Product Description

* Allows the reader to quickly and easily grasp the math, fundamentals, and general concepts involved in astronomy
* Covers techniques for using telescopes, the challenges of amateur astrophotography, and the special problems of observing the sky at "invisible wavelengths"
* Unlike most books on the topic, it presents general concepts first and details follow
* Contains quizzes, tests, and final exams ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

The Demystified series are great
I really am enjoying this book.It is interesting and insightfull.I am refreshing my college astronomy class, and this book fits the bill.

Great Self-teaching guide!
This book is one of the better ones in the series. Some such as the quantum mechanics and the relativity book(note: I do not have them but have read reviews) are more for college level students majoring in physics. This book is a great book. If you are interested in taking a summer course in astronomy but are disapointed by the material that is covered, or it is too expensive, this book is a valuable alternative. The beginning of the book is a little boring however. Also, in the preface the author recommends reading a chapter a week. I read a chapter in three days. Overall this book is great.

The writer can't keep facts straight
I have borrowed this book in a library, at first I hoped it would be interesting light reading, but when I got to chapters of Sun as well as chapters concerning stellar evolution, I was very disappointed -- the author can't keep his data straight when it comes to given star's fate, like the sun. In one chapter he's talking about Sun becoming a hard cold body and in another he makes it a black dwarf. All around, to me this book was a disappoitment.

I love the "Demystified" series
I am really enjoying this book. In fact I have the Physics, Calculus, Algebra books also. I find them very well explained. I am using these book as "self study" and find them very good for that purpose, but I can also see how they would be helpful to anyone in High School that needs some extra help, or wants to go beyond the level they are being taught. The end of topic reviews and tests help you see how much knowledge you are gaining and what areas you need to focus on.

Takes us on mind journeys
This is one of the most comprehensive basic astronomy courses I've ever seen. I especially like it because it includes information about the sky as seen from "down under." Half of the globe is, after all, south of the equator (even if most of the landmass is not). The imaginary journeys among the planets are fun. I wish the author had taken me on an intergalactic voyage, but maybe that is asking too much. ... Read more

Product Description
Contents: Ancient Mysteries Described; A Chapter of Astronomical Facts; What the Ancients Knew about Astronomy; Masonic Astronomy; Astronomical Allegory of the Death and Resurrection of the Sun; An Astronomical Explanation of the Emblems, Symbols, and Legends of the Mysteries, both Ancient and Modern, and the Lost Meaning of many of them Restored; Illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Explains some things
I found that the book offered a broad range of insights. I will say that reading it was more challenging than reading other books due to the structure of the sentences. The illustrations are very helpful, even though not all of them are of superb quality. I think more of them would have been even more helpful to visualize certain concepts discussed. (Certain things must be imagined in 3-D, such as the planetary movement, etc.)

Elucidating - KhepeRA (The Prodigal Sun)
Stellar Theology and Masonic Astrology is a wonderful work.It explains that there is much more to the masonic ritual than the average candidate realizes.It shows the astrological/astronomical meaning of the allegory of Hiram Abiff.It explains that the movements in the ritual really imitate the cycle of life.It explains the meaning of the zodiacal arch and the death and resurrection of the sun. It also breaks down many other symbols that are often hidden in plain sight.I recommend this book for those inside and outside the door of the masonic lodge.

why the IMPORTANT OMISSIONS?
Sadly many of the chapters are a direct RIP-OFF, direct plagiarism of the much better book called 'The Royal Secret' written by I. Edward Clark.

WHAT MUST BE NOTED is that ROBERT HEWITT BROWN fails to offer any SWASTIKA INSIGHTS at all in his Freemason tell all.
NONE...he does not even mention it.
HOWEVER the 1924 publication called the 'The Royal Secret', written by a Freemason too, does mention it.
As does the Freemason Albert Churchward in his publications.

The book by the Freemason I.E. Clark devotes an entire chapter to the SWASTIKA and its many, many, many, profound associations and charms.

WHY????
Why does this modern Freemason 'rewrite' of 'The Royal Secret' (which is out of print, but can be ordered) totally eliminate the SWASTIKA from the Freemason narrative?
Is it because the swastika is an ancient solution for pi, that ante-dates Freemasonry?
Is it because it is a solution for the Pythagorean theorem?
Is it because it represents both the Sun and the Moon?
Is it because both opposite rotating swastikas, one rotating CW and the other CCW are in fact chiral asymmetrical mirror images of each other?
Thus the inward/outward helical rotations of the two intertwined swastikas resembles chiral asymmetrical DNA?

YES YES YES YES YES...Among other profound associations to do with Precession of the Equinoxes too.
And the list of swastika associations in both religion and science is quite extensive.

In my estimation the book misses the mark totally, as many books on the Freemasons and Knights Templar do.
Thus the omission of the chiral asymmetrical swastika from this book, resulted in the low rating.
How can you TRUST other information in this publication IF the swastika was omitted?
Maybe this book only deserves one* star?

This version of the 'TRUTH' left out the most important association to the mystic cross, the esoteric Hidden Cross of Christ, known as the Swastika.
Still revered by the Jain Buddhists of southern India.
The Swastika was an ancient mark of god that existed at least 5000 years before Christ manifest and walked across the water into the hearts of the west.

namaste

Amazing So Glad this was put togeter and re-printed
This book could Definatley change your life if you can understand what is being presented..but always trust what you know to be true by what you can prove ... must read for all on Trip down the Rabbit-hole or Freemasons!

