The New Cosmos (5^th Ed., 5th ed. 2002) An Introduction to Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astronomy, astrophysics and space research have witnessed an explosive development over the last few decades. The new observational potential offered by space stations and the availability of powerful and highly specialized computers have revealed novel aspects of the fascinating realm of galaxies, quasars, stars and planets. The present completely revised 5th edition of The New Cosmos provides ample evidence of these dramatic developments. In a concise presentation, which assumes only a modest prior knowledge of mathematics and physics, the book gives a coherent introduction to the entire field of astronomy and astrophysics. At the same time it takes into account the art of observation and the fundamental ideas behind their interpretation. Like its predecessors, this edition of The New Cosmos will provide new insight and enjoyment not only to students and researchers in the fields of astronomy, physics and earth sciences, but also to a wide range of interested amateurs.

1. Introduction.- I. Classical Astronomy and the Solar System.- 2. Classical Astronomy.- 3. The Physical Structure of the Objects in the Solar System.- II. Radiation, Instruments, and Observational Techniques.- 4. Radiation and Matter.- 5. Astronomical and Astrophysical Instruments.- III.The Sun and Stars: The Astrophysics of Individual Stars.- 6. The Distances and Fundamental Properties of the Stars.- 7. The Spectra and Atmospheres of Stars.- 8. The Structure and Evolution of Stars.- IV. Stellar Systems. Cosmology and Cosmogony.- 9. Star Clusters.- 10. Interstellar Matter and Star Formation.- 11. The Structure and Dynamics of the Milky Way Galaxy.- 12. Galaxies and Clusters of Galaxies.- 13. Cosmology: the Cosmos as a Whole.- 14. The Cosmogony of the Solar System.- A.1 Units: the International and the Gaussian Unit Systems.- A.2 Names of the Constellations.- Selected Exercises.- Literature and Sources of Data.- Acknowledgements.- Fundamental Physical Constants (Inside back cover).- Astronomical Constants and Units (Inside back cover).

Revised classical text, modern discoveries and methods,newest results of space resarch,topical standard work for the next years Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras