This work covers everything from the Big Bang and our understanding of the universe over time, to the Earth's formation, the Sun and how it affects us, the Moon and planets, and black holes and galaxies. It focuses on the basic history and science of the universe.
Mars, popularly known as the Red Planet because of its distinct color, is visible with the naked eye and is one of very few planets in the Solar System in which it is possible to see weather phenomena and surface features and thus is a favorite for amateur and practical astronomers. Commercially made telescopes can reveal its dusty surface markings, brilliant polar ice caps, and atmospheric phenomena. Many of Mars's features appear to change shape and intensity with the seasons: its polar caps grow and shrink cyclically, clouds billow above the Martian surface, and sometimes great dust storms obscure vast sections of the planet. The first part of Mars and How to Observe It sets out our current knowledge of Mars as a planet - its orbit, physical characteristics, evolution over time, and current geology. A planet-wide tour of Mars's topography is featured, along with clearly labeled maps and close-up images of a variety of features. The second part of the book explains how amateur and practical astronomers can observe Mars successfully. Many aspects are considered in depth, including preparing to observe, calculating phase and tilt, and making observational sketches and drawings. There are also plenty of details about how best to make high-resolution CCD images. Since Mars changes in its apparent size in the sky according to its position in relation to Earth, it is best observed during its closest approaches. Future apparitions (appearances of the Red Planet) are therefore featured.
An introduction to observing the solar system with binoculars or small telescopes. Includes information on the moon, sun, meteors, comets, asteroids and nine planets.
See the night sky like you have never seen it before with this all-encompassing guide to astronomy. Learn all there is to know about the layout of the skies, the positions of the main constellations and the names of the brightest stars, so you can become a backyard astronomer in no time at all. With easy-to-use star charts, photographs and observational drawings of objects visible from both hemispheres, The Star Book will take your understanding and enjoyment of stargazing to the next level. Whether you use binoculars or a telescope, or even if you have no optical aid at all, there are enough celestial sights to keep anyone enthralled for a lifetime. The Star Book provides a quick and simple reference to the major stars and constellations, with easy-to-use star charts, finder charts, high-quality images and observational drawings covering the key stars viewable from all over the world. Author Peter Grego, also includes a brief introduction to the history of astronomy, an easy-to-follow explanation of the life-cycle of stars, from ignition to collapse, and information about deep sky objects such as nebulae and globular clusters. This fascinating, attractive and accessible book will become a trusted resource to make sense of the night skies, and is a wonderful gift for anyone with even a passing interest in astronomy.
An introduction to the universe covering everything from the big bang and our understanding of the universe over time, to the earth's formation, the Sun and how it affects us, the Moon and planets, black holes and galaxies.
A galaxy of stars and planets is out there to be discovered and Collins Need to Know? Stargazing is the perfect introductory guide to exploring the night sky. It's easy-to-use and provides all the facts any skywatcher needs in a concise format.
Ice and Fire: Great Comets to Come was written because a special celestial event climaxes towards the end of 2013 – the arrival, fresh from the Oort Cloud, of Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON). By all predictions – even the most pessimistic ones – this comet is set to be one of, perhaps the most, dazzling comet seen in modern history and has the astronomical world buzzing with anticipation. Skywatchers have already been primed for C/2012 (ISON) earlier in 2013 with the apparition of another naked-eye comet, C/2011 L4 (PanSTARRS), and following C/2012 S1 (ISON) there is the prospect of 2012 K1 (PanSTARRS) reaching naked eye visibility in August 2014. Future bright cometary prospects are also discussed, taking into account the latest predictions. Examining the origin and nature of comets using examples of great comets from the past, this book sets the scene for the arrival of Comet C/2012 S1 and those following it over the next few years in the inner Solar System. Skywatchers and amateur astronomers can learn how to follow, observe and record comets. There is also a guide on how to keep abreast of the latest cometary discoveries and how to use a variety of reputable sources, including publications, websites, programs and apps to visualize and plan observations. The role of the amateur in cometary discovery also is featured, as well as details on how professional astronomers plan to get the most ‘science’ out of cometary apparitions, how and why professionals go about discovering comets, and upcoming plans to visit comets with space probes (and later, perhaps, human visits). Illustrations provide historic images of comets, images from space probes and images of the latest bright comets. Orbital plots and easy-to-follow sky charts are also included. This book is a unique guide that sets the scene by giving a comprehensive history of comets and examples of great comets throughout history and informs the reader about the nature and origins of this spectacular occurence. Expectations are fully covered by explaining not only what the regular person can expect to see, but how amateur astronomers can plan observations and what steps the professionals are taking to ‘get the most science’ from this exciting event.
