This is a clear, vivid text with charts and maps showing the positions of the constellations the year round.

With Astronomy Today, Sixth Edition, trusted authors Eric Chaisson and Steve McMillan communicate their excitement about astronomy and awaken students to the universe around them. Thoroughly updated, the revised edition focuses on the process of scientific discovery and scientific method, making "how we know what we know" a more integral part of the text with attention to clearly and concisely presenting scientific terms to the non-science student. In addition, the authors have taken great care to identify places where they could clarify or simplify an explanation, better define a term, and discuss the process used in making a discovery. This edition offers the most complete and innovative learning package available for one- or two-semester introductory courses in astronomy. Alternate Versions *Astronomy Today, Volume 1: The Solar System, 5/e -- Focuses primarily on planetary coverage for a 1-term course. Includes Chapters 1-16, 28. *Astronomy Today, Volume 2: Stars and Galaxies, 5/e -- Focuses primarily on stars and stellar evolution for a 1-term course. Includes Chapters 1-5 and 16-28.

A most unusual guide to the solar system, A Little Book of Coincidence suggests that there may be fundamental relationships between space, time, and life that have not yet been fully understood. From the observations of Ptolemy and Kepler to the Harmony of the Spheres and the hidden structure of the solar system, John Martineau reveals the exquisite orbital patterns of the planets and the mathematical relationships that govern them. A table shows the relative measurements of each planet in eighteen categories, and three pages show the beautiful dance patterns of thirty six pairs of planets and moons.

The third edition has been updated to include the latest information on: the difficulties and successes of the Hubble Space Telescope; the status of AXAF, SIRTIF, Keck and other new observatories; the solar neutrino problem and the growing importance of solar seismology; the Magellan and Galileo missions, including remarkable photographs of Venus and Gaspra; the supernova SN1987A, with a new prediction of its brightening around the year 2000; the existence of black holes, including new observational evidence, plus descriptions of the supermassive-black hole model of the "central engine" in quasars and active galactic nuclei; galactic collisions and mergers, with new the radio maps and super computer simulations of galaxy-galaxy interactions.

Everything's gone screwy at Tagai Academy. When the headmaster forces Minagi's entire class to study Einstein's theory of relativity over summer school, Minagi volunteers to go in their place. There's just one problem: He's never even heard of relativity before! Luckily, Minagi has the plucky Miss Uraga to teach him.Follow along with The Manga Guide to Relativity as Minagi learns about the non-intuitive laws that shape our universe. Before you know it, you'll master difficult concepts like inertial frames of reference, unified spacetime, and the equivalence principle. You'll see how relativity affects modern astronomy and discover why GPS systems and other everyday technologies depend on Einstein's extraordinary discovery.The Manga Guide to Relativity also teaches you how to:Understand and use E = mc2, the world's most famous equation Calculate the effects of time dilation using the Pythagorean theorem Understand classic thought experiments like the Twin Paradox, and see why length contracts and mass increases at relativistic speeds Grasp the underpinnings of Einstein's special and general theories of relativityIf the idea of bending space and time really warps your brain, let The Manga Guide to Relativity straighten things out.

Join Kanna, Kanta, Yamane, and Gloria in The Manga Guide to the Universe as they explore our solar system, the Milky Way, and faraway galaxies in search of the universe's greatest mysteries: dark matter, cosmic expansion, and the Big Bang itself. As you rocket across the night sky, you'll become acquainted with modern astronomy and astrophysics, as well as the classical discoveries and theories on which they're built. You'll even learn why some scientists believe finding extraterrestrial life is inevitable! You'll also learn about: Discoveries made by Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler, Hubble, and other seminal astronomers Theories of the universe's origins, evolution, and geometry The ways you can measure and observe heavenly bodies with different telescopes, and how astronomers calculate distances in space Stellar classifications and how the temperature, size, and magnitude of a star are related Cosmic background radiation, what the WMAP satellite discovered, and scientists' predictions for the future of the universe So dust off your flight suit and take a fantastic voyage through the cosmos in The Manga Guide to the Universe.

Prentice Hall Science Explorer ©2009 Astronomy Student Edition 1. Earth, Moon, and Sun2. Exploring Space3. The Solar System4. Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe. Prentice Hall Science Explorer, the nation's leading middle school science program, is the perfect fit for today's classroom. Lead author Michael Padilla weaves together content with hands-on science inquiry that's sure to reach every student. Available in 16 small books or as the Life, Earth, and Physical series, you'll find the option that best matches your curriculum. Use the textbook alone or in tandem with our exceptional ancillaries and technology. Science Explorer provides you with more options so you can deliver lessons aligned to your standards and preferences. Our commitment to middle school students is unmatched in the areas of inquiry opportunities, visual learning, reading support, and educational technology Features and Benefits Integrate labs with ease! More than 1,400 labs and activities are right at your fingertips with the Lab zone™ Easy Planner CD-ROM.  Easily search all labs by time, content, or state standard.A Prentice Hall exclusive partnership!  Emmy Award-winning Discovery Channel School™ videos and DVDs provide visual support for every chapter and support learning with current, real-world examples.A proven formula for reading success Before, during, and after reading support in every lesson enables students to fully understand the big ideas of science.One-of-a-kind virtual experiences Active Art and virtual labs help students see science in a new way by providing virtual explorations of key concepts that reinforce learning. Research and Validity Quantitative and qualitative research supporting Prentice Hall Science programs

Johannes Kepler (1571-1630) is remembered, along with Copernicus and Galileo, as one of the greatest Renaissance astronomers. A gifted analytical thinker, he made major contributions to physics, astronomy, and mathematics. Kepler was trained as a theologian, yet did not hesitate to challenge church doctrine and prevailing scientific beliefs by supporting the theory of a Sun-centered solar system. As Imperial Mathematician to the Holy Roman Emperor, he analyzed the precise observations of the heavens that his predecessor, the great astronomer Tycho Brahe, had recorded. The book follows the ingenious scientist along the difficult pathway from raw data to his monumental discovery--the three Laws of Planetary Motion. Kepler also made fundamental contributions to optical theory, including a correct description of the function of the eye and a new and improved telescope design. His unique Rudolfine Tables, universal calculations of planetary motion, were unprecedented in their accuracy. James Voelkel vividly describes these scientific achievements, providing enough background in astronomy and geometry so even beginners can follow Kepler's thinking and enjoy this book. Equally captivating is his account of Kepler's tumultuous life, plagued by misery, disease, war, and fervent religious persecution. Oxford Portraits in Science is an ongoing series of scientific biographies for young adults. Written by top scholars and writers, each biography examines the personality of its subject as well as the thought process leading to his or her discoveries. These illustrated biographies combine accessible technical information with compelling personal stories to portray the scientists whose work has shaped our understanding of the natural world.