Pathways to the Universe

by Francis Graham-Smith, Sir Bernard Lovell

Pathways to the Universe is an illustrated introduction to astronomy that begins at the level of common experience and develops the subject to the frontiers of modern research. Using readily comprehensible, nontechnical language, Professors Graham-Smith and Lovell explain how to become an astronomer and how to find your way around the sky using simple binoculars, telescopes, or the naked eye. Each chapter covers the current level of research using modern optical, radio, X-ray, and infra-red astronomy in discussions of the planets, comets, meteors, the Sun, stars, and the galaxies. The book concludes with a stimulating account of cosmology and the origin of life. These two distinguished astronomers continually show their sense of wonder and excitement at the universe that is now revealed to us. Final year high school students will find this a good introduction to astronomy; one that will appeal equally to amateur astronomers, and to those who want a comprehensive, conventional, and authoritative account from prominent authors in the field. This book was previously announced under the title

242 pages, Hardcover

First published November 17, 1988

About the author

Sir Francis Graham-Smith was a British astronomer. He was the 13th Astronomer Royal from 1982 to 1990 and was knighted in 1986.