Fundamental Astronomy

This well balanced and comprehensive book can serve both as an introduction to astronomy and astrophysics for science majors and a reference for practicing astronomers, for whom it will provide the needed background to understand material outside their range of expertise. Topics covered include: spherical astronomy; basic astronomical observations; radiative processes; celestial mechanics; the Solar System; stellar spectra, structure and evolution; the interstellar medium galaxies; and cosmology. Appendices provide some of the mathematical methods used in the book as well as physical and astronomical data and other useful information. "No one involved in astronomy teaching or research would want to be without a copy." #The Physics Teacher#"Offers a range of expertise and authority impossible for a single-author text..." #Nature# "Fundamental ideas are developed clearly and applied to real problems, and solutions are worked out; this is the book's strength." #Sky & Telescope#