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Thoroughly updated and re-conceived, Astronomy, Ninth Edition, equips the introductory astronomy student with the essential tools for understanding the cosmos. Michael Zeilik has revised the pedagogy of his successful textbook based on recent research in astronomy education. Significantly shorter than the previous edition, the ninth edition is organized into four concept clusters: Cosmic Distances, Heavenly Motions, Celestial Light and Spectra, and Scientific Models. Material has been streamline
Feature
Super-sharp radio ‘eye’ remeasuring the universe
Making use of the tremendous-sharp radio “vision” of astronomy’s most exact telescope, experts have extended a specifically-measured “yardstick” three times farther into the cosmos than ever before.
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6 Responses to “Astronomy: The Evolving Universe, 9th Version”
If you were ever interested in what is going on above in heavens, but didn’t want to trouble yourself with too much equations and other non-esential stuff, then this is the book for you. It is a textbook, and it reads as a textbook. You’ll find that everything is included: from our Solar system, to the nuclear processes in the stars, to the black holes. Descriptions are as they should be for the non-pros: comprehensive and simple (yet not trivial), well presented (love those many color pictures) and to the point. Great for an occasional star-gazer as well as astronomy students to revise their knowledge. And the Night Spectra Quest is a neat beginner’s tool to examining star spectra. If you get more interested after studying this book, I recommend “An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics”, which goes more deeply into the study of astrophysics and cosmology.
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This review is from: Astronomy: The Evolving Universe, 9th Edition (Paperback)
Zeilik’s book is one of the earliest systematic astronomy texts I ever read, beginning with the third edition back in 1982. That edition had four primary sections – Part I: Changing Concepts of the Cosmos; Part II: The Planets, Past and Present; Part III: The Universe of Stars and Galaxies; and Part IV: Cosmic Evolution.
Part I looks at the general structure of the universe, how it was conceived in the past, and how it is viewed today. Much of what is covered here falls under the general heading of cosmology. Zeilik has an interest in the history of astronomy, and it shows clearly in the text. He explores, among other topics, the Anasazi prehistoric astronomy discoveries, the Ptolemaic geocentric model, Tycho Brahe/Kepler’s achievements, the discoveries of Newton and Galileo, and finally the birth of modern astrophysics. Some basic physics is introduced along the way, to make sense of radiation and optics, as well as gravitation and space-time concepts.
Part II looks at the nine planets of our solar system, including their satellites (moons), and the asteroids and other solar system objects (comets, etc.). Planetary sciences are among the fastest developing sciences around, so a lot of the information contained here is basic, and some updating is required. There is no mistake that the most current version of this text is now in its ninth edition. The final chapter in this subject looks at some of the theories of the origin and development of the solar system.
Part III looks at the universe beyond the planets, looking first at the sun as a typical small star, and then going further afield to look at the Milky Way, our local galaxy in some detail. This includes a look at other major formations and stars within the galaxy – some named stars of interest as well as celestial objects such as nebulae, and a discussion of interstellar distances and distribution (Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, etc.). The structure, kinematics and dynamics of spiral galaxies are explored, and then other types of galaxies (elliptical, etc.) and galactic clusters.
The final section, Part IV, looks at general evolution and development of the universe. Stellar evolution is the first subject, as one of the primary vehicles of universal development. The different ways in which a star dies are explored – white dwarves, neutron stars, supernovae, black holes, pulsars. The larger ideas of the origins and ultimate fate of the universe (cosmology again, at the end) are explored, including a brief discussion of the origins of life in the universe, and short discussions on topics such as SETI (called CETI here, Communication with ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence).
One of the useful aspects of this text is the ‘Beyond the Book’ sections after each chapter. These include information about periodicals (often the best way to find the latest information on astronomy topics), additional books and other resources. There are learning objectives listed at the beginning of each chapter, and convenient summaries, and some short exercises at the end of each chapter also.
There are several useful appendices, including lists of stars, planetary data, periodic table, and other such information. A very good glossary and index round out the book, making it an excellent text book for both classroom and independent use.
