- Teaches astronomy to non-physicists and interested laymen
- Explains astrophysical concepts in a generally understandable way
- Features numerous colour illustrations for clarification
In this work, Prof. Arnold Hanslmeier imparts modern and fascinating astronomical knowledge. The book begins with a description of the origin of the universe and extends to dark matter, black holes and the formation of the solar system. It is rounded off at the end with the exciting question: Are we alone in the universe?
In this book, which is based on a lecture given at the University of Graz for students of all faculties, the author uses numerous colour illustrations to explain the connections in a clear and generally understandable way, without requiring too much prior knowledge of mathematics and physics. More in-depth formulas and text passages are separated from the rest of the text and can be skipped without losing the context.
This third edition includes new findings such as the spectacular direct discovery of gravitational waves, fascinating images and data from Pluto, and the first landing on a comet. Numerous new images and illustrations have been added for better understanding. The latest data in the field of exoplanet research has also been incorporated.
The book is aimed not only at students, but also at interested lay readers and anyone interested in the latest findings in natural science.
Table of contents:
- Forces that govern the universe- Gravity. Electromagnetic force. Strong and weak forces. Elementary particles
- The Big Bang – How it all began. The escape of the galaxies. The expansion of the universe. The hot Big Bang. The formation of the elements. The early universe. Time scale. The future of the universe. The universe and particles
- The world of planets- General characteristics of planets. Earth-like planets. Giant planets. The moons of planets
- Dwarf planets and small bodies. Asteroid belt in the solar system. Minor planets, asteroids. Comets. Dwarf planets. Meteoroids
- The mechanics of the heavens. The moon's orbit. The Earth's axis and gyroscope. The annual cycle of the Sun. Planetary orbits
- The Sun – the star we live by. Basic facts about the Sun. The interior of the Sun. Energy transport. The surface of the Sun. The upper atmosphere of the Sun. The changing Sun
- Stars – formation, structure and development. What is a star? The brightness of stars. Spectral classes. Star development. The formation of stars. The development of massive stars
- The world of galaxies. Our cosmic home: the Milky Way. Galaxies – building blocks of the universe. Active galaxies. Galaxy clusters
- Life in the universe? What is life? Habitable zones. How do we find exoplanets? Are we alone in the universe? The history of the universe in one day.
The author Arnold Hanslmeier is Professor of Astronomy at the University of Graz, where, in addition to his research work on celestial mechanics and solar physics, he has been giving introductory lectures on astronomy for many years.