In 1609 Galileo first used his telescope to kick start the science of observational astronomy - an event that proved to be of enormous historic, scientific, and cultural importance. Galileo and 400 Years of Telescopic Astronomy will feature the life and achievements of Galileo, around which has pivoted the story of four centuries of telescopic astronomy. The book will detail how astronomy has progressed through four centuries and contain glimpses of future space research and astronomy goals. Uniquely, interwoven with the text will be a range of practical projects for backyard astronomers in which to participate, projects that serve to illustrate many of Galileo's scientific discoveries.
Stargazing Throughout the Seasons in the Northern Hemisphere is an excerpt from The Star Book that guides you through the night skies in the Northern Hemisphere, through wide-angle star charts. Looking at the main constellations, stars and celestial showpieces of the northern celestial sphere, beginning with constellations around the north pole and then taking a season by season view. Most northern constellations are as familiar to today's stargazers as they were to the ancient Greeks. Everyone is interested in the stars and on a clear night astonished by them. Stargazing Throughout the Seasons in the Northern Hemisphere will answer any questions you may have when you look up into the night sky.
SketchingtheSkies Suddenly and without warning, a new star appeared in the night sky, and everyone in the community was alarmed. Nobody could remember having seen its like before. Dazzling to look at, this unexpected intruder in the heavenly vault gave off a light that almost rivaled that of the full Moon, drowning out the familiar patterns of stars with its glare. The new star’s steady white light penetrated deep into the sacred cave, illuminating an age-old patchwork of intricately drawn pictographs; some of these depicted terrestrial objects and events, from mundane sketches of bison to vast and sweeping panoramic images of wild galloping horses. Other scenes showed celestial phenomena, such as the phases of the Moon and prominent asterisms, or star patterns. The next morning, accompanied by solemn chanting in which the entire c- munity participated, an elderly shaman entered the sacred cave by the light of a fiery brand and selected a suitable area upon which to depict the new star. Once the artwork was finished, the shaman reappeared at the cave entrance; he held out his arms wide to the slowly brightening morning skies and announced that the pow- ful magic of the new star had been captured and could now be used to ensure the continuing prosperity of his tribe.
This ebook has been optimised for tablets. This fully illustrated one-stop guide will show you how to look at and understand the night sky. To make your progress easier, it comes with colour illustrations and expert advice throughout.
Stargazing Throughout the Seasons in the Southern Hemisphere is an excerpt from The Star Book that guides you through the night skies in the Southern Hemisphere, through wide-angle star charts. Looking at the main constellations, stars and celestial showpieces of the southern celestial sphere, beginning with constellations around the south celestial pole and then taking a season by season view. Far southern stars had to wait until the early 17th century to be mapped by European explorers. Everyone is interested in the stars and on a clear night astonished by them. Stargazing Throughout the Seasons in the Southern Hemisphere will answer any questions you may have when you look up into the night sky.
This revolutionary new book is written for practical amateur astronomers who not only want to observe, but want to know the details of exactly what they are looking at. The Moon is the most commonly observed of all astronomical objects. This is the first book to deal equally with the Moon itself - its formation, geology, and history - as well as the practical aspects of observation. The concept of the book - and of the series - is to present an up-to-date detailed description of the Moon, including its origins, history, and geology (part one); and then (part two) to consider how best to observe and record it successfully using commercially-available equipment. The Moon and How to Observe It is a mine of information for all levels of amateur observers, from the beginner to the experienced
Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of Cornwall, or as it is sometimes obscurely referred to, Merry Jack. Though this isn’t the usual side of the county the tourists, travellers and residents see. This is the real Cornwall, the strange and twisted nooks and crannies of the county’s bizarre history – past, present and future. Following on from the bestselling Portico Strangest titles now comes a book devoted to England’s gloriously coastal, yet most haunted, region. Located in the toes of the outstretched legs of Britain’s old man, Cornwall is a county with more strangeness than you can shake a Cornish pasty at. Cornwall is an area of outstanding natural beauty, as well as outstanding strangness – from ye olde tales of plundering pirates to foulish ghosts drinking in local pubs right through to the most famous of all myths – the bizarre beast that forever stalks Bodmin Moor. Spooky.
Venus and Mercury have long been regarded as difficult targets for amateur observers, but advances in commercially-made telescopes have brought them within the skills of observers of only moderate experience. Peter Grego’s fascinating book presents an up-to-date, detailed description of the history and geology of the so-called inferior planets, and provides the latest, most useful advice on observing and recording them with commercially-available telescopes and cameras. The book also offers a wealth of detailed practical information on every aspect of observing, from safely targeting the two planets, through visual observing, to sketching and electronic imaging.
