Book Description

The papers contained in this volume arise from the 34th Herstmonceux conference, held in Cambridge, U.K., which addressed in particular the behavior of matter surrounding stars in the later stages of evolution. Highlights include the latest observational results that show how various types of stellar ejecta differ in shape, and a unified view of the physical processes involved; as well as the latest results on the media around Supernovae 1987aand 1993j. Other topics include late stages of evolution of low and high mass stars; physics of stellar winds; morphology of nebulae around stars; binary stars and bipolar nebulae; collimated flows and condensations; novae and supernovae revealing previous ejecta; and supernovae occurring in dense media. This timely volume will serve both as an excellent introduction for graduate students and a reference for researchers who want to keep abreast of developments inthe field. ... Read more

Book Description

The world of telescopes, spotting scopes, and binoculars can be quite daunting to the uninitiated. Part buyer's guide, part instruction manual, this one-of-a-kind reference sorts out all the essential details. Not only will readers receive a foundation in such basics as telescope types, accessories, adjustments, and maintenance, they'll also discover tested techniques for successful viewing at sporting events, viewing landscapes and terrain, as well as basic star gazing. Finally, star charts and other astronomy references show readers how to navigate around the heavens and photograph specific objects in the night sky. ... Read more

Book Description

Many astronomers are unaware of how to obtain the best results from their telescopes. For those interested in photographing the Sun, Moon and planets, this volume provides the complete reference. This guide is packed with practical tips on how to obtain the highest resolution and provides a wealth of stunning images by the world's best amateurs, showing just what can be achieved. Individual chapters describe the various types of telescopes, the most suitable equipment to photograph a given subject, and recommend films and techniques in developing and printing. Also given are short biographies of key high resolution astrophotographers, both past and present, and an extensive bibliography of further reading. This guide provides both a wealth of sound, practical techniques and a unique portfolio of Solar System images--an inspiring handbook for any amateur astronomer. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

MR. DRAGESCO, THIS BOOK IS FANTASTIC
ANYONE WHO IS THINKING OF BUYING A TELESCOPE WOULD BE WISE TO READ WHAT I CALL THE BIBLE OF TELESCOPE BOOKS. MR. DRAGESCO GOES INTO DETAIL ABOUT WHY HE FEELS THAT CERTAIN TELESCOPES ARE BETTER THAN OTHERS. ALSO THIS BOOK GOES INTO DETAIL ABOUT PROCESSING PICTURES AND HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR PICTURES. I JUST CANNOT SAY ENOUGH GOOD ABOUT THIS BOOK AND HOW IT HELPED ME MAKE A WISE BUYING DECISION BEFORE I BOUGHT MY TELESCOPE. MR. DRAGESCO WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO WRITE ANOTHER GREAT BOOK? KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK,,,,GEOFF NASH ... Read more

Book Description

Sharks and Whales is part of a four-book series, The Nature Companions; practical guides to observing and appreciating the wonders of the natural world. This spectacular series provides readers with a thorough understanding of topics such as skywatching, birding, natural habitat gardening, and rocks and fossils.Written in clear, accessible text by acclaimed scientists and specialists in each field, each book contains a wealth of images by the world's foremost photographers and detailed, specially commissioned illustrations. Designed for enthusiasts of all ages, The Nature Companions series is a comprehensive source of reference that belongs in the personal library of all those who are curious to learn more about the world around them. ... Read more

Book Description

Astro-Pack contains all the information needed to start the fascinating hobby of astronomy. "The Night Sky through your Telescope" shows how to set up and use any telescope, how to use a planisphere and star charts, what to see, how to photograph the heavens, and a guide to useful accessories. "Star Finder" shows the planets, stars, and constellations in the northern hemisphere visible month-by-month. The planisphere is a practical hour-by-hour tracker of the constellations in a format big enough to use anywhere in the United States. The 3-map large-scale Star Chart and over 1400 photographs and drawings gives maximum detail on what is observable and can be used anywhere in the world. ... Read more

Book Description

Igor Novikov has been hailed as "Russia's answer to Stephen Hawking."In this popular account of the cosmic importance of black holes, he explores the properties and significance of these mysterious phenomena, which represent the most condensed state of matter in the Universe.Black holes are formed by the force of gravity, warping space and time, crushing stars and perhaps galaxies, too, until they fall in on themselves.Novikov's fascinating account illuminates this most enigmatic feature of our Universe with exemplary clarity, illustrated with a series of inspired cartoon drawings. ... Read more

Book Description

This book tells of the billions of wandering objects, from dust-particles to moon-sized lumps of rock, and of the random but vital roles they play in the drama of our evolving solar system.

To human beings on Earth, comets have always been objects of mystery and terror. This fear, once dismissed as superstition, is sometimes justified; comets really can bring catastrophes in their wake. Research show that comets are close relatives of both the space dust which forms meteors or shooting stars, and of the larger, inert rocks -- the asteroids -- which circle the Sun by the millions. Left over from the formation of the solar system, all of these objects have threatened Earth with massive impacts and "nuclear winters." However, they have also been part of the process by which the Solar System renews itself -- we may owe our very existence to the impact that destroyed the dinosaurs 65 million years ago.

The threat of collision with the Earth has placed comets and asteroids at the top of the agenda for astronomers, the public, and, increasingly, for governments. Comets, Meteors, and Asteroids presents a fascinating and insightful exploration of these space wanderers of the cosmos. ... Read more