An absolute must own.
I have been a fan of Jordan Maxwell for some time, and own several of his own, or books that he distributes, this one being of the latter.

The author (Robert Hewitt Brown), a 32nd degree Freemason, sheds a huge amount of light on the most private and secret, masonic doctrines that have been kept away from general knowledge for a very long time.

In order to understand the secret societys (such as Masons) we must first learn that these societys have kept within them the earliest, most spiritual ideas of the human race (before the public was indoctrinated to buy into organized religion), such as:

1. The ONE spritual, invsisible, omnipresent, omnipotent God.

2. And the Immortality of the Soul (meaning basically that death is another part, or continuation of life).

These two are referred to as the two great truths of Freemasonry by the author, whom wrote this work during the 1950's, a much safer time for secret societys to openly publish these, rather than todays mass-attacks by the collective awakening happening throughout the world (wich is good).

When you have read this book, and gathered an understanding of the sprituality of man lost ages ago, you will se how everything fits together, and why we have huge monuments of sun-symbolism all-around the world.

In reading other researchers books such as David Icke, they tend to skip this most basic, underlying, spiritual truth and jump directly to way more advanced and outlandish theories, such as the "reptillians" etc.

Beginning with this one foundational work, wich is very easily read, you will have a strong ground to start your research upon.

Enjoy your read. /Adam Jay. ... Read more

Product Description
This lavishly illustrated new dictionary written by an experienced writer and consultant on astronomy provides an essential guide to the universe for amateur astronomers of all ages. Around 1300 carefully selected and cross-referenced entries are complemented by hundreds of beautiful colour illustrations, taken from space missions, the Hubble Space Telescope, and other major observatories on Earth and in space. Distinguished stellar illustrator Wil Tirion has drawn 20 new star maps especially for inclusion here. A myriad of named astronomical objects, constellations, observatories and space missions are described in detail, as well as biographical sketches for 70 of the most luminous individuals in the history of astronomy and space science. Acronyms and specialist terms are clearly explained, making for the most thorough and carefully assembled reference resource that teachers and enthusiasts of astronomy will ever need. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A thoroughly cross-referenced, easy-to-use reference and resource
Printed on high-quality glossy paper with 300 beautiful color illustrations and 20 new star maps by stellar illustrator Wil Tirion, Cambridge Illustrated Dictionary of Astronomy is a solid reference text accessible to readers of all backgrounds, from high school students to field professionals. Most of the 1300 entries are limited to roughly a paragraph in length, and range from named astronomical objects to space missions, brief biographical sketches of 70 key figures in the history of astronomy, explanations of acronyms and specialist terms, and more. "Dwarf Planet: A body in the solar system, traveling in orbit around the Sun and with enough mass to have a more-or-less spherical shape due its own gravity, but not massive enough to dominate the vicinity of its orbit to the extent that its influence has cleared away all or most of the smaller bodies there. The International Astronomical Union adopted this definition in 2006 following the discovery in 2003 of Eris, a Kuiper Belt object larger than Pluto. Eris and Pluto, being located in the Kuiper Belt, fall into this category as does the large asteroid, Ceres." A thoroughly cross-referenced, easy-to-use reference and resource highly recommended for astronomy teachers and enthusiasts - everywhere.
... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
Completely current with the newest developments from the field, FOUNDATIONS OF ASTRONOMY, 11e helps readers use astronomy to understand science--and use science to understand what we are. Fascinating and engaging, this text helps you answer two fundamental questions: What are we? And how do we know? This edition addresses the latest discoveries in the exciting study of astronomy, including information to emphasize observations over the entire electromagnetic spectrum; new data on star formation and stellar structure; new insight on global warming and ozone depletion; updated information on the Kuiper belt and dwarf planets; and much more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

VERY NICE
IM TRYING TO REMEMBER IF I BOUGHT THIS USED OR NEW. I THINK IT WAS USED BUT WHEN IT CAME, IT WAS BRAND NEW AND STILL IN ITS PLASTIC COVERING. CAME ONTIME.

Great purchase!
Thank you for send such a great purchase. The book was in excellent condition! Thank you!

I didn't care for this book
I used this book in an introductory astronomy course in college.I found it difficult to follow the text - not because of poor comprehension, but it was just written really poorly.I much prefer Bennett's Cosmic Perspective.

Great basic astronomy textbook, for beginners only
I took beginning astronomy at college, and this was my book. The 1999 edition. It came with 2 CD-ROMS which are very interesting and helpful. The book goes step-by-step in laying down the history and foundations ofastronomy, and takes you all the way through a chapter on life on otherplanets. In between, it's easy to follow and stops to explain certain termsand well-accepted ideas among modern astronomers. Great book for beginners,intermediate and expert look elsewhere. ... Read more

Product Description

Astronomy provides a survey of science's growing understanding of space, including facts on space research and space probes. Packed with stunning images and diagrams, the book features:

• A wide variety of heavenly phenomenas, including distant stars, the planets of the solar system, comets and shooting stars, eclipses and black holes.
• Vivid cross-sections of the planets with concise descriptions and a chart of their relative distance from the sun.
• Spectacular photographs from the world's finest observatories and space-based cameras, many further expertly clarified by digital graphics.
• Easy-to-read monthly sky maps with symbols to identify open and globular star clusters, galaxies and planetary nebulae.
• Labeled and diagrammed constellations.
• Profiles of nebulae, clusters and galaxies.
• Pictographs showing whether viewings require binoculars or a telescope.

