Presents scientific literacy in the context of astronomy, with the aim of teaching students to think critically and analytically about the physical world and the development of science. The text requires a minimum level of simple algebra and trigonometry. It presents an explanation of key physical principles and techniques like Kepler and Newton's laws, spectroscopy and distance measurement (the cosmic distance ladder is used throughout). Also avaialble: Instructor's Edition (0-13-644097-5), Test Item File (0-13-644105-X), Student Lab Manual (0-13-644196-3).
The third edition continues to respond to this rapidly changing field while retaining all the hallmarks of the Chaisson/McMillan author team, including the renowned art program. Some of the updates and changes include:
Nearly every chapter substantially updated with new and late-breaking information, such as:
- Coverage of the search for extrasolar planets.
- A discussion of the accelerating universe.
- Expanded coverage of gamma ray bursts.
- Continuing coverage of the Galileo mission to Jupiter.
New Concept Check discussion questions integrated throughout each chapter
These critical thinking questions test conceptual understanding of the material just presented and help place it in a broader context. Answers to Concept Check questions are included in the Appendix to aid self-assessment.
A fully integrated media package
The media package for Astronomy: A Beginner's Guide to the Universe, Third Edition fully integrates the text and its accompanying multimedia resources. Icons are included throughout to indicate the availability of additional complementary material on the CD-ROM and/or text-specific website. The CD-ROM and website are also hyperlinked where appropriate.
The free CD-ROM inside this text includes:
- An electronic, fully-hyperlinked version of the entire Astronomy: A Beginner's Guide to the Universe, Third Edition text. Cross-links, objectives, glossary terms, and hints to end-of-chapter true/false and fill-in-the-blank self-tests are all linked to the relevant text section.
- Integrated links to the Chaisson/McMillian website.
- 56 videos and animations, larger and enhanced, and now featuring narrative voiceovers.