Table of Contents

1. Introduction.- I. Classical Astronomy and the Solar System.- 2. Classical Astronomy.- 3. The Physical Structure of the Objects in the Solar System.- II. Radiation, Instruments, and Observational Techniques.- 4. Radiation and Matter.- 5. Astronomical and Astrophysical Instruments.- III.The Sun and Stars: The Astrophysics of Individual Stars.- 6. The Distances and Fundamental Properties of the Stars.- 7. The Spectra and Atmospheres of Stars.- 8. The Structure and Evolution of Stars.- IV. Stellar Systems. Cosmology and Cosmogony.- 9. Star Clusters.- 10. Interstellar Matter and Star Formation.- 11. The Structure and Dynamics of the Milky Way Galaxy.- 12. Galaxies and Clusters of Galaxies.- 13. Cosmology: the Cosmos as a Whole.- 14. The Cosmogony of the Solar System.- A.1 Units: the International and the Gaussian Unit Systems.- A.2 Names of the Constellations.- Selected Exercises.- Literature and Sources of Data.- Acknowledgements.- Fundamental Physical Constants (Inside back cover).- Astronomical Constants and Units (Inside back cover).

Reviews

From the reviews of the fifth edition: "... The library copies of the earlier editions are well thumbed, which is a good indication of how often they are referenced. I have no doubt that this new edition will prove as popular."
(Journal of the British Astronomical Association) "The present volume remains, I believe, a valuable contribution to astronomy education, particularly because of its enormous breadth at a level of detail not really found elsewhere. For many an undergraduate course it should provide an ideal text, while for a wide range of other situations … it will provide an excellent companion; even among the professional community, it will be a handy reference … . It is nicely produced and at a very reasonable price." (David Stickland, The Observatory, Vol. 122 (1167), 2002)