Cosmic Perspective, The, 9th edition

Published by Pearson (May 20, 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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In this eTextbook — More ways to learn

  • More flexible. Start learning right away, on any device.
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  • More interactive. Bring learning to life with audio, videos, and diagrams.
  • More memorable. Make concepts stick with highlights, search, notes, and flashcards.
  • More understandable. Translate text into 100+ languages with one tap.
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  • A print edition

Title overview

The Cosmic Perspective offers an engaging, up-to-date introduction to astronomy for anyone curious about the universe regardless of your prior background in astronomy or physics. As respected teachers and active researchers, the authors present astronomy with a coherent narrative and thematic approach that actively engages you, guides you through connecting ideas and enhances your understanding of the process of science. 

The 9th Edition presents major scientific updates, content focusing on the possibility of life in the universe and recent discoveries that provide modern contexts to help you see astronomy as highly relevant to your world now. This edition also focuses on cultural diversity and ethics across science and astronomy.

Table of contents

The Cosmic Perspective, 9th Edition is available in 3 versions:

  • The Cosmic Perspective includes all chapters: CH 1-24 and S1-S4
  • The Cosmic Perspective: Solar System (ISBN: 9780134990774) includes CH1-14, S1, and CH24
  • The Cosmic Perspective: Stars and Galaxies (ISBN: 9780134990781) includes CH1-6, S1-S4, CH14-24

PART I. DEVELOPING PERSPECTIVE

  • 1. A Modern View of the Universe
  • 2. Discovering the Universe For Yourself
  • 3. The Science of Astronomy
  • S1. Celestial Timekeeping and Navigation

PART II. KEY CONCEPTS FOR ASTRONOMY

  • 4. Making Sense of the Universe: Understanding Motion, Energy, and Gravity
  • 5. Light and Matter: Reading Messages from the Cosmos
  • 6. Telescopes: Portals of Discovery

PART III. LEARNING FROM OTHER WORLDS

  • 7. Our Planetary System
  • 8. Formation of the Solar System
  • 9. Planetary Geology: Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds
  • 10. Planetary Atmospheres: Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds
  • 11. Jovian Planet Systems
  • 12. Asteroids, Comets, and Dwarf Planets: their Nature, Orbits, and Impacts
  • 13. Other Planetary Systems: the New Science of Distant Worlds

PART IV. A DEEPER LOOK AT NATURE

  • S2. Space and Time
  • S3. Spacetime and Gravity
  • S4. Building Blocks of the Universe

PART V. STARS

  • 14. Our Star
  • 15. Surveying the Stars
  • 16. Star Birth
  • 17. Star Stuff
  • 18. The Bizarre. Stellar Graveyard

PART VI. GALAXIES AND BEYOND

  • 19. Our Galaxy
  • 20. Galaxies and the Foundation of Modern Cosmology
  • 21. Galaxy Evolution
  • 22. The Birth of the Universe
  • 23. Dark Matter, Dark Energy, and the Fate of the Universe

PART VII. LIFE ON EARTH AND BEYOND

  • 24. Life in the Universe

Appendixes

  • Glossary
  • Credits
  • Index

Author bios

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