Philip's Moon Observer's Guide is a practical guide for Moonwatchers, suitable for both beginners and more experienced observers. Peter Grego, a well-known Moon expert, shares his enthusiasm and expertise in this informative book.Features on the Moon are best seen when they are close to the day-night line, known as the terminator. At the heart of Philip's Moon Observer's Guide is a day-by-day lunar observing diary based on the progress of the terminator. Using detailed sections of Moon map for each day, the author explains when to look for which features, enabling you to plan your own lunar explorations.Colourful diagrams, stunning close-up images and straightforward text explain the origin and appearance of the different types of surface feature. Eclipses are always eagerly followed by astronomers, and the author explains the best way to observe and record these fascinating events.Philip's Moon Observer's Guide is divided into seven chapters:Lunar geology and the Moon's featuresThe Moon in spaceThe lunar observer's equipmentMoonwatchingRecording your observationsEclipses and occultationsThe space-age MoonPhilip's Moon Observer's Guide also includes a glossary of terms as well as details of a number of astronomical societies and groups, together with useful Internet resources.
A complete starter pack for the lunar observer, Moonwatch contains three essential items for finding your way around the Moon: Philip's Moon Observer's Guide: An illustrated introduction to Moonwatching, describing the best features to observe on each day of the lunar month. Philip's Moon Map: A detailed and attractive large format map of the Moon, with over 500 features labelled and indexed. Philip's Moon Poster: Only available with Moonwatch, this photographic poster shows the Moon on each day of the lunar month. It is double-sided, showing the phases of the Moon as seen from both the northern and southern hemispheres.
A brand new pack for the amateur Solar System observer. It contains three essential items for exploring and enjoying our corner of the Universe: Philip's Solar Observer's Guide: This practical guide is suitable for observers with small-to-medium-sized telescopes, or binoculars. Philip's Map of the Solar System: A new large-format chart that uses mapping returned from space probes to provide a close-up view of the Solar System. Philip's Solar System Phenomena poster: A stunning, full-colour, A1-sized wall poster featuring the top 25 phenomena to observe within the Solar System.
Do you know what our planet is made from? Take a guided tour around the Earth and discover for yourself our planet's red-hot core, life-giving atmosphere, oceans and mountains.
There are 70 sextillion stars in the universe. Discover other mind-expanding facts about the stars, planets, moons and space travel in these exciting guides. This text focuses on the universe.
Do you know what the International Space Station looks like, or what a command module is? Take a guided tour into space and discover mankind's incredible space vehicles - from softlanders and rovers to space shuttles and interplanetary probes.
These fun, accessible guides are the perfect introduction to space for inquisitive minds - and are some of the first books that feature an eight-planet solar system with Pluto demoted to the status of 'dwarf planet'.
Collins Discover: The Universe is your one-stop guide to the Universe and how it works This user-friendly, authoritative resource includes full-color charts, easy-to-follow guidance, and illustrations showing you everything you need to know about the history and science of the Universe. Topics include everything from the origin of the Moon to galaxies and space discovery. Inside you will find: Accessible details and explanations Full-color illustrations and photographs Star types and their formation Glossary and resources for further reading and research
These fun, accessible guides are the perfect introduction to space for inquisitive minds - and are some of the first books that feature an eight-planet solar system with Pluto demoted to the status of 'dwarf planet'.
Collins Discover: Stargazing is your one-stop guide to seeing the universe This user-friendly, authoritative resource includes full-color charts, easy-to-follow guidance, and illustrations showing you everything you need to see the night sky. Inside you will find: Choosing the right equipment Basic techniques Detailed star charts, diagrams, and maps Troubleshooting Resource section
Do you know that it takes three days for astronauts to reach the moon, or that the moon was probably created when a large planet collided with Earth? Can you imagine what a lunar sea looks like, or a lunar eclipse? Take a guided your to the moon and discover for yourself the Earth's only natural satellite-from its volcanoes and craters to its valleys and secretive far side. Prepare for lift off!
A practical and colourful introduction to our 'corner' of the Universe. It describes how to observe not only the planets but also the Moon, Sun, comets, meteors, asteroids and other objects found in our Solar System. Each chapter is devoted to a different object and is illustrated with digital images, photographs and sketches.
What's the likelihood of the impact on earth of debris from outer space? Even near misses can change our climate, while a major impact could be catastrophic, equivalent to that which caused the disappearance of the dinosaurs and the rise of mammalian mastery of the planet. In this fascinating survey of the great collisions and the dangerous close passes of recent and prehistoric times, you'll find detailed chronicles of the effect on our earth of comets, meteors, meteorites, meteor storms, shooting stars, cosmic famous fireballs, UFOs, and other phenomena.
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