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The Firefly Encyclopedia of Astronomy
Paul Murdin
1552977978
Sept 2004
Hardcover
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From Publishers Weekly
Wide-ranging but shallow, this lavishly illustrated abridgment of the four-volume Encyclopedia of Astronomy and Astrophysics provides an engaging trove of information for lay people. Articles on topics in astrophysics and cosmology convey several decades worth of findings in these fields without trying to explain the science to non-experts. Concise historical pieces cover the achievements of famous astronomers and note significant observatories and space missions. Short essays probe astronomical themes in art and literature. Planets get multi-page spreads amidst a swarm of short entries on individual galaxies, stars, comets and asteroids. Aimed at the enthusiastic amateur, the volume also includes how-to articles on backyard astronomy covering a variety of instruments, from simple binoculars to do-it-yourself...


The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the Sun
Kenneth R. Lang
0521780934
September 15, 2001
Hardcover
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Book Review
Everything you ever wanted to know about the sun, the powerhouse of our galaxy, sustaining life on earth, driving the weather, providing warmth and light--and, directly or indirectly, almost all the energy that plants and animals use.

Less a classic encyclopedia than a topic-by-topic textbook introducing readers to all things solar, astronomer Lang's compendium offers the very latest scientific views on a range of matters, from fundamental constants to the composition of sunlight, from the role of sunspots in terrestrial weather and human history to the methods scientists use to forecast such phenomena today, from the origins of the universe to days to come--when, 7 billion years from now, the "aging Sun will swell up to become a giant star," one that will spread to occupy the space the earth now occupies, and far...



DK Space Encyclopedia
Heather Couper
0789447088
September 1999
Hardcover
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Book Review
The final frontier is conquered in the DK Space Encyclopedia and Eyewitness Encyclopedia of Space CD-ROM, the most beautiful, best organized family information sources yet for our galaxy and beyond. In the section called "Observing the Universe," space buffs will discover detailed diagrams of various telescopes, along with explanations of how they're used to pick up light, radio waves, and other emissions from faraway objects. In "Exploring Space," you'll find out how rockets work to launch satellites, people, and gear into space. If you're curious about what it's like to live in space, check out the information on astronauts' daily routines--did you know one astronaut smuggled a ham sandwich into his capsule after hearing how bad NASA's food was?

"Planets and Moons" introduces all the worlds of our solar system, from...



The Astronomy Encyclopedia
Patrick Moore
0195218337
Nov 2002
Hardcover
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From School Library Journal
Grade 9 Up-This revision of the International Encyclopedia of Astronomy (Orion, 1987; o.p.) is more than just an update, as many entries have been rewritten and offer greater detail. Seven major essays from the original have been deleted, but there are approximately 500 additional articles and numerous color photos. The more than 3000 alphabetical entries cover celestial objects of all kinds; concepts, theories, and methodology of astronomy; observatories; space exploration; and biographical entries on astronomers, astronauts, and cosmonauts. Articles average 5 to 10 per page, but are thorough in their explication of the essentials. While very readable, the subject matter may challenge some students. However, excellent cross-references ease the search for further clarification. Sidebars add information on...


National Geographic Encyclopedia of Space
Linda K. Glover
0792273192
November 2004
Hardcover
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From Publishers Weekly
National Geographic has always guided readers to remote regions of the world. Now it goes out of this world, with this lavish guide to the near and far reaches of the universe. Essays contributed by academics, NASA staffers and notables such as Robert Wilson (who along with Arno Penzias at Bell Labs in 1964 discovered the first evidence of the Big Bang) discuss deep space, our solar system and space travel. There are also sections on using space to study Earth and on the military and intelligence uses of space. The essays in general are readable and show the implications of astronomy for life on Earth, such as the impact of solar flares on the weather. Introductory sections explain central concepts and terms: for instance, one gives a description of the Sun’s history and mass, and defines what a sunspot is....


