Items related to Cambridge Dictionary of Astronomy
Synopsis
Held up by the heliopause? Floored by the flatness problem? Intimidated by MACHOs? With this dictionary there is no need to be defeated by such astronomical jargon. These terms, along with almost 3,200 more words, names and abbreviations encountered in amateur and professional astronomy, are explained clearly and concisely in a style that is authoritative but accessible. In addition to a comprehensive selection of specialist terms, entries include all the constellations, all the planets and moons of the solar system, many individual comets, stars and asteroids, observatories and spacecraft. There are 57 line diagrams and 7 tables of additional information at the back. Anyone involved with astronomy, either professionally or as a leisure interest, will find this dictionary a handy and invaluable reference book.
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Review
The Cambridge Dictionary of Astronomy is an accessibly written reference that is of particular use to students and hobbyists.
Aberration: "An apparent displacement in the observed position of a star." Earthshine: "A faint illumination of what would otherwise be the 'dark' part of the moon when its phase is a thin crescent." Peculiar galaxy: "A term loosely applied to any galaxy that does not readily fit into the Hubble classification, shows signs of unusual energetic activity or is interacting tidally with other neighbouring galaxies."
The language of astronomy is both oddly poetic and utterly prosaic, dotted with terms and names from classical mythology (Orion, Charon), Arabic (Aldebaran, Ras Algethi), and no-nonsense scientific classification (jansky, Supernova 1987A). In this gathering of more than 3,000 entries, ranging from Abell Catalogue to ZZ Ceti Star, Cambridge-trained astronomer Mitton provides an authoritative survey of the most commonly used technical terms in the discipline, along with a few terms borrowed from physics and space science. Many of the entries are cross-referenced and illustrated. --Gregory McNamee
Review
"[an] authoritative work...both amateur and professional astronomers will find the Cambridge Dictionary useful...an important resource." Library Journal
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- PublisherCambridge University Press
- Publication date2001
- ISBN 10 0521800455
- ISBN 13 9780521800457
- BindingHardcover
- LanguageEnglish
- Number of pages468
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