In writing this textbook the author's objective was to provide students with a non-trivial, reasonably priced introduction to astronomy. Starting with problems astronomers face on Earth connected with observation, the book then moves on to cover the Solar System, galaxies and finally cosmology, one of the most exciting and fastest developing areas of astronomy. Up-to-date and carefully structured Introductory Astronomy has a strong narrative thread running through it; concepts are gradually introduced and subsequently built upon in later chapters. The science behind the subject is integrated and presented in a way that allows readers to gain a thorough understanding of the subject without being blinded by unnecessary mathematical detail or scientific theory. Throughout the book there are plenty of worked examples, problems, figures and photographs.
Light; seeing into space; the view from Earth; the Sun, the stars and time; observation of the solar system; gravity and the solar system; the origin of the solar system; a closer look at the terrestrial planets; a closer look at the Jovian planets; the Sun; studying stars; stellar birth and early life; stellar evolution and death; galaxies; cosmology.
INTRODUCTORY ASTRONOMY integrates the science behind the subject, providing a clear and concise narrative, without unnecessary mathematical detail or scientific theory. (The Science Book Board Book Review, 1999)
"Based on a course for non-astronomers this very clearly set out book will serve the general reader." (Aslib Book Guide, Vol. 64, No. 2)