Essential Cosmic Perspective, The, 9th edition

Published by Pearson (July 5, 2021) © 2022

  • Jeffrey O. Bennett University of Colorado at Boulder
  • Megan O. Donahue Michigan State University
  • Nicholas Schneider University of Colorado, Boulder
  • Mark Voit Michigan State University
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Title overview

For one-semester courses in astronomy

The Essential Cosmic Perspective builds on its long tradition of effective pedagogy and comprehensive coverage to provide non-science majors with a thoroughly engaging and up-to-date introduction to astronomy. As respected teachers and active researchers, the authors present astronomy using a coherent narrative and a thematic approach to guide students through connecting ideas.

The 9th Edition features major scientific updates and recent discoveries that focus on the possibility of life in the universe and provide modern contexts to help students see astronomy as relevant to their worlds. A new focus across science on cultural diversity among scientists and ethics offers inclusive content and a basis for group discussions.

Table of contents

  • PART I: DEVELOPING PERSPECTIVE
  • A Modern View of the Universe
  • Discovering the Universe for Yourself
  • The Science of Astronomy
  • PART II: KEY CONCEPTS FOR ASTRONOMY
  • Making Sense of the Universe: Understanding Motion, Energy, and Gravity
  • Light: The Cosmic Messenger
  • PART III: LEARNING FROM OTHER WORLDS
  • Formation of the Solar System
  • Earth and the Terrestrial Worlds
  • Jovian Planet Systems
  • Asteroids, Comets, and Dwarf Planets: Their Nature, Orbits, and Impacts
  • Other Planetary Systems: The New Science of Distant Worlds
  • PART IV: STARS
  • Our Star
  • Surveying the Stars
  • Star Stuff
  • The Bizarre Stellar Graveyard
  • PART V: GALAXIES AND BEYOND
  • Our Galaxy
  • A Universe of Galaxies
  • The Birth of the Universe
  • Dark Matter, Dark Energy, and the Fate of the Universe
  • PART VI: LIFE ON EARTH AND BEYOND
  • Life in the Universe

Author bios

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