The best book to start your serious study of cosmology
I have been studying astronomy since 1970.
Superb explanations of ideas in cosmology
This cosmology book contains relatively little mathematics, so it can be read by almost any motivated person who is genuinely curious about the subject.And it has an enormous amount of interesting information that ought to intrigue even highly informed scientists.
Best Cosmology
The first time I bought the next addition of any book. It explaines gravity and that makes it far better then any other book on this subject. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Astronomy - Universe    2. Cosmology    3. Cosmology (Astronomy)    4. Nuclear Physics    5. Science    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Cosmology & the universe    8. Science / Cosmology   

Reviews (1)

Hard... but excellent!
This is a very welcomed book for graduate students in astrophysics. Although I have only scratched the surface of the topics, I find its format and distribution very well organized. The solutions are also clearly exposed, but you need a very high background to work on the problems entirely on your own. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Astronomy - General    2. Astrophysics    3. Astrophysics & Space Science    4. Cosmology    5. Cosmology (Astronomy)    6. Problems, exercises, etc    7. Science    8. Science/Mathematics    9. Cosmology & the universe    10. Cosmology--Problems, exercises, etc    11. Science / Astrophysics & Space Science   

Subjects:  1. Astronomy - Solar System    2. Cosmology    3. Earth    4. Eclipses    5. History    6. Rotation    7. Science    8. Science/Mathematics    9. Cosmology & the universe    10. Science / Astronomy   

Reviews (1)

Excellent for Astronomy buffs and Science Fiction buffs
This book has three parts: the Starlist, the visual binary stars (includes drawn orbits), and the variable stars (includes graphs of maxima/minima). Excellent ephemerides.Read more

Subjects:  1. Astronomy - General    2. Astronomy - Star Guides    3. Atlases    4. Science    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Stars    7. Astronomical observation: observatories, equipment & methods    8. Juvenile Nonfiction / Science & Technology / Astronomy    9. Stars, interstellar matter