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This review is from: Astronomy: The Evolving Universe, 9th Edition (Paperback)
the book was in great condition no marks or highlights but it was the wrong book. the book was for my girlfriend that hasn’t ever bought books online. she didn’t check the ibn number.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviewsÂ
Too many amateur astronomy books are haughty, if not insulting, about the mass of small telescopes that people buy or receive as gifts. Sidebars like “Trash Scope Blues” are an example.
This book, written by two professional astronomers, points out that the small telescope of today is the magnificent instrument beyond the dreams of Galileo or Messier*. With that foundation in place they proceed to lead you through the night sky to view the most interesting objects for small telescopes.
They begin with the deepest coverage of the moon that I have encountered yet. There are separate sections for each phase of the moon detailing highlights of what is unique at that time of the month.
Then they tour the night sky, season by season. Their directions to find items of interest don’t presume that you know the constellations. Instead, in “Where to Look” they start with the bright, easy to find stars, and from there walk you over to the item. They assist your search by describing what you’ll see in the finder scope and the telescope and have illustrations of what you will actually see in the telescope. (Not some picture taken by an observatory or the Hubble telescope.) In “Comments” they describe what you’ll see, suggest the eyepiece to use to get the most of the view, and give details about just what that thing is.
All objects are given a 1 to 4 telescope rating to help you choose the fun ones first. The Orion Nebula is an exception that receives a 5 telescope rating: easy to find, viewable in city light haze, with different interesting views at low and high power.
Of the half dozen astronomy books I’ve looked over this is the hands down best book for the new owner of a telescope to have. More than any other book, it will help you get the most from your telescope. *Never heard of Messier? Most non-astronomers haven’t Charles Messier hunted the skys for comets and kept coming across things that, at first glance, might be a comet. After figuring out that they weren’t comets, he kept a record of them so he wouldn’t waste time on them again. As it turns out this list contains some of the neatest things to see in the night sky.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviewsÂ
I had a telescope sitting in a corner looking pretty but gathering dust for three years, until I found this book. “Turn Left at Orion” has turned me on to amateur astronomy because of its straightforward, assume-nothing presentations. Using this book at my own pace, I’ve begun to learn the night sky and get excited about using my scope. Even though I live in the city, I find myself gazing skyward every clear night, browsing a now-familiar sky. There are other aids you’ll need as an amateur astronomer, but nothing I’ve seen is more perfect for a beginner.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviewsÂ
88 of 93 people found the following review helpful:
A highly effective work, for beginners and teachers., March 12, 2001
ByÂ
Bill Wiegert (The Belmont Society – Belmont, NC) –
This review is from: Turn Left at Orion: A Hundred Night Sky Objects to See in a Small Telescope–and How to Find Them (Hardcover)
In the Belmont Society, Turn Left at Orion is one of those enduring staples that eventually becomes an icon of eminent preservation. It’s been handed down through the membership as a benchmark of highly valued works, which we’ve long ago earmarked for its educational value. Back on the lecture circuit some years ago, this was one of those books we always recommended as “required reading” for the beginner, along with (among others) Sagan’s Cosmos, and The Backyard Astronomer’s Guide by Dickinson. Each became tremendously popular for different reasons, and each could hold its own as a reference for different levels of interest. Over the years the “List” has grown to include six books, and although none have been added in recent times, a few have come very close (i.e. – O’Meara’s Messier Objects deserves Honorable Mention).
As a result, Turn Left at Orion remains after all these years, one of the six essential works, which we regard as required reading by the beginning amateur astronomer. Though not part of my personal collection until recently, it has been at my disposal for many years. I keep meaning to review it, but something always comes up, not the least of which was the recent printing of a 3rd edition.
The work is co-authored by Guy Consolmagno, a Jesuit Brother at the Vatican Observatory; and Dan M. Davis, professor of geophysics at the State University of New York. Between them they conspired to create a work that reflects a singular passion for viewing celestial objects with small telescopes (emphasis on small). In fact, the combined aperture of both authors’ instruments is somewhat less than the singular average among beginning-amateur telescopes. One is a 3.5-inch Cassegrain, and the other is a 2.5-inch refractor. Nevertheless, with these small instruments they were able to create a first-rate work of impressive magnitude. Simplistic means to extraordinary ends.
