Book cover for Astronomy

Astronomy

Andrew Fraknoi, David Morrison, Sidney C. Wolff

ISBN #9781938168284

1st Edition

1,010 Questions

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36,741 Students Helped

Homework Questions

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Summary

Astronomy is a comprehensive exploration of our universe that traces the evolution of astronomical thought from ancient geocentric models to modern, data-driven astrophysics. The book navigates through fundamental themes such as observational techniques, gravity, stellar evolution, and the intricate dynamics of galaxies, shedding light on the processes that govern both celestial mechanics and cosmic history. It weaves together historical insights and cutting-edge discoveries—ranging from the birth of stars and the structure of the solar system to the revolutionary understanding of black holes and dark matter—to illustrate the continual refinement of our cosmic perspective. Overall, the work serves as an enlightening journey through the milestones and enduring mysteries of astronomy, bridging the gap between scientific inquiry and our innate wonder of the cosmos.

Chapters & Topics Covered

Chapter 2

Observing the Sky: The Birth of Astronomy

Chapter 3

Orbits and Gravity

Chapter 4

Earth, Moon, and Sky

Chapter 5

Radiation and Spectra

Chapter 6

Astronomical Instruments

Chapter 7

Other Worlds: An Introduction to the Solar System

Chapter 8

Earth as a Planet

Chapter 9

Cratered Worlds

Chapter 10

Earthlike Planets: Venus and Mars

Chapter 11

The Giant Planets

Chapter 12

Rings, Moons, and Pluto

Chapter 13

Comets and Asteroids: Debris of the Solar System

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Chapter 14

Cosmic Samples and the Origin of the Solar System

Chapter 15

The Sun: A Garden-Variety Star

Chapter 16

The Sun: A Nuclear Powerhouse

Chapter 17

Analyzing Starlight

Chapter 18

The Stars: A Celestial Census

Chapter 19

Celestial Distances

Chapter 20

Between the Stars: Gas and Dust in Space

Chapter 21

The Birth of Stars and the Discovery of Planets outside the Solar System

Chapter 22

Stars from Adolescence to Old Age

Chapter 23

The Death of Stars

Chapter 24

Black Holes and Curved Spacetime

Chapter 25

The Milky Way Galaxy

Chapter 26

Galaxies

Chapter 27

Active Galaxies, Quasars, and Supermassive Black Holes

Chapter 28

The Evolution and Distribution of Galaxies

Chapter 29

The Big Bang

Chapter 30

Life in the Universe

Popular Video Solutions

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Problem 1

Give four ways to demonstrate that Earth is spherical.

Mayukh Banik

Mayukh Banik   Numerade Educator

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Problem 2

Name the two spectral windows through which electromagnetic radiation easily reaches the surface of Earth and describe the largest-aperture telescope currently in use for each window.

Rodger Claar

Rodger Claar   Numerade Educator

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Problem 3

What are advantages and disadvantages of apparent solar time? How is the situation improved by introducing mean solar time and standard time?

Rodger Claar

Rodger Claar   Numerade Educator

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Problem 4

Einstein's general theory of relativity made or allowed us to make predictions about the outcome of several experiments that had not yet been carried out at the time the theory was first published. Describe three experiments that verified the predictions of the theory after Einstein proposed it.

Sarah Mccrumb

Sarah Mccrumb   Numerade Educator

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Problem 5

Describe the differences among primitive, igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rock, and relate these differences to their origins.

William Dunkerton

William Dunkerton   Numerade Educator

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Problem 6

From where on Earth could you observe all of the stars during the course of a year? What fraction of the sky can be seen from the North Pole?

Mayukh Banik

Mayukh Banik   Numerade Educator

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