Astronomy is a highly recommended, fascinating and easy-to-use illustrated reference for amateur astronomers of all levels.

Customer Reviews (5)

Great pics and short, clear explanations.
If you are interested in astronomy but don't want to read a text book about it, this is a great book for you. It explains lots of basic astronomy stuff like asteroids, moons, our galaxy, birth and death of stars and eclipses. Loaded with great pictures!

Caught my Child's Eyes
Our son has a budding interest in astronomy and a nine year old's attention span. That's okay b/c he is nine, btw.This book is definitely visual enough to pique his interest in ways that other astronomy books could not.His father (the astronomer...) is thrilled.The photography is quite simply lovely and provides a different perspective on what is up there.I generally use that "other" part of the brain, but even I was quite engaged.Maybe not terribly technical, but it's a start.

Great pics
I've enjoyed reading this book.It has made a great addition to my small library of astronomy books.It has great pictures with great detail.The only thing I wish is that it would packed with a little more information.

Awe Inspiring.
This photo book of the universe, with some facts posted throughout, its spectacular. I rented this from the library and liked it so much I came on here to buy it. The pictures are beautiful and the facts are extremely interesting. The book even explains some concepts in an easy to understand way with amazing pictures. This would be EXCELLENT for any child or adult who is interested in Astronomy and would like to pursue a career in the subject. It made me want to become an astronomer just by looking at it/reading through it. It really sparks the imagination!!

Easy To Follow, Beautiful Photos ............
This book is not only full of gorgeous photos , but very easy to understand . Over 295 pages, describing in detail, everything from the planets in our solar system , to galaxies, to helpful info on buying a telescope, and more, including :
* Detailed description of every planet in our solar system.

* Development of Astronomy tools, from B.C to present day

* Major Space Centers & Observatories

* Several kinds of Galaxies, including spiral,elliptical,lenticular ....

* Dates of solar eclipses, Past, Present AND future !!

*Constellation Facts , and their meaning...

The list could go on and on , this is an excellant book for any one interested in the night sky .I wish I had it as a textbook when I was in school , it covers everything without being too scientific or dull .It truly takes you on a journey into space .Highly recommended !! ... Read more

Product Description
Jay Pasachoff and Alex Filippenko combine extensive research experience, teaching experience, and textbook-writing experience to offer a book that is unparalleled in its ability to present the latest science in a way that students can understand.This brief, beautifully illustrated text ? one of the briefest available for the course ? offers concise coverage of a wide range of astronomical topics. The authors have struck a balance between the fundamental concepts and the exciting topics at the forefront of astronomy, conveying the spirit of contemporary astronomy within a big picture context.The authors emphasize the central theme of origins in this text, first by singling out specifics in the headings of each chapter and then by dealing with a variety of relevant material in the text itself. An early discussion of the scientific method stresses an importance on the verification of observations, and sets the stage for the text's consistent focus on astronomy as a science. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Out of this world
This DVD set was just what I anticipated.Lots of dramatic footage and music to the beautiful scenes of the universe.I'm not a real science geek, but I loved it!

Excellent base astronomy text
We bought this as a companion to the Teaching Company's "Understanding the Universe" course taught by Alex Filippenko, who is co-author of this volume.

It's a good accessory to the course, and would also be very good as a course in itself. It IS a course textbook and as such is entirely suitable for a classroom, but could also work well for those interested in learning on their own if you like the 'classroom' approach which builds on each previous chapter. There are questions at the end of each chapter which are quite useful. There are no answers with the book, though, so you need to be 'scientific' and verify your responses on your own.Haven't yet checked out the virtual astronomy lab access which comes with full versions of the book, so I can't comment on them.

The book does NOT delve deeply into the math behind the findings, but explains in very good detail the currest state of cosmology; what we know, what we suspect, and where we are likely headed in the future.

Purchased for college but enjoyed reading it anyway
This book was purchased for a college course but the book is easy and interesting to read.We'd recommend this book for anyone who is searching for an introduction to the Cosmos.The book is easy to understand, well organized and indexed.It was also a primary resource for the obligatory term paper (the title we didn't use is "What the heck is Pluto?")Well, it's a KBO but you'll have to read the book to find out what the heck a KBO is.

Beautiful book, timely delivery
I needed this text for an astronomy class. Wanting to save some money, I bought in on Amazon market place. I was treated to a beautiful, colorful book, and timely delivery.

Wonderful Book
Professor Pasachoff's completed work titled "A Concise Guide to the Solar System" was deemed unfit to publish by Harvard University Press. Harvard's expert prepublication reviewer, a formost planetary scientist, reported that it contained many large and small mistakes and so many mistaken ideas on planetary science. He described the manuscript as "misbegotten" and "beyond repair.

Shortly thereafter, Dr. Pasachoff's contract for a work titled "Astronomy" which was three years late was summarily cancelled by Harvard University Press.