I was introduced to the order of Jesuits as a youngster growing up in New England. Even at that young age I was profoundly inspired by the notion that science could be passionately embraced (and accurately promoted) in concert with unwavering religious faith. Almost any science buff knows full well that astronomy and religion run like oil and water through the veins of history. And because this work represents such a remarkable beacon of parallel encounter, I am somewhat disappointed in myself for not doing this earlier. But now, so much has been said about this book that there seems a trite redundancy in plugging it. Oh well.
Pioneers and discoverers like Galileo and Messier were themselves saddled with equipment that can easily be considered pathetic by today’s standards (both optically and mechanically). However, countless thousands of celestial objects were acquired, catalogued, and studied using archaic equipment of the sort. The point being, that you don’t have to bribe the evening sky with money or fat-free technology to see what it’s hiding. You merely need to coax it slightly to reveal some of its treasures. The knowledge of what places to do your coaxing is where Turn Left at Orion excels so remarkably.
On page 202, authors Consolmagno and Davis re-endorse one of life’s most poorly understood allegations – “There is no such thing as a bad telescope”. If you find yourself in conflict with that statement then you’re missing out on a golden tenet of amateur astronomy, and most likely some of the fun that goes along with it. Because it really doesn’t matter what caliber of instrument you use to enhance your view of the night sky. For even some of the most tenuous tidbits in the Messier catalog are revealed in binoculars of moderate size – still considered far superior to anything Messier could have ever laid his hands on. Get the picture?
Turn Left at Orion begins with a basic introduction of the evening sky, and a brief overview of “how to use this book”, which from experience I can honestly testify that few authors can resist. From there, we go through some discussion of the moon, and a few major planets. Then it’s on to the main course, which begins with the Winter constellations Taurus and Auriga and some of their celestial wonders – including the Pleiades open cluster and the famous Crab Nebula. A hundred and eighty pages later we’re looking at a double cluster in Perseus. In between, we’re shown where to look for a globular cluster in Lyra and the famous double star Albireo in Cygnus. A hundred or so interesting objects are presented and illustrated. Very little is missed or left out for the beginner, or for users of small telescopes.
We are first shown where each object is located within a broad view of the sky. Minimal sky-conditions, best times of year to observe, recommended eyepieces and telescope types are graphically illustrated at each heading. We see what the object looks like in a finder-scope, plus what it looks like in the telescope’s eyepiece (and at…
February 26th, 2011 at 12:41 pm
Great book for all,
If you were ever interested in what is going on above in heavens, but didn’t want to trouble yourself with too much equations and other non-esential stuff, then this is the book for you. It is a textbook, and it reads as a textbook. You’ll find that everything is included: from our Solar system, to the nuclear processes in the stars, to the black holes. Descriptions are as they should be for the non-pros: comprehensive and simple (yet not trivial), well presented (love those many color pictures) and to the point. Great for an occasional star-gazer as well as astronomy students to revise their knowledge. And the Night Spectra Quest is a neat beginner’s tool to examining star spectra. If you get more interested after studying this book, I recommend “An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics”, which goes more deeply into the study of astrophysics and cosmology.
Was this review helpful to you?Â
|February 26th, 2011 at 12:56 pm
Starry, starry night…,
 Â
 Â
Zeilik’s book is one of the earliest systematic astronomy texts I ever read, beginning with the third edition back in 1982. That edition had four primary sections – Part I: Changing Concepts of the Cosmos; Part II: The Planets, Past and Present; Part III: The Universe of Stars and Galaxies; and Part IV: Cosmic Evolution.
Part I looks at the general structure of the universe, how it was conceived in the past, and how it is viewed today. Much of what is covered here falls under the general heading of cosmology. Zeilik has an interest in the history of astronomy, and it shows clearly in the text. He explores, among other topics, the Anasazi prehistoric astronomy discoveries, the Ptolemaic geocentric model, Tycho Brahe/Kepler’s achievements, the discoveries of Newton and Galileo, and finally the birth of modern astrophysics. Some basic physics is introduced along the way, to make sense of radiation and optics, as well as gravitation and space-time concepts.
