Cosmic Perspective Fundamentals, The, 3rd edition

Published by Pearson (May 24, 2019) © 2020

  • 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 introductory astronomy

The Cosmic Perspective Fundamentals is the briefest introduction to astronomy in the Bennett series and supports instructors using an active or collaborative approach to teaching. By focusing on the process of science and fundamental concepts of astronomy, The Cosmic Perspective Fundamentals allows time for the use of other instructional tools in the course. Each concisely written chapter is formatted into two main sections followed by a Process of Science section, making learning targeted and expectations clear for students.

The 3rd Edition features major scientific updates, new content that focuses on the possibility of life in the universe, and recent discoveries that provide modern contexts to help students see the relevance of astronomy to their worlds.

Table of contents

  • A Modern View of the Universe
  • Understanding the Sky
  • Changes in Our Perspective
  • Origin of the Solar System
  • Terrestrial Worlds
  • The Outer Solar System
  • Planets Around Other Stars
  • The Sun and Other Stars
  • Stellar Lives
  • The Bizarre Stellar Graveyard
  • Galaxies
  • Galaxy Distances and Hubble's Law
  • The Birth of the Universe
  • Dark Matter and Dark Energy
  • Life in the Universe

Author bios

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