The Solar System Guide used as its source for some of its factual information Professor Pasachoff's "Astronmy: From the Earth to the University" so there exists the posibility this this book is similarly filled with many mistaken ideas and large mistakes. I would recommend comparing books to determine which is the most accurate before buying an astronomy book like this.

... Read more

Product Description
How do I get started in Astronomy? Should I buy binoculars or a telescope? What can I expect to see? This wonderful informal guide has all the answers for an absolute beginner to get started observing the night sky. It begins with advice on how to choose appropriate and affordable equipment and accessories, and covers basic stargazing techniques, from observing with the naked eye to binoculars and telescopes. It then takes you on a tour of the night sky, covering the Moon, Sun, stars, planets, and more. Photos taken by the author, himself, will show how objects in the sky actually look through modest amateur equipment. Whether you are a parent thinking of buying a telescope for your children, or a newcomer yourself, this book has all you need to know to take the first steps into the fascinating world of astronomy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Everything I needed to know to get started with amateur astronomy
As someone who knows almost nothing about astronomy (other than vague references I can remember from Intro to Astronomy in college 20 years ago), after reading this easy to understand guide and the fun tidbits about getting started, I feel confident that I am now prepared to take a stab at the skies with my new little telescope.Thanks to your explanations about the choices available within my price range for a new telescope,I feel good about the decision I've made for what kind of scope I should start with, what kind of mount, a few other accessories, and even where I want to begin looking.The price of this book probably saved me a couple hundred dollars in making a better decision about what to buy and what not to buy to get going.

Black-and-white astronomical photographs taken by the writer illustrate this handy reference
Amateur astronomer and educator Paul Kinzer presents Stargazing Basics: Getting Started in Recreational Astronomy, a highly accessible guide to readers of all ages and backgrounds. From where to find affordable binoculars, telescopes, and accessories; to how and why the visible images in the night sky change over time; to getting started in astrophotography, Stargazing Basics is an excellent and easy-to-follow primer. Black-and-white astronomical photographs taken by the writer illustrate this handy reference.

Excellent brief guide for complete beginner
"Stargazing basics" does a good job of introducing the complete beginner to astronomy and the use of telescopes. It is brief, less than 150 pages, and it focuses on how to buy and operate telescopes that cost less than $500. There are other, much longer guides that deal with more costly telescopes and equipment, but this is the only current guide with the goal of introducing the beginner to astronomy on a budget.

Caveat: Friend of author. ... Read more

Product Description
Presents a variety of facts and myths about the sun, moon, stars, planets, galaxies, and other celestial bodies of the universe. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Fantastic product
I've owned this book now for almost a year and keep going back to it.It has taught me so much and brought my processing skills to a higher level.You can check out my images at [...]These were all done using the techniques that I learned in this book.

Excellent!!!!
Scott Ireland has done an excellent job in putting together this interactive guide to the application of Photoshop for the astrophotgrapher.He provides numerous techniques in a very understandable way, although some understanding of Photoshop beforehand is highly recommended.The photographs that he discusses in the book are also provided on a DVD so that you can not only read about the processing but you can carry it out yourself on your computer. Of all the guides that I have purchased for the application of Photoshop (eight so far), this one is my bible for astrophotgraphy.We are really fortunate that Scott took the time to put his vast experience to print.He is a superb astrophotographer and over the years I have really enjoyed attending his lectures at the Winter Star Party.Thank you, Scott!!

Great source of detailed explanations and step-by-step
This book is thorough in its approach to educating you on the why's and how's of using PhotoShop for image processing.If you've always wondered how to best use PS to process your astronomical images, this book will give you the nitty-gritty details of how to do it, as well as why you should do it.

The text is split into logical chapters, so that if there are areas that you aren't interested in, you can easily skip them.

This is a GOOD book! It's not inexpensive -- but it's very comprehensive. ... Read more

Product Description
With 21st Century Astronomy, students see the universe through the eyes of a scientist.21st Century Astronomy’s distinctive writing style, superior art, and supporting media package all work together to teach students how science works, help students visualize basic concepts and physical processes, and keep students focused on the “big picture.”

For the Third Edition, the entire text has been reread from a student’s perspective and rewritten to eliminate jargon and ensure that the book’s hallmark tone resounds throughout every chapter. New Visual Analogy icons help students connect the textual analogies used to describe physical processes with the figures that illustrate them, and new AstroTour animations and simulations developed at the University of Nebraska provide students with opportunities for interactive learning.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Astronomy textbook
Very well written astronomy textbook.I attended a week-long Elderhostel seminar on astronomy after reading this book and heard almost nothing I hadn't already read in it.Astronomy is a difficult subject to wrap your mind around, but 21st Century Astronomy is a tremendous help.Be sure to do all the exercises and problems at the end of each chapter.That's how half the learning takes place.Engineers, mathematicians and physicists will want to dig deeper, but this text takes the reader about as far as possible with only a good grounding in algebra.I heartily recommend it.

A teacher in a book
I am learning the fundamentals of science, while exploring the skies. This book lays out complex information in a very descriptive way, it aids in teaching the way to think when it comes to science.