Part II looks at the nine planets of our solar system, including their satellites (moons), and the asteroids and other solar system objects (comets, etc.). Planetary sciences are among the fastest developing sciences around, so a lot of the information contained here is basic, and some updating is required. There is no mistake that the most current version of this text is now in its ninth edition. The final chapter in this subject looks at some of the theories of the origin and development of the solar system.
Part III looks at the universe beyond the planets, looking first at the sun as a typical small star, and then going further afield to look at the Milky Way, our local galaxy in some detail. This includes a look at other major formations and stars within the galaxy – some named stars of interest as well as celestial objects such as nebulae, and a discussion of interstellar distances and distribution (Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, etc.). The structure, kinematics and dynamics of spiral galaxies are explored, and then other types of galaxies (elliptical, etc.) and galactic clusters.
The final section, Part IV, looks at general evolution and development of the universe. Stellar evolution is the first subject, as one of the primary vehicles of universal development. The different ways in which a star dies are explored – white dwarves, neutron stars, supernovae, black holes, pulsars. The larger ideas of the origins and ultimate fate of the universe (cosmology again, at the end) are explored, including a brief discussion of the origins of life in the universe, and short discussions on topics such as SETI (called CETI here, Communication with ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence).
One of the useful aspects of this text is the ‘Beyond the Book’ sections after each chapter. These include information about periodicals (often the best way to find the latest information on astronomy topics), additional books and other resources. There are learning objectives listed at the beginning of each chapter, and convenient summaries, and some short exercises at the end of each chapter also.
There are several useful appendices, including lists of stars, planetary data, periodic table, and other such information. A very good glossary and index round out the book, making it an excellent text book for both classroom and independent use.
Was this review helpful to you?Â
|February 26th, 2011 at 1:41 pm
great condition but it was the wrong book,
 Â
the book was in great condition no marks or highlights but it was the wrong book. the book was for my girlfriend that hasn’t ever bought books online. she didn’t check the ibn number.
Was this review helpful to you?Â
|February 26th, 2011 at 1:51 pm
New telescope? Start here!,
 Â
Too many amateur astronomy books are haughty, if not insulting, about the mass of small telescopes that people buy or receive as gifts. Sidebars like “Trash Scope Blues” are an example.
This book, written by two professional astronomers, points out that the small telescope of today is the magnificent instrument beyond the dreams of Galileo or Messier*. With that foundation in place they proceed to lead you through the night sky to view the most interesting objects for small telescopes.
They begin with the deepest coverage of the moon that I have encountered yet. There are separate sections for each phase of the moon detailing highlights of what is unique at that time of the month.
Then they tour the night sky, season by season. Their directions to find items of interest don’t presume that you know the constellations. Instead, in “Where to Look” they start with the bright, easy to find stars, and from there walk you over to the item. They assist your search by describing what you’ll see in the finder scope and the telescope and have illustrations of what you will actually see in the telescope. (Not some picture taken by an observatory or the Hubble telescope.) In “Comments” they describe what you’ll see, suggest the eyepiece to use to get the most of the view, and give details about just what that thing is.
All objects are given a 1 to 4 telescope rating to help you choose the fun ones first. The Orion Nebula is an exception that receives a 5 telescope rating: easy to find, viewable in city light haze, with different interesting views at low and high power.
Of the half dozen astronomy books I’ve looked over this is the hands down best book for the new owner of a telescope to have. More than any other book, it will help you get the most from your telescope. *Never heard of Messier? Most non-astronomers haven’t Charles Messier hunted the skys for comets and kept coming across things that, at first glance, might be a comet. After figuring out that they weren’t comets, he kept a record of them so he wouldn’t waste time on them again. As it turns out this list contains some of the neatest things to see in the night sky.
Was this review helpful to you?Â
|February 26th, 2011 at 2:42 pm
The reviews nailed it,
I had a telescope sitting in a corner looking pretty but gathering dust for three years, until I found this book. “Turn Left at Orion” has turned me on to amateur astronomy because of its straightforward, assume-nothing presentations. Using this book at my own pace, I’ve begun to learn the night sky and get excited about using my scope. Even though I live in the city, I find myself gazing skyward every clear night, browsing a now-familiar sky. There are other aids you’ll need as an amateur astronomer, but nothing I’ve seen is more perfect for a beginner.
