Fundamental Astronomy is a well-balanced, comprehensive introduction to classical and modern astronomy. While emphasizing both the astronomical concepts and the underlying physical principles, the text provides a sound basis for more profound studies in the astronomical sciences. This is the fifth edition of the successful undergraduate textbook and reference work. It has been extensively modernized and extended in the parts dealing with extragalactic astronomy and cosmology. You will also find augmented sections on the solar system and extrasolar planets as well as a new chapter on astrobiology. Long considered a standard text for physical science majors, Fundamental Astronomy is also an excellent reference work for dedicated amateur astronomers.

Inhalt

Spherical Astronomy.- Observations and Instruments.- Photometric Concepts and Magnitudes.- Radiation Mechanisms.- Celestial Mechanics.- The Solar System.- Stellar Spectra.- Binary Stars and Stellar Masses.- Stellar Structure.- Stellar Evolution.- The Sun.- Variable Stars.- Compact Stars.- The Interstellar Medium.- Star Clusters and Associations.- The Milky Way.- Galaxies.- Cosmology.- Astrobiology.