Fascination Astronomy

In this work, Prof. Arnold Hanslmeier provides modern and fascinating astronomical knowledge. The book begins with a description of the origin of the universe and goes on to dark matter, black holes and the formation of the solar system. Finally, it is rounded off at the end by the exciting question: Are we alone in the universe? In this book, which originated from a lecture given at the University of Graz for students of all faculties, the author explains the interrelationships clearly and in a generally understandable way with the help of many colourful pictures, without demanding too much basic knowledge of mathematics and physics. Somewhat deeper formulas and text passages are separated from the rest of the text and can be skipped without losing the context. This third edition incorporates new findings such as the spectacular direct discovery of gravitational waves, fascinating images and data from Pluto, and the first landing on a comet. Numerous new photographs and illustrations have been added to aid understanding. The latest data in the field of exoplanet research has also been incorporated. The book is intended not only for students, but also for interested laymen as well as for all those who deal with modern findings of natural science. "Physics, especially astrophysics, can be extremely exciting, I hope my readers gain just that impression by reading this book!" A. Hanslmeier

'Astronomy, as nothing else can do, teaches men humility.' Arthur C. Clarke, The Challenge of the Spaceship For thousands of years, the stars, planets, Moon and Sun were central to religious and superstitious beliefs. Astronomy has its origins in the context of these beliefs. From this starting point, scientific thinking emerged, as humans began to seek explanations for the existence of celestial bodies - explanations that did not rely on the supernatural. In the 17th century, the invention of the telescope marked a watershed, opening the heavens to scrutiny and revealing that the planets are other worlds. The wonders of space have multiplied ever since, puzzling and enthralling us. The Story of Astronomy charts our fascination with stars, from before Stonehenge to the search for exoplanets and extra-terrestrial life. This accessible, fascinating account of discoveries, from the times of Palaeolithic star-gazers to current space missions, shows how we have come to know so much about the universe. At the same time, unfolding knowledge has opened new horizons to explore. Our understanding of the boundless cosmos has only just begun. Topics include: Cosmology, from ancient times to the Big Bang Our place in the solar system Astrolabes, telescopes and radio astronomy Mapping the stars Space missions and probes Comets, asteroids, supernovae and black holes The unknown, from empty space to dark energy

This volume traces humanity's exploration of the heavens from Neolithic times to NASA. Moving beyond early superstitions and cosmology, scientific study began by first making calendars and predicting astronomical events. The invention of the telescope around 1600 marked a watershed in the field of astronomy. Since the first recognition that the planets are other worlds, the wonders of space have puzzled and enthralled us. With a wealth of full-color and archival images and a compelling narrative style, this text charts our fascination with stars from before Stonehenge to the search for exoplanets and extraterrestrial life.

Maintaining its appealing style and presentation, the Yearbook of Astronomy 2024 contains comprehensive jargon-free monthly sky notes and an authoritative set of sky charts to enable backyard astronomers and sky gazers everywhere to plan their viewing of the year’s eclipses, comets, meteor showers and minor planets as well as detailing the phases of the Moon and visibility and locations of the planets throughout the year. To supplement all this is a variety of entertaining and informative articles, a feature for which the Yearbook of Astronomy is known. Presenting the reader with information on a wide range of topics, the articles for the 2024 edition include, among others, Recent Advances in Astronomy; Recent Advances in Solar System Exploration; Riccardo Giacconi: X-ray Astronomy Pioneer; Things Fall Apart – Chaos in the Solar System; Communicating From the Edge of the Solar System; Astronomy in Antarctica; Tracking Older Artificial Satellites; Inner Lives of Dead Stars; and A Triumvirate of Telescope Makers – Thomas Cooke, Howard Grubb and Alvan Clark. This iconic publication made its first appearance way back in 1962, shortly after the dawning of the Space Age. Now into its seventh decade of production, the Yearbook continues to be essential reading for anyone lured and fascinated by the magic of astronomy and who has a desire to extend their knowledge of the Universe and the wonders to which it plays host. The Yearbook of Astronomy is indeed an inspiration to amateur and professional astronomers alike, and warrants a place on the bookshelf of all stargazers and watchers of the skies.

"Overall, this is a wonderful work written to be accessible to people with more than a passing interest in astronomy." — Booklist on the 2023 edition of Yearbook of Astronomy Maintaining its appealing style and presentation, the Yearbook of Astronomy 2025 contains comprehensive jargon-free monthly sky notes and an authoritative set of sky charts to enable backyard astronomers and sky gazers everywhere to plan their viewing of the year’s eclipses, comets, meteor showers and minor planets as well as detailing the phases of the Moon and visibility and locations of the planets throughout the year. To supplement all this is a variety of entertaining and informative articles, a feature for which the Yearbook of Astronomy is known. Presenting the reader with information on a wide range of topics, the articles for the 2025 edition include, among others, Recent Advances in Astronomy; Recent Advances in Solar System Exploration; Skies over Ancient America: Mystical Mounds and Landmarks of the Prehistoric Americas; Astrophysicist Cecilia Helena Payne and Professor H. N. Russell; The Astronomers’ Stars: The Terrible Twos; Eta Carinae: A Chance Encounter and Journey of Discovery; Saturn at its Equinox: A History of Ring-Plane Crossings from 1612 to 2025; A History of Observatory Designs: Before the Telescope; Signals from the Magnetosphere; How to Read a Scientific Paper; and Small Stars. This iconic publication made its first appearance way back in 1962, shortly after the dawning of the Space Age. Now well into its seventh decade of production, the Yearbook continues to be essential reading for anyone lured and fascinated by the magic of astronomy and who has a desire to extend their knowledge of the Universe and the wonders to which it plays host. The Yearbook of Astronomy is indeed an inspiration to amateur and professional astronomers alike, and warrants a place on the bookshelf of all stargazers and watchers of the skies.

This volume represents the first which interfaces with astronomy as the fulcrum of the sciences. It gives full expression to the human passion for the skies. Advancing human civilization has unfolded and matured this passion into the comprehensive science of astronomy. Advancing science’s quest for the first principles of existence meets the ontopoietic generative logos of life, the focal point of the New Enlightenment. It presents numerous perspectives illustrating how the interplay between human beings and the celestial realm has informed civilizational trends. Scholars and philosophers debate in physics and biology, the findings of which are opening a more inclusive, wider picture of the universe. The different models of the universal order and of life here presented, all aiming at the first principles of existence—accord with the phenomenology/ontopoiesis of life within the logos-prompted primogenital stream of becoming and action, which points to a future of progressing culture.

Eye on the Sky is all about optical telescopes – their history, operation, discoveries, development and future. Telescopes and their use in astronomy and surveillance are increasingly fascinating to people, yet few know much about them. This superb book provides easy-to-understand factual information, as well as an exciting glimpse into the future. It offers a clear explanation of how telescopes work and why the costs for building them can aptly be described as astronomical. In addition to the telescope’s role in conventional astronomy, Dr Andersen describes telescopes used during the day (solar observatories), for detecting ripples in the fabric of space-time (gravitational wave detectors) and even for gathering extra-galactic particles (neutrino and gamma-ray observatories). As well as this, it looks at other uses for telescopes such as lidar, optical communications and space surveillance. The latter is something of great interest to the average reader, and it will answer the most common question: Just what can spy satellites see from space?

"This volume presents an in-depth look at Vincent van Gogh's painting The Starry Night, one of the most beloved works in the collection of The Museum of Modern Art. An essay by Richard Thomson, Watson Gordon Professor of Fine Art at the University of Edinburgh, and full-color reproductions - including sumptuous details that offer close observation of the artist's singular technique - allow for a deeper understanding of this iconic work."--BOOK JACKET.

Astronomy is taught in schools worldwide, but few schoolteachers have any background in astronomy or astronomy teaching, and available resources may be insufficient or non-existent. This volume highlights the many places for astronomy in the curriculum; relevant education research and 'best practice'; strategies for pre-service and in-service teacher education; the use of the Internet and other technologies; and the role that planetariums, observatories, science centres, and organisations of professional and amateur astronomers can play. The special needs of developing countries, and other under-resourced areas are also highlighted. The book concludes by addressing how the teaching and learning of astronomy can be improved worldwide. This valuable overview is based on papers and posters presented by experts at a Special Session of the International Astronomical Union.