One of the best!
I am teaching an introductory astronomy course this semester, and chose to use a different text since that is what others before me had used.Early on, the publisher sent a free copy of this book to me.I liked it so much that I ended up using it to prepare many of my lectures, and when I teach this course again I suspect that this will become the new text.The overall tone of the book is very good, presenting scientific material in a well thought-out fashion that doesn't talk down to the reader.The figures are clear, and often address common misconceptions.The material is also very up to date, addressing hot topics like Pluto's status as a planet, dark energy, WMAP results, etc.The only thing I don't like about the book is that the chapter titles and section headings are often complete sentences.For example, the chapter on the Sun is called "The Sun is an ordinary G star," instead of just calling it "The Sun."Strange, but overall an excellent book.

A Favorite Astronomy Textbook
This is my third year teaching introductory astronomy.I've used three textbooks.Last year I got a copy of 21st Century Astronomy free--publishers are always trying to get professors to adopt their textbooks.Anyway, I really like this one.I haven't been able to use it in a class yet, but I would like to.I use it already to help me prepare for lectures.It's clear and don't talk down to the reader.Many textbooks get weighted down with frills, but not this one.The graphics are clear but never superfluous.In keeping with its title, it includes may up to date topics.

The other texts I have used are Kaufman, Seeds, and Bennet et al. (which I liked a lot too--it's a little bulky though.)

Out of this world
Wonderful explanations.This is the astronomy book I never had as a kid!I'm a biologist and always thought I had the good fortune of working in the most interesting field.It sounds trite, but this book has opened my eyes to a universe out there.Now I even sort of understand black holes and the implications of relativity. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

An amazing accomplishment
"Cosmos" is a wonderful book by one of the truly great historians of astronomy.It is easily the most comprehensive popular astronomy history ever published and is a model of clarity and scholarship.In my mind, there are two factors that set this book apart:

1. The scope of the work is comprehensive and covers astronomy from ancient times to the most modern techniques and challenges.You should scan the Table of Contents in the "Look Inside" feature on Amazon to get a feel for the range of topics presented.

2. It gracefully explains how, over time, contributions from cultures and individuals combined and evolved into the astronomical systems in use in each era and evolved into today's view of the universe.

The first half of the book deals with ancient and medieval astronomy, including not only Western cultures, but also how astronomy developed and was used in China, India and the Americas.The presentation is seamless and gives the reader a good feel for how astronomical ideas and measurements were influenced by many cultures.

The second half focuses on the evolution of astronomy as a science and how contributions from many individuals were refined and combined to create a coherent view of the universe.

It ends with a look at the research challenges facing the modern astronomer and astrophysisist.

"Cosmos" is an expanded version of North's, "Norton's History of Astronomy and Cosmology", with a large amount of additional material and is much better illustrated.It is written for an educated general audience and can serve as a "read" just for fun, a textbook or a permanent reference.

It took me rather a long time to get through the entire book as it inspired me to dig into other sources for more detailed material on some points.What more can you ask of a history book than to open doors?
... Read more

Product Description
Whether you are learning astronomy for the first time or teaching it for the tenth time. Pathways to Astronomy offers the flexibility of exploring astronomy following the path of your choosing. Pathways to Astronomy divides the fascinating field of astronomy into 84 units, from which you can select topics according to your interests, while maintaining a flow of presentation.image and description provided by M & R. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Easy to read
I used this book in my Astronomy class and it was very easy to read.It has very short chapters and they are to the point and interesting. ... Read more

Product Description
After fifteen printings and with over 65,000 copies sold, Astronomy and the Bible has become a trusted resource for parents and teachers. This second edition provides fully updated answers to questions on astronomy and the universe and contains ten new questions. The books convenient question-and-answer format makes it a practical classroom resource and an ideal book for homeschooling.

As Donald DeYoung explains, astronomy tells us much about Gods vast creation and his daily care for us. This book answers many basic questions such as:

What causes the seasons?How are star distances measured?Is the universe expanding?What was the Star of Bethlehem?

Suggested sources for in-depth study, a glossary, and Scripture and subject indexes are included. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Astronomy and the Bible:Disclosing the Glory of God in Creation
We are often exposed to "scientific" articles, books and television programs that ignore and even mock the Bible's clear teaching concerning the Creator. Because of this, Christians are sometimes intimidated, especially in a culture which insists that science is the sole propriety of secular humanism; but if the study of Physics, Biology and Astronomy should do anything to the Christian, it should inccrease our own sense of wonder and awe for the One who simply spoke the vast cosmos into existence by His powerful Word (Hebrews 11:3, Psalm 33:6). Instead of avoiding these subjects, Christians must understand that genuine science is the propriety of God, and is therefore to be enjoyed by His children, both for personal edification, as well as for outreach and evangelism to the lost. With this in mind, there is a great need for scientific works that can be used by brethren in order to increase their understanding of the sciences in an age of scholastic misinformation.

One such book is Astronomy and the Bible, Questions & Answers, by Dr. Donald B. DeYoung.

Dr. DeYoung is Chairman of the Department of Physical Science at Grace College, Winona Lake, Indiana. He holds a B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. in Physics, as well as an M. Div. from Grace Seminary. DeYoung's approach to the subject of Astronomy is clearly Biblical. Refreshingly, he deals with many of the sticky questions that normally surround modern cosmology, but with the priority of Biblical authority. Within the brief span of just 176 pages, DeYoung manages to raise and answer one hundred popular questions dealing with Cosmology and Physics. In particular, he addresses the most common questions dealing with:

* Geocentricity (Is the earth at the center of the universe?).
* The Anthropic Principle (a term which speaks of the uniqueness of earth's habitable environment).
* What is the big bang?
* What is the age of the universe?
* Should man be in space?
* What is background radiation?
* What's wrong with studying astrology?

This small sample of his one hundred questions provides a preview of DeYoung's very helpful review of Cosmology and Physics. Many of the questions that he raises are designed to bust certain modern myths. Others are designed to clarify matters that are often misunderstood in the popular culture. I find that his simple answers are thorough enough, and yet simple enough, to equip believers for personal edification as well as for sharing the Gospel with others. You don't need a Physics degree in order to read and understand this book! At the same time, this work will certainly challenge your thinking about many discussions that have fallen prey to secular humanism. I offer it to you with my highest recommendation.

Astronomy from a Perspective of Creation
ASTRONOMY AND THE BIBLE is a book that attempts to answer various questions about astronomy, but from the perspective of a creationist scientist.Basic astronomical issues such as eclipses, solar systems, stars, auroras, satelittes, etc. are covered as well as more in-depth issues such as what powers the sun.There are also a variety of issues the book discusses that aren't directly related to astronomy, but that are addressed, such as the origin of the Jewish Star of David and what Bioshpere II is.

ASTRONOMY AND THE BIBLE is written in a fairly easy-to-read style that the average person can understand.It isn't very detailed and the book is written from a creationist perspective, so the majority of the scientific community would disagree with many of the explanations offered (God and science don't mix in the secular world).This book would, however, be a great read for anyone with a Biblical worldview who is trying to figure out how the celestial bodies of the universe fit into their worldview.

I've used this book
Other reviews of this book--the ones that are highly critical--are critical for one reason--they don't agree with the author's stance on a relatively young earth.I've stuidied this subject quite a bit and honestly I'm not sure what to believe about "young" or "old".But then, I wasn't there.
I love DeYoung's book however because it answers so many questions in readable fashion. The non-scientist can easily grasp the basic concepts and terms we so commonly hear.It is not overly religious (that's an opinion!) but does assume that there is a God (that's not an opinion!) and that he is the God of the Bible.All books on astronomy espouse philosphical viewpoints--either the viewpoint of athiesm or that "God did it" or something else. I happen to believe the Bible, so although I'm not altogether convinced that God created the earth in 6 days that were precisely 24 hours in length, I am PLEASED by the author's God-centered conception of creation. He writes as one who knows his subject and understands the kind of questions students are asking.The book is well organized and indexed so you can find what you're looking for quickly.I would recommend it as a beginning point for Christians.
I wouldn't recommend it for the athiest.The athiest should read anything written by Phillip Johnson on the subject of inteligent design.

Contaminated Astronomy
In a mailing-list flame war on creationism at MIT (of all places!) about eight years ago, I wrote (something like), "Anyone who knows anything about astronomy and has half a brain can figure out that creationism is false." Now why would I write such a thing? I was refering, of course, to young-universe creationism, the idea that the universe was created about 6000 years ago. Now, here we have an astronomy book which tries to argue that creationism is at least respectible, and *assumes* that the Bible is accurate.

This book does contain quite a bit of information on astronomy. As such, it could be a good introductory book. Unfortunately, the science is contaminated with creationist propaganda and superfluous Bible references. Only someone already knowledgeable in the field would be able to separate these tares from the wheat of science. I strongly recommend some other book on astronomy, preferably secular. "The Physical Universe" by Frank Shu, for example.

This book is better than "Starlight and Time" and "Tornado in a Junkyard," which I've already reviewed on Amazon.com. In "Starlight and Time," Russell Humphreys completely disregards all physical consequences of his white-hole theory. In "Tornado in a Junkyard," James Perloff distorts or disregards pretty much everything known in modern science. Here, Professor DeYoung gives plenty of accurate information, but also some distortions.

DeYoung does tell us about the immense distances involved in the universe. Our galaxy is about 100,000 light years across. The Andromeda galaxy, he says, is about 2.9 million light-years away. The large Magellanic Cloud, where Supernova 1987A occured, is about 180,000 light-years away. There are many many galaxies much farther away. The most distant objects, the quasars, are billions of light-years away.

The speed of light is one light-year per year. Since we can see things billions of light-years away, the universe must be billions of years old. So what's the problem?

The problem is that creationists come up with all sorts of crackpot theories to explain how we can see distant objects even with a young universe. DeYoung presents five such theories on pp. 89-90, including one detailed in "Starlight and Time." Four of them predict enormous physical phenomena that are absent in nature. The fifth theory is that God created the light while in transit when it created the universe 6000 years ago. That theory is a variant on "Last Thursdayism," the idea that we were created last Thursday with our memories completely intact and everything around us matching.

The two problems with the "Last Thursdayism" theory are that it's completely unverifiable and unfalsifiable, and it means that God committed an enormous fraud on us by creating massive evidence of a history that didn't occur. DeYoung tries to answer whether Supernova 1987A actually occured, under "Last Thursdayism." The obvious answer is no, because it would have occured long before the creation of the universe. God would have had to make the explosive light, the matching neutrinos, the light from the prior star that exploded (a blue supergiant), the light from the remains of the supernova, etc. in flight.But DeYoung makes a convoluted attempt to argue that the supernova actually did occur -- something to the effect that it happened in God's imagination, and God is truth, so it happened.

DeYoung tells us that many different estimations of the age of the universe give widely varying results, from thousands of years to billions of years. The problem is that the young-universe estimations have been thoroughly debunked. (See any typical anticreationist book, or www.talkorigins.org.) Those estimations have used absurd assumptions and have disregarded well-established basic science.

DeYoung believes that a "vapor canopy" of water existed above the atmosphere before the flood (p. 88). Genesis 1 states that God created a "firmament" in the sky, separating the waters above from the waters below. However, in the fourth day, when God created the sun, moon, and stars, God set them in the firmament. That means that the "vapor canopy" existed not only above the atmosphere, but beyond all the stars as well.

In fact, the world-view of Genesis 1 is either geocentric or flat-earth -- most likely flat-earth, because nothing in Genesis 1 portrays anything more than a "heaven above" and an "earth beneath." (Exodus 20:4) The sun and moon are small balls of light, and the stars are tiny points of light, which can fall to earth (Revelation 6:13). I've not seen anything in the Bible that unambiguously identifies a round earth. That includes Job 26:7, which DeYoung cites as indicating a round earth (p. 17). On the other hand, there are a few indications that the earth is flat: Isaiah 40: 22, Matthew 4: 8.

I agree with DeYoung, that the six days of Genesis 1 are literal days, contrary to the claims of Hugh Ross and others that days refer to ages or eons. Genesis 1 has day and night created before the sun, moon, and stars; and vegetation created before the sun. What this means is that the author of Genesis 1 didn't connect daylight with sunlight, and that Genesis 1 is simply wrong.

Contrary to DeYoung's claim on p. 17, "When the Bible touches on scientific subjects, it is entirely accurate," the Bible is frequently wrong. There is NO science in the Bible.

Almost garbage - useless, unscientific, not good theology
I write this as a person both trained scientifically (I'm an electrical engineer) and trained theologically (also have M.Div.). This book is but one from a group of so-called creation-scientists. As a minister/scientist, I have to say this book, and others like it, are unhelpful. I believe that science and theology must go together - and have preached that they must, and that they very well do go together in a beautiful and meaningful way. But to do that, one has to have a mature enough faith to realize that the Bible is not a record of scientific fact.

As far as creation-science books go, I give this one two stars becuase the author clearly understands science, and uses some good scientific data and honesty, much more so than others of his ilk. However, whenever he makes a very valid scientific point, he then careens off into a bizarre creationist perspective that makes no sense. As any good scientist knows, one collects data, and then draws conclusions. One does not, as the creation-scientists do, make a hypothersis and then find the data to prove it (in their case, they are always proving that everything in the Bible is literally true, no matter how obviuosly it isn't, and so comletely ignore any discoveries that are in disagreement no matter how often that data has been reproduced, and instead focus on data that was gathered through questionable proceeses, or interpreted in questionable ways, usually having been done a fair distance in the past with imprecise tools). These are scientific shennanigans that any junior high science student would be able to pick up on as just plain wrong. I am saddened that Christians are out there who are so literally married to the idea that the Bible is a scientific textbook. The Bible is TRUTH, but it is not always FACT, and there's a big difference. The author re-arranges and re-numbers scientifically valid data to "prove" his point. There is absolutely nothing theologically wrong with admitting that the stars are billions of years old, billions of years away, and that the universe is even older than that. Please stop trying to force science to fit some misinterpreted Biblical claim (a claim which the Bible doesn't even make, which a close reading of the Bible will show you). There is some truly valid and well-thought scientific theology being done, especially from the Center for Theology and Natural Science at the Pacific School of Religion. If you want theological science, go there - their scientists are able to see and interpret scientific data in a scientific way, and are not clouded by forcing data to fit a Biblical model which doesn't even exist to begin with.

Read this book if you are interested in what the creation-scientists are doing. But don't read it because you are looking for scientific method and process. It ain't that at all. This book serves only to further make Christians look silly in the eyes of their non-Christian peers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

PH-Astronomy Book
Shipper delivered as advertised.Publisher does a nice job of compiling information and using on-line activities, however I would skip Chapter 2 on Exploring Space until end of book/lesson plan as it only serves to distract the students from the subject. ... Read more

Product Description
This cross-cultural view of Navajo and Western astronomy provides a look at traditional Navajo astronomy, including their constellations and the unique way in which Navajo people view the cosmos and their place within it.Sharing the Skies provides a look at traditional Navajo astronomy, including their constellations and the unique way in which Navajo people view the cosmos and their place within it. In addition, this book offers a comparison of the Navajo astronomy with the Greek (Western) perceptions. Beautifully illustrated with original paintings from a Navajo artist and scientifically enhanced with NASA photography. 57 color and 8 b/w illustrations ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

native american teaching tools
this was and excellent amount of information.I am an Elder and Native American Teacher of the ancient calendar systems.It is extremely informative.
... Read more

Product Description

My Heavens! charts the progress of the author’s own substantial observatory (with additional material from amateur constructors of large observatories elsewhere) from conception, through design, planning and construction, to using an observatory of the kind that all amateur astronomers would aspire to own.

This book tells the “warts and all” story of small beginnings in amateur astronomy, leading to the construction of a “top of the range” observatory at a house on the edge of a country village between Oxford and London. The author is a qualified building surveyor, and looks at building the observatory from his own professional perspective. There were of course many errors, problems, technical and organizational difficulties along the way, and the author never shies away from admitting his mistakes – and in doing so he reduces the chances of others falling into the same traps. Comparisons are made with similar large projects in the USA, taking a look at the differences and similarities in planning and building regulations, and in construction methods on both sides of the Atlantic.

Eventually an observatory materialized, set up to facilitate the taking of very high quality images of the deep sky on those special days of best seeing.

The story doesn’t end with the construction of the observatory, but goes on to describe the author’s choice of equipment, setting it up, and his own techniques for obtaining superb astronomical images like the ones he shows in his book.

Customer Reviews (1)

Amateur Astronomers and Their Observatories
If you are considering going beyond the reasonable, and would like to build your own observatory, this is the book for you.As a matter of fact, it's an entertaining account of the experience of several avid amateurs.The style is in general wryly humorous, as you would expect when you consider what the author is reporting on: an over-the-top pursuit of an absorbing and potentially expensive hobby.

There is a lot of detail, perhaps too much for the reader who cannot hope to duplicate the author's project.But I enjoyed the account very much. ... Read more

Product Description
A brief, introductory astronomy book designed for readers with little or no scientific background, A Beginner's Guide uses an exceptionally clear writing style. The authors present a broad view of astronomy without complex mathematics, yet the book discusses important concepts without simplification.The book's organization follows the popular and effective “Earth-Out” progression, starting with our planet and then moving through the solar system. A study of the Sun as a model star follows, then the book covers the Milky Way Galaxy, cosmology, and the universe as a whole.Because of its easy-to-read yet comprehensive coverage of astronomy, this book can serve as excellent reference material for those readers interested in learning about our universe. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

great seller!
The shipping was quicker than I expected, and the book was in good condition for a killer price (It retails for about $120!). I was very satisfied with my purchase.

Astronomy book
I was very pleased with the timeliness of delivery as well as the condition of this book.Excellent condition.

good condition and speedy delivery
item arrived in 2 days and was in perfect condition. completely satisfied. would recommend to others!

Way too expensive for a paperback
Attractive book but not a good value.All the information is available for free on the internet where it is periodically updated and can be referenced for free without wearing out.

Astronomy Text Book
Text book arrived in excellent condition (brand spankin' new) and in a timely manner (about 3 business days). I got a great deal too! No problems whatsoever. Thanks a bunch! ... Read more

Product Description
- Provides a basic introduction to the topics covered in a beginning astronomy course, with an emphasis on problem-solving methods ordinarily taught on the fly or in ad-hoc tutorials- Closes the gap in student literature by providing a focused, comprehensive presentation of basic astronomical problem-solving techniques - Readers learn by example with the help of more than 200 detailed problems and step-by-step solutions, supplemented with over 100 detailed charts and graphs- Designed to accompany all leading 100-level astronomy textbooks, or to be used as a stand-alone guide for amateur stargazers ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Probably OK for a high school class
This book really boils down the subject of astronomy into a few rules of thumb. It is good to have some rules of thumb nearby to aid your memory, but historically a Schaum's outline has been a challenging yet cheap little tome to get you through the rough spots. This book won't do that unless you are in a high school class. It won't cut it for a college level astronomy class.

I suggest Textbook on Spherical Astronomy as a good aid. Used copies generally come pretty cheap and it is very useful with good solved examples and problems. Once you finish that try out Astronomical Algorithms. The author shows a real love for his subject with some interesting problems in algorithmic form, but he lacks a great deal in explanation.

Used copies of this outline usually cost under one dollar. Thus if you just need rules of thumb in a handy form, this might be worth that much. Just don't pay list price for what amounts to a "Pocket Guide to Astronomy".

Not a rave
This book is not recommended.Over the years, I have bought many of the Schaum Outlines and found them carefully written and comprehensive - until this one. Right from the beginning it is fraught with sloppy definitions and careless work.
Example from page 31, Chapter 2 "Sky and Telescopes"
Right Ascension (RA) is analogous to longitude. The ecliptic is the plane of the solar system, or the path that the Sun follows in the sky. Because the axis of the earth is tilted, the ecliptic and the celestial equator are not in the same place, but crossat two locations, called the equinoxes.
Comment - the ecliptic and the celestial equator are planes and intersect in a line.
Qne of these locations, the vernal equinox, is used as the zero point of right ascension.
Comment - but which one? The question is important because Right Ascension is measured from the Vernal Equinox
Example from page 33, on Tides
The Earth experiences one full set of tides each day (two highs and two lows), everywhere on the planet. Tides are caused by gravity. The Sun and the Moon both contribute to tides on Earth
Comment - the reader might wonder why there are two highs per day if the phenomenon is due to the rotation of the earth under the moon.Author gives no hint.

Good supplement for Introductory Astronomy
This book is an excellenttext to compliment any introductory astronomy text.The review material is concise and well written, and the questions follow the same format and reasoning found in many textbooks.A good buy.

As easy as ABC
All the explanations and solved problems in this book are too simple. I think I made a mistake buying this "tome".... ... Read more