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Universe [with WebAssign 6-Months Access Code]
Known edition after edition for its state-of-the-science coverage, Universe breaks new ground in its Eighth Edition with added pedagogical support and pioneering media and supplements. It places the basics of astronomy and the process of science within the grasp of introductory students.
Package Universe, Eighth Edition with FREE Starry Night CD!
use Package ISBN 0-7167-9564-7
SPLIT VOLUMES
In addition to the complete 28-chapter version of Universe, two shorter versions are also available:
Universe: The Solar System, Third Edition
Universe: The Solar System, Third Edition
(Chapters 1-16 and 28)
0-7167-9563-9; w/FREE Starry Night CD, 0-7167-9562-0
Universe: Stars and Galaxies, Third Edition
Universe: Stars and Galaxies, Third Edition
(Chapters 1-8 which includes a two-chapter overview of the solar system) and Chapters 16-28)
0-7167-9561-2; w/FREE Starry Night CD, 0-7167-9565-5
Unbound
First published January 1, 1998
22 people are currently reading
350 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 21, 2014
I wanted to firm up my knowledge of general astronomy, so I googled to find textbooks used in universities, picked this one, and read it front to back, doing the problems at the end of each chapter. It's extremely clear and logical in organization, comprehensive in scope, and easy to read. It is meant for college freshmen, physics-based, with free use of algebra, but no calculus. It does not presuppose any background in science beyond high school, and gives frequent tips, cautions, and reminders to help the reader out. It's darn close to the perfect textbook.
And yet, in the second-last chapter (Cosmology), I came to things I couldn't understand: this "cosmic inflation" idea, where the universe increased in size by a factor of 10^50 or so in a tiny fraction of a second. It's supposed to neatly explain the current large-scale appearance and composition of the Universe, but what caused it? It's attributed to an "inflation field" that seems to be otherwise undetectable, but if you ask me that's no better than saying it "just happened." And inflation is supposed to have created matter because the inflation separated matter-antimatter virtual pairs (that constantly fill the Universe, popping in and out of existence within the Heisenberg uncertainty limit) before they could annihilate, causing them to take on permanent existence. So whatever happened to conservation of mass? And the four forces of nature are said to "unify" at the high energies of the early Universe, meaning that they produce the same result. How can that be when their strengths differ so greatly? And why does gravitation require a particle to convey it when it's produced by the curvature of space? Maybe someday another text will explain these things to me.
And yet, in the second-last chapter (Cosmology), I came to things I couldn't understand: this "cosmic inflation" idea, where the universe increased in size by a factor of 10^50 or so in a tiny fraction of a second. It's supposed to neatly explain the current large-scale appearance and composition of the Universe, but what caused it? It's attributed to an "inflation field" that seems to be otherwise undetectable, but if you ask me that's no better than saying it "just happened." And inflation is supposed to have created matter because the inflation separated matter-antimatter virtual pairs (that constantly fill the Universe, popping in and out of existence within the Heisenberg uncertainty limit) before they could annihilate, causing them to take on permanent existence. So whatever happened to conservation of mass? And the four forces of nature are said to "unify" at the high energies of the early Universe, meaning that they produce the same result. How can that be when their strengths differ so greatly? And why does gravitation require a particle to convey it when it's produced by the curvature of space? Maybe someday another text will explain these things to me.
March 10, 2009
I learned a lot about current scientific thought on the universe and our solar system, its formation, nature, and laws of operation. There is a lot of satisfaction in learning about this. My knowledge about astonomy has grown. However, I feel we must balance our scientific thought with religious belief. Knowledge doesn't just come from what meets the eye; faith bears sway as well.
May 8, 2023
Perfect beginners textbook for any budding astrophysicist!
September 27, 2009
This was my textbook for a year-long introductory astronomy course. It seems satisfactory as a non-formal survey textbook and includes all topics, from the solar system to galaxies to cosmology. I didn't use the online extras except to read some additional articles during the first semester of my astro studies, didn't bother this past semester. My main complaint would be the ample size and weight of the text versus its flimsy binding. Stupid publishers.
January 27, 2011
I enjoyed this text which accompanied my introductory level astronomy course. The book covers topics ranging from observational astronomy to characteristics of planets in our solar system to quasars and pulsars. Visually, the book is extremely attractive and the accompanying text is thorough, yet accessible.
February 28, 2009
A beautiful book! This was my Astronomy 1 & 2 textbook in college. I have the 6th edition.
not-read
November 1, 2010Astonomy text. See Notes for Contents
March 4, 2011
Text book supplied for my SCIN108 class.
August 7, 2012
Making ASTR178 fun
November 11, 2016
Excellent undergrad text.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews