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300 Astronomical Objects: A Visual Reference to the Universe
A handy and comprehensive reference to the 300 most interesting celestial objects.
This book provides a tour through the galaxy, from its solar core to its outer limits, with all the highlights and the very latest data about the universe.
Convenient data sidebars with each entry provide facts and figures on every object- including mass, magnitude, density, radius, rotation period, and surface and core temperatures. An annotated cross-section of the object enhances this information, and a full-page photograph brings the object to life.
Additional spreads bring together and explain related objects or phenomena. For example, the corresponding pages for the sun include solar power, sunspots and solar flares. Others examples include:
Mercury: Mercury's surface The asteroid belt: Eros 433 Jupiter's moons: 10, Europa, Callista Uranus: Uranus' rings, Ariel and Titania Outer belts and comets: Halley's comet; Deep Impact Space telescopes: International Space Station. 300 Astronomical Objects is a handy reference for the amateur astronomer.
This book provides a tour through the galaxy, from its solar core to its outer limits, with all the highlights and the very latest data about the universe.
Convenient data sidebars with each entry provide facts and figures on every object- including mass, magnitude, density, radius, rotation period, and surface and core temperatures. An annotated cross-section of the object enhances this information, and a full-page photograph brings the object to life.
Additional spreads bring together and explain related objects or phenomena. For example, the corresponding pages for the sun include solar power, sunspots and solar flares. Others examples include:
Mercury: Mercury's surface The asteroid belt: Eros 433 Jupiter's moons: 10, Europa, Callista Uranus: Uranus' rings, Ariel and Titania Outer belts and comets: Halley's comet; Deep Impact Space telescopes: International Space Station. 300 Astronomical Objects is a handy reference for the amateur astronomer.
528 pages, Hardcover
First published August 15, 2006
About the author
Jamie Wilkins
6 books5 followersJamie Wilkins has a degree in astrophysics from Cambridge University.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
November 3, 2019
I built my first telescope almost 60 years ago. It went with the collection of newspaper clippings I had about rockets and our burgeoning efforts to enter outer space. Things have changed since then. For instance, our Universe had gotten a whole lot bigger. We now count hundreds of billions of galaxies rather than a few hundred.
We also have astounding photographs from space-borne telescopes, both optical and otherwise. The photos are breath-taking. My 6-year-old granddaughter was struck dumb, something no Halloween phenomena managed.
Messrs. Wilkins and Dunn (Goodreads insists on losing Mr. Dunn's name) provide identification for each picture and a half-page or so of text describing them. They start with the solar system, including telescopes and un-crewed probes, then move on to the realm of the boundless universe. A few things have changed since the publication in 2011, but the seasoned space enthusiast or the novice will find lots to love here.
Recommended.
We also have astounding photographs from space-borne telescopes, both optical and otherwise. The photos are breath-taking. My 6-year-old granddaughter was struck dumb, something no Halloween phenomena managed.
Messrs. Wilkins and Dunn (Goodreads insists on losing Mr. Dunn's name) provide identification for each picture and a half-page or so of text describing them. They start with the solar system, including telescopes and un-crewed probes, then move on to the realm of the boundless universe. A few things have changed since the publication in 2011, but the seasoned space enthusiast or the novice will find lots to love here.
Recommended.
July 14, 2014
Don't try to sit and read this straight through. The text explaining what is known about various objects tends to duplicate itself, which is fine if you're just flipping through and looking at all the gorgeous pictures, many from Hubble, or if you dip into it from time to time to look up something in particular. Stunning images. I am in awe of how big and old the universe is, and how many stars it has in it. My favorites are the galaxies that are running/have run into each other.
Library copy
Library copy
February 28, 2008
I asked to renew this book but the librarian said no! So, I'll wait 'til they put it back on the shelf and take it out again to finish. This is a great book with lots of good pictures and info about 300 different objects in the sky visible by eye, telescope, or satellite. So much info, so little time!
June 7, 2009
This volume consists of both the expected planets, galaxies, and other natural objects and crewed and unmanned man-made crafts.
August 23, 2013
I liked this book, believe it or not. It gave a lot of information, but it wasn't boring at all.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews