Ian Morison spent his professional career as a radio astronomer at the Jodrell Bank Observatory, and he has had an asteroid named in his honour in recognition for his work. In 2007 he was appointed Professor of Astronomy at Gresham College, the oldest chair of astronomy in the world. He writes a monthly online sky guide and audio podcast for the Jodrell Bank Observatory and is the author of numerous articles for the astronomical press and of a university astronomy textbook. His most recent book is An Amateur's Guide to Observing and Imaging the Heavens (Cambridge University Press, 2014).

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A comprehensive, up-to-date survey of our knowledge of the Universe beyond Earth, for general readers and astronomy enthusiasts.

Résumé
Providing an in-depth understanding both for general readers and astronomy enthusiasts, this highly comprehensive book provides an up-to-date survey of our knowledge of the Universe beyond Earth. Uniquely supported by video lectures given by the author, available online, the book also includes the very latest astronomical observations.

Contenu

Watchers of the skies; 2. Our Sun; 3. Aspects of our Solar System; 4. The rocky planets; 5. The hunt for Planet X; 6. Voyages to the outer planets; 7. Harbingers of doom; 8. Impact!; 9. 400 years of the telescope; 10. The family of stars; 11. Aging stars; 12. The search for other worlds; 13. Are we alone? The search for life beyond the Earth; 14. Our island Universe; 15. Wonders of the southern sky; 16: Proving Einstein right; 17. Black holes - no need to be afraid; 18. It's about time; 19. Hubble's heritage - the astronomer and the telescope that honours his name; 20. The violent Universe; 21. The invisible Universe: dark matter and dark energy; 22. The afterglow of creation; 23. To infinity and beyond; Index.