Was this review helpful to you?Â
|February 26th, 2011 at 2:53 pm
A highly effective work, for beginners and teachers.,
In the Belmont Society, Turn Left at Orion is one of those enduring staples that eventually becomes an icon of eminent preservation. It’s been handed down through the membership as a benchmark of highly valued works, which we’ve long ago earmarked for its educational value. Back on the lecture circuit some years ago, this was one of those books we always recommended as “required reading” for the beginner, along with (among others) Sagan’s Cosmos, and The Backyard Astronomer’s Guide by Dickinson. Each became tremendously popular for different reasons, and each could hold its own as a reference for different levels of interest. Over the years the “List” has grown to include six books, and although none have been added in recent times, a few have come very close (i.e. – O’Meara’s Messier Objects deserves Honorable Mention).
As a result, Turn Left at Orion remains after all these years, one of the six essential works, which we regard as required reading by the beginning amateur astronomer. Though not part of my personal collection until recently, it has been at my disposal for many years. I keep meaning to review it, but something always comes up, not the least of which was the recent printing of a 3rd edition.
The work is co-authored by Guy Consolmagno, a Jesuit Brother at the Vatican Observatory; and Dan M. Davis, professor of geophysics at the State University of New York. Between them they conspired to create a work that reflects a singular passion for viewing celestial objects with small telescopes (emphasis on small). In fact, the combined aperture of both authors’ instruments is somewhat less than the singular average among beginning-amateur telescopes. One is a 3.5-inch Cassegrain, and the other is a 2.5-inch refractor. Nevertheless, with these small instruments they were able to create a first-rate work of impressive magnitude. Simplistic means to extraordinary ends.
I was introduced to the order of Jesuits as a youngster growing up in New England. Even at that young age I was profoundly inspired by the notion that science could be passionately embraced (and accurately promoted) in concert with unwavering religious faith. Almost any science buff knows full well that astronomy and religion run like oil and water through the veins of history. And because this work represents such a remarkable beacon of parallel encounter, I am somewhat disappointed in myself for not doing this earlier. But now, so much has been said about this book that there seems a trite redundancy in plugging it. Oh well.
Pioneers and discoverers like Galileo and Messier were themselves saddled with equipment that can easily be considered pathetic by today’s standards (both optically and mechanically). However, countless thousands of celestial objects were acquired, catalogued, and studied using archaic equipment of the sort. The point being, that you don’t have to bribe the evening sky with money or fat-free technology to see what it’s hiding. You merely need to coax it slightly to reveal some of its treasures. The knowledge of what places to do your coaxing is where Turn Left at Orion excels so remarkably.
On page 202, authors Consolmagno and Davis re-endorse one of life’s most poorly understood allegations – “There is no such thing as a bad telescope”. If you find yourself in conflict with that statement then you’re missing out on a golden tenet of amateur astronomy, and most likely some of the fun that goes along with it. Because it really doesn’t matter what caliber of instrument you use to enhance your view of the night sky. For even some of the most tenuous tidbits in the Messier catalog are revealed in binoculars of moderate size – still considered far superior to anything Messier could have ever laid his hands on. Get the picture?
Turn Left at Orion begins with a basic introduction of the evening sky, and a brief overview of “how to use this book”, which from experience I can honestly testify that few authors can resist. From there, we go through some discussion of the moon, and a few major planets. Then it’s on to the main course, which begins with the Winter constellations Taurus and Auriga and some of their celestial wonders – including the Pleiades open cluster and the famous Crab Nebula. A hundred and eighty pages later we’re looking at a double cluster in Perseus. In between, we’re shown where to look for a globular cluster in Lyra and the famous double star Albireo in Cygnus. A hundred or so interesting objects are presented and illustrated. Very little is missed or left out for the beginner, or for users of small telescopes.
We are first shown where each object is located within a broad view of the sky. Minimal sky-conditions, best times of year to observe, recommended eyepieces and telescope types are graphically illustrated at each heading. We see what the object looks like in a finder-scope, plus what it looks like in the telescope’s eyepiece (and at…
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