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This is an informative, up-to-date and well-illustrated guide to planetary observations for amateurs. After a brief description of the solar system and a chapter on the celestial sphere, readers are shown how to choose, test and use a telescope with various accessories and how to make observations and record results. For each planet and the asteroids, details are given of observational techniques, together with suggestions for how to make contributions of scientific value. From a general description and detailed observational history of each planet, observers can anticipate what they should see and assess their own observations. The chapter on planetary photography includes the revolutionary use of videography, charge coupled devices and video-assisted drawing. There are also chapters on making maps and planispheres and on photoelectric photometry.
White dwarfs, each containing about as much mass as our Sun but packed into a volume about the size of Earth, are the endpoints of evolution for most stars. Thousands of these faint objects have now been discovered, though only a century ago only three were known. They are among the most common stars in the Milky Way Galaxy, and they have become important tools in understanding the universe. Yet a century ago only three white dwarfs were known. The existence of these stars completely baffled the scientists of the day, and solving the mysteries of these strange objects required revolutionary advances in science and technology, including the development of quantum physics, the construction and utilization of large telescopes, the invention of the digital computer, and the ability to make astronomical observations from space. This book tells the story of the growth in our understanding of white dwarf stars, set within the context of the relevant scientific and technological advances. Part popular science, part historical narrative, this book is authored by one of the astrophysicists who participated directly in uncovering some of the secrets of white dwarf stars.
Proceedings of the 132nd Symposium of the International Astronomical Union, held in Paris, France, June 29-July 3, 1987
Proceedings of the 130th Symposium of the International Astronomical Union, dedicated to the memory of Marc A. Aaronson (1950-1987), held in Balatonfured, Hungary, June 15-20, 1987
This book contains the proceedings of the International Astronomical Union Colloquium no. 195, held in Torino, Italy in 2004. The meeting investigated the formation of galaxies within a full cosmological context, focusing on the outer regions of galaxy clusters. The observed correlation of optical and radio properties of galaxies with their environment indicates that the formation and evolution of galaxies is intimately linked to the formation of large scale structure. With chapters written by leading authorities in the field, this timely volume investigates the role of the environment in determining the properties of galaxies. It describes the distribution of matter and galaxies on the largest scales in the Universe, the processes of cluster and galaxy formation, their role and interplay. This is a valuable collection of review articles for professional astronomers.
Virginia Trimble possesses the rare ability to distill the deepest meanings of astronomy and astrophysics and articulate them in a manner smoothly accessible to professionals and the public alike. This superb collection takes us on an exciting odyssey back in time, out in space, and finally, down to earth again. It begins in the Fertile Crescent, with phenomena and physical structures that have long been the subject of intense debate. Were the unique air shafts burrowed through Cheops' pyramid simply for ventilation? Or were the openings purposefully placed to provide a path to the heavens for the soul of the deceased Pharaoh? Could a real astronomical event have been associated with the Sta...
This workshop was intended as an update and an extension of the workshop 011 the "Spectral Evolution of Galaxies" that was held in Erice two years ago. It concentrates 011 Ilew developments concerning galaxies seen at large look back times. This seemed also a good opportunity to look ahead to the next generation of ground- and space based instrumentation, and to consider various future strategies for collecting information concerning the edge of the observable universe. The main idea was to bring together people with specialities in modelling galaxy components (such as stars, clusters, gas, and dust) as well as whole stellar systems (stellar populations, star formation rates, chemical enrich...
When the International Astronomical Union (IAU) adopted a new definition of a "planet" in August 2006, Pluto became a dwarf planet, drawing a divisive line in science and public opinions. The controversy of whether Pluto is a planet continues years later, and passion about the decision remains, pitting scientist against scientist and invoking sentiments and nostalgia from the rest of the world. With the IAU definition, the future of space objects is forever changed. Learn how this resolution came to be and what it means for astronomy, who implemented it and who is against it, and whether it's the first or millionth time the world's view of astronomy has rotated on its axis. Written by an ast...
This volume documents the theoretical and observational results and arguments in favour of (or against) the most preferred models of structure formation. New observational results of the large scale distribution of matter are confronted with recent theories on the origin and evolution of structure in the universe.