The Ever-Changing Sky: A Guide to the Celestial Sphere - Hardcover

Kaler, James B.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521380537 ISBN 13: 9780521380539

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1996

Synopsis

The Ever-Changing Sky provides a comprehensive and non-mathematical guide to spherical astronomy. The reader is guided through terrestrial and celestial co-ordinate systems, time measurement and celestial navigation, to the prediction of the rising and setting of the stars, Sun and Moon. It focuses on the geometrical aspects of the night sky without using complex trigonometry. The book progresses to a general study of the Earth and sky, including the stars and constellations (with useful star maps provided), the motions and appearance of the Moon, tides and eclipses, the orbits of the planets and the smaller bodies of the Solar System (asteroids, meteors, meteorites and comets). Finally, there is a brief overview of atmospheric phenomena (including rainbows and haloes). This text will be invaluable to students taking courses in naked-eye astronomy, amateur and professional astronomers, as well as more general readers wanting to know how the night sky changes.

About this title

Review:

'To write a book about spherical astronomy without confusing the non-specialist is far from easy; to do so without using any but the most elementary mathematics is indeed a daunting task. James Kaler has tackled the problem head-on, and has achieved a notable success ... All in all this is a fine book which fills a notable gap in the literature. It may be recommended without the slightest reservation.' Patrick Moore, The Observatory

'... if you are looking for a good grounding in basic astronomy then look no further - The Ever-Changing Sky is the book for you! I only wish I had had it when I was trying to get a clear understanding of the celestial sphere fifty years ago.' Gordon E. Yaylor, Astronomy Now

'For all seriously interested in astronomy a good grounding in this subject is essential but in the past, due to its mathematical nature, this subject has been closed to many. Now, however, Kaler's book presents the entire subject in easy non-mathematical terms and he is to be congratulated for this achievement.' Irish Astronomical Journal

'... a complete non-mathematical treatment of all aspects of the sky ... it contains many very interesting facts and figures which are certainly not to be found in the average present day book on popular astronomy.' Henry Hatfield, Journal of the British Astronomical Association

'Those non-mathematical readers who really want to understand the intricacies of phenomena such as the rising and setting stars, tides and timekeeping, calendars and constellations, planetary paths and eclipses need look no further than the superbly illustrated The Ever-Changing Sky.' New Scientist

Book Description:

The Ever-Changing Sky provides a comprehensive and uniquely non-mathematical guide to spherical astronomy. In a clear and lucid text, the reader is guided through co-ordinate systems, time measurement and celestial navigation, on to the stars and constellations, the motions and appearance of the Moon and planets, tides and eclipses, and the smaller bodies of the Solar System.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0521380537
• ISBN 13: 9780521380539
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 528