Product Description

"The Universe and Beyond is a celebration of the human spirit of exploration. It is a majestic voyage to the most distant realms we can imagine. Prepare yourself for a great adventure."
- Edward G. Gibson, Astronaut, Skylab 4

The Universe and Beyond is a factual, up-to-date guide to the universe, written by bestselling astronomy author, Terence Dickinson. This book includes the most recent astronomical discoveries and events using imaginative astronomical illustration in addition to dramatic photography from the Hubble Space Telescope, space probes and the largest observatories on Earth.

This fourth edition has been carefully reviewed, revised and brought up-to-date with new text and photographs. The chapter on cosmology is significantly expanded to include new information about the origin of the universe and the large-scale structure of the universe. Also included are over thirty new photographs of planets, nebulas, galaxies and galaxy clusters.

Every major topic of astronomy is described clearly and concisely. The Universe and Beyond addresses the questions that arise most often from those with a fascination for the night sky. Brimming with color illustrations, the book includes the Cassini-Huygens mission.

Other topics include:

• Overview of the universe
• The solar system and nearby worlds
• Planets of other stars
• Galaxies and black holes
• The search for extraterrestrial life
• How the universe will end
• Telescopes for the twenty-first century.

The astronomical resources include books, associations and web sites.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #269606 in Books
• Published on: 2004-10-02
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 2.21 pounds
• Binding: Hardcover
• 180 pages

From Library Journal
Authors of introductory astronomy books strive to cover, in a single volume, an ancient yet dynamic discipline whose scope literally spans the universe. Dickinson (Nightwatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe) and Nicolson (Heavenly Bodies) succeed in meeting this challenge. Both provide brief overviews of the universe and organize their work in traditional fashion, progressing from study of Earth and the moon to examination of more remote objects and thence to cosmology. Each book includes data obtained as recently as 1998. Both authors examine the likelihood of finding living organisms elsewhere in the solar system and the possibility of intelligent life existing in another part of the universe. Dickinson, however, devotes considerably more space to (highly speculative) discussion of extraterrestrial life. His upbeat book, displaying an abundance of stunning photographs and space art, is by far the more appealing. Nicolson's work, on the other hand, is more inclusive and covers topics in considerably more detail. It could easily serve as a college-level text (although it lacks the exercises and review questions found in many introductory textbooks). Dickinson's book is recommended for all libraries; Nicolson's for academic and larger public collections.ANancy Curtis, Fogler Lib., Univ. of Maine, Orono
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review
The Universe and Beyond is an excellent overview of the cosmos... Lavishly illustrated. (Thomas A. Lesser Science Books and Films 200001)

Packed with information, its photographic images augmented with explanatory graphics and artistic renderings. (Washington Post 19991205)

Upbeat book, displaying an abundance of stunning photographs and space art... Recommended for all libraries. (Library Journal 199912)

Lavishly illustrated with astrophotos, artworks and diagrams. (Astronomy 2000)

A lively, informative text and dozens of stunning photographs and illustrations. It is a delight to read. (Robert A. Seal American Reference Book Annual 200502)

Another gem... full of visual impact both photographically and graphically. Each illustration is complemented with an in-depth caption. (Peggy Dominy E-Streams 200505)

The latest update... continues to provide an accessible and wonderfully illustrated tour. (Sky and Telescope )

Chosen as one of the 'Best Books for Junior High and Young Adult 2005' by Science Books and Films. (Science Books and Films )

Excellent book... exceedingly well written and filled with stunning photos and illustrations, the book is one of the best. (Gary W. Finiol Science Books and Films )

Gary W. Finiol, Science Books and Films 05/2005
Excellent book... exceedingly well written and filled with stunning photos and illustrations, the book is one of the best.