The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Meteorites
O. Richard Norton
0521621437
March 7, 2002
Hardcover
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Review
'This is a beautiful, substantial, glossy book that comprehensively discusses the major issues in meteorites and cosmochemistry. The superb pictures are of high quality and made up of artwork as well as diagrams and photographs. The subject matter is very complete, and covers the effects of impacts, the history of meteorites, and how to recognize meteorites in the field ... As a work to inspire and interest, it works magnificently.' Sara Russell, The Observatory
'... splendid encyclopaedia ... excellent value and is highly recommended.' Richard Taylor, Spaceflight
'... a thorough guide to extraterrestrial rocks.' Lunar and Planetary Information Bulletin

Review
"The author brings a very personal touch to this book, for he is a true meteorite afficionado. A major attribute is an...


Giant Book of Questions and Answers
John Farndon
0760734267
September 2002
Hardcover
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Book Description
From the Publisher Young readers will find a vast amount of information in this book, made engrossing and accessible by the question and answer format and the lavish use of realistic illustration. The encyclopedia delves into the fields of astronomy, science, natural history, geography, the earth sciences, history, botany, and human biology. These subjects are excitingly explored through answers to questions such as: Why do people live underground? How did the Earth begin? Why did he Romans spend so long in the bath? Why does a rattlesnake rattle? Why is your blood red? How does a Venus fly-trap catch its prey? Why did the dinosaurs become extinct? What is DNA?


The Astronomy and Astrophysics Encyclopedia
Stephen P. Maran
0471289418
Oct 1991
Hardcover
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Book Description
Featuring 403 authoritative articles by world experts, this landmark volume is the most detailed sourcebook on astronomy and astrophysics ever published. Comprehensive yet concise, this extensively illustrated work treats each subject in separate articles that cover basic theory, states of current research, and a forecast of future scientific investigation.


The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Amateur Astronomy
Michael E. Bakich
0521812984
July 2003
Hardcover
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Review
'... an essential guide for both beginning stargazers and more advanced observers.' Orion
' useful and informative ...' The Observatory
'An excellent large volume well illustrated, comprehensive and ... up-to-date. Both new and experienced amateur astronomers and even some professionals will find much that will benefit their knowledge, methods and techniques. A useful book to have close to hand - highly recommended.' Spaceflight

Review
"...highly recommended." E-STREAMS

"Here is a complete reference for amateur astronomers of all levels. Beginners will find clear and easily understood background information. Those with more experience will appreciate the detailed explanations of what and when to observe.... Well organized and user-friendly, with ample illustrations and an...



Bad Astronomy: Misconceptions and Misuses Revealed, from Astrology to the Moon Landing "Hoax"
Philip C. Plait
0471409766
February 2002
Paperback
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From Publishers Weekly
Plait, a science writer who works in the physics and astronomy department at Sonoma State University, is appalled that millions of Americans don't believe the moon landing really took place and do believe that Galileo went blind from looking at the sun, or that they can make an egg stand on end only on the vernal equinox. To set the record straight, he debunks these and many other astronomy-related urban legends in this knowledgeable, lighthearted volume. The early chapter "Idiom's Delight" sets the stage by clearing up the scientific inaccuracies in everyday expressions as in the phrase "light years ahead," for example, which is used to indicate timeliness or prescience when light years are actually a unit of distance. In later chapters, Plait explains meteors, eclipses, UFOs, and the big bang theory, revealing...


Encyclopedia of Astronomy & Astrophysics
Murdin Murdin
0750304405
Jan 2001
Hardcover
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From Library Journal
This four-volume set contains over 3000 articles covering a broad range of topics in astronomy and astrophysics, making it one of the largest reference sources available on the topic. Murdin (End of Fire: The Supernova in the Large Magellanic Cloud) and his editorial board have assembled more than 800 astronomers and astrophysicists, who produced both lengthy main articles tackling main themes in astronomy and briefer, unsigned entries. The 600-plus main articles range from 2500 to 5000 words and offer illustrations and bibliographic references, which sometimes include web sites. The shorter, unsigned articles are descriptions of space vehicles and missions, messier objects, observatories, definitions, and biographies. Most of the 2000 illustrations are black and white, with a few color-plate inserts...


The Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Universe
Ian Ridpath (Foreword), Sir Martin Rees (Editor)
0823025128
July 2001
Hardcover
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From School Library Journal
Adult/High School-An excellent, comprehensive overview for students with some science background. Less knowledgeable readers will understand much of the introductory material, but may feel intimidated by the small print and crowded pages. The book is arranged in broad sections covering astronomy, physics and quantum mechanics, the universe, our solar system, and space exploration. The table of contents not only outlines the chapters but also includes paragraph summaries of some of the topics covered. Boxed inserts appear throughout. This subject approach will assist general readers, and the detailed index will enable researchers to locate specifics. Thousands of color photographs and diagrams highlight and draw students into the accompanying passages. More balanced in approach than many texts, this volume...


First Encyclopedia of Space
Paul Dowswell
0794500358
June 2003
Paperback
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History of Astronomy
John Lankford
081530322X
Oct 1996
Hardcover
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From Library Journal
While there are several astronomy encyclopedias on the market (e.g., The Encyclopedia of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1992), this encyclopedia, which launches a new series from Garland, is the first devoted to the subject's historical aspects. It sets a very high standard for the volumes to come. Focusing on developments since the Scientific Revolution, the signed articles by 74 contributors (who read like a Who's Who of astronomy and space scholars) fall into five broad categories: an historical overview of astronomy, astronomy in national contexts (e.g., Chinese astronomy), the history of observatories, the social history of astronomy (e.g., Women in Astronomy), and biographies, with a special effort to avoid duplicating existing biographical encyclopedias. Recommendations for further...


Encyclopedia of Space and Astronomy
Joseph A. Angelo
0816053308
Jan 2006
Hardcover
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The Froehlich/Kent Encyclopedia of Telecommunications
Froehlich E. Froehlich
0824729137
Sept 1997
Hardcover
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Book Description
Radio Astronomy to Submarine Cable Systems


The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Space
Michael Rycroft
0521364264


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From Library Journal
This one-volume encyclopedia attempts to be a comprehensive reference source for virtually every aspect of spaceflight. Its various sections cover the ancient literature dealing with space, the early rocket pioneers whose work made spaceflight a reality, the opening of the space age, and the future directions exploration will likely take. Essays outlining the early manned missions, launch vehicles, launch centers, unmanned interplanetary probes, and space applications such as communications and meteorology satellites are accompanied by lavish illustrations. However, despite the lavish production and an impressive international cast of contributors, the volume is riddled with dozens of factual errors in the text and incorrect caption identifications that greatly diminish its value as a reference work. A far better...


Ancient Astronomy
Clive Ruggles
1851094776
Oct 2005
Hardcover
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The Chronological Encyclopedia of Discoveries in Space:
Robert Zimmerman
1573561967
February 23, 2000
Hardcover
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From Booklist
Zimmerman, an essayist and historian of space, has created an essential reference tool for "space junkies" and the libraries that serve them. The purpose is to provide information on the goals and outcomes of every one of humankind's space exploration endeavors since Sputnik. Not only is the book useful for quick fact checks but it invites readers to stay awhile. There are entries for every space mission that has been undertaken by every country on Earth--not just manned missions but the launches of probes, communications and navigation satellites, and commercial ventures as well. If humans launched it into space, you can read about it here. Entries are arranged chronologically, beginning with Sputnik in 1957 and ending with the December 21, 1999, launch of the commercial communications satellite Galaxy...


The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Space
John M. Logsdon (Foreword), et al
0521773008
August 15, 2002
Hardcover
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From Publishers Weekly
This far-reaching reference work provides a detailed look at humans' exploration and occupation of space, from the military applications of satellites to the development of the International Space Station. The authors review the history and technologies of space programs in various countries-including the U.S., Russia, China and India-and discuss different types of scientific research, such as geodesy, the study of the shape of the Earth and its gravitational fields. With 300 illustrations and graphs, this large format hardcover is not meant to be a coffee table book-it's for serious space buffs who want a comprehensive reference tool. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review
'This is an essential addition to...

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