Overview

Now in its sixth edition, this successful undergraduate textbook gives a well-balanced and comprehensive introduction to the topics of classical and modern astronomy. While emphasizing both the astronomical concepts and the underlying physical principles, the text provides a sound basis for more profound studies in the astronomical sciences.  The chapters on galactic and extragalactic astronomy as well as cosmology were extensively modernized in the previous edition. In this new edition they have been further revised to include more recent results. The long chapter on the solar system has been split into two parts: the first one deals with the general properties, and the other one describes individual objects. A new chapter on exoplanets has been added to the end of the book next to the chapter on astrobiology. In response to the fact that astronomy has evolved enormously over the last few years, only a few chapters of this book have been left unmodified. Long considered a standard text for physical science majors, Fundamental Astronomy is also an excellent reference and entrée for dedicated amateur astronomers. For their benefit the introductory chapter has been extended to give a brief summary of the different types of celestial objects

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9783662530443

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Reviews

The editors assert that Fundamental Astronomy is intended as 'a university textbook for a first course in astronomy,' but it will more likely be used as a reference volume in departmental and observatory libraries. The contributing authors (astronomers and geodesists) employ mathematics, especially calculus, extensively throughout the work. ... The text covers all planetary science, astrophysics, and cosmology. ... Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above; faculty and professionals. (S. P. Maran, Choice, Vol. 57 (11), July, 2017) The overall choice of topics and the depth and breadth that this book ... are essential for a great understanding of astronomy. I feel like it is as good a book as far as the basics of theory and observational astrophysics are concerned. Everything is explained clearly and where possible there are helpful diagrams, figures and photos that are there exactly when you need them. ... Something that I also enjoyed a lot, was the extensive set of tables. (AstroMadness.com, May, 2017)

The overall choice of topics and the depth and breadth that this book ... are essential for a great understanding of astronomy. I feel like it is as good a book as far as the basics of theory and observational astrophysics are concerned. Everything is explained clearly and where possible there are helpful diagrams, figures and photos that are there exactly when you need them. ... Something that I also enjoyed a lot, was the extensive set of tables. (AstroMadness.com, May, 2017)

The editors assert that Fundamental Astronomy is intended as `a university textbook for a first course in astronomy,' but it will more likely be used as a reference volume in departmental and observatory libraries. The contributing authors (astronomers and geodesists) employ mathematics, especially calculus, extensively throughout the work. ... The text covers all planetary science, astrophysics, and cosmology. ... Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above; faculty and professionals. (S. P. Maran, Choice, Vol. 57 (11), July, 2017) The overall choice of topics and the depth and breadth that this book ... are essential for a great understanding of astronomy. I feel like it is as good a book as far as the basics of theory and observational astrophysics are concerned. Everything is explained clearly and where possible there are helpful diagrams, figures and photos that are there exactly when you need them. ... Something that I also enjoyed a lot, was the extensive set of tables. (AstroMadness.com, May, 2017)

Author Information

Hannu Karttunen is a Finnish astronomer and science writer. He is an associate professor at Turku University and works at Tuorla Observatory. Besides astronomical articles Dr. Karttunen has published astronomy textbooks and teaching material as well as articles for anthologies and encyclopedias. Karttunen has also produced a radio lecture series on astronomy. Hannu Karttunen received the 1998 Tieto-Finlandia Award for his book Oldest science: Astronomy Stone Age to the mission to the moon, and, in2007, the Finnish News Writers Association Tietopöllö Award for his writings and books for children and young people. Heikki Oja is a Finnish astronomer and associate professor at the University of Helsinki, as well as the former director of the Almanac Office. Dr. Oja has written dozens of non-technical non-fiction books and appeared frequently on the radio to talk about astronomy and space research. He has received several awards for his outreach activities.

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