Today we know much about the sky: how stars are born, how they live and die, and how the universe as a whole evolves. We have learned of the existence of another type of matter, indifferent to light and yet decisive for the formation of galaxies, and we have a hint of a dark energy that since the last 4.5 billion years has taken over the control of the cosmos. We postulated and then discovered and even photographed black holes and listened to the faint rustle of the space-time ripple produced when these monsters devour each other. We reached these astonishing results (recognized by a bunch of Nobel Prizes and filling every day the media with wonders for the eyes and the mind) by the marriage of physics and astronomy that unified the Earth with the sky and then by the leap forward of science and technology in the Twentieth Century. This rich heritage has ancient roots. It was built by accumulating discoveries with errors, observations with fantasies, myths, and superstitions with flashes of genius, over a span of millennia, since Homo sapiens, turning his eyes to the immutable and perfect sky, began to ask questions.The book is a narration of the answers to these questions that had evolved over time: a progressive path, inserted in the general history, with some second thoughts and many obstacles. This is a saga of men and machines where greatness sometimes mixes with misery and passion often borders on sacrifice and even martyrdom. Why should we know it? Because our current knowledge is the result of these efforts and of the preconceptions that accompanied them.The challenge has been to present this complex and intricate subject without resorting to any formulas, so that it can be accessible to a wide audience of curious people, including high school and university students and in general all those who normally keep themselves informed of scientific things. A rich bibliography has also been added in the appendix for those wishing to learn more on one or more topics.

Die skrywer se doelstelling met hierdie publikasie is om die beginsels van sterrekunde toeganklik te maak vir almal, om ‘n teks daar te stel wat bruikbare toeligting vir die amateursterrekundige is en kan dien as voorbereiding vir verdere studie in die sterrekunde.

Van Zyl se eenvoudige, onderhoudende skryfstyl dra verder by tot die boek se toeganklikheid vir sterrekundiges sowel as leke met ‘n besondere belangstelling in die heelal. Deurgaans word gepoog om te verduidelik hoe sterrekundiges te werk gaan. Om begrip te vergemaklik, verskyn ook 11 bladsye bylaes waarin die wiskunde wat gebruik word uit grondbeginsels herlei word. Dit bevat gedetailleerde beskrywings en verduidelikings van die heelal se geheime.

Inligting oor nuwe ontdekkings en teoriee, kleurvolle diagramme en foto’s verhoog die waarde.

In the field of astrophysics, modern developments of practice are emerging in order to further understand the spectral information derived from cosmic sources. Radio telescopes are a current mode of practice used to observe these occurrences. Despite the various accommodations that this technology offers, physicists around the globe need a better understanding of the underlying physics and operational components of radio telescopes as well as an explanation of the cosmic objects that are being detected. Analyzing the Physics of Radio Telescopes and Radio Astronomy is an essential reference source that discusses the principles of the astronomical instruments involved in the construction of radio telescopes and the analysis of cosmic sources and celestial objects detected by this machinery. Featuring research on topics such as electromagnetic theory, antenna design, and geometrical optics, this book is ideally designed for astrophysicists, engineers, researchers, astronomers, students, and educators seeking coverage on the operational methods of radio telescopes and understanding the physical processes of radio astronomy.

Basic Physics of Nanoscience: Traditional Approaches and New Aspects at the Ultimate Level deals with the description of properties at the Nano level and self-organizing quantum processes of Nano systems. The book presents the state of the art as well as theoretical discussions of future developments, beginning with simple Nano systems' sensitivity to small variations in interaction potential compared to bulk cases, and continuing with a discussion of the structure and dynamics of Nano systems as a function of temperature. Additionally, the book analyzes self-organizing quantum processes-which are essential in the design of new Nano systems-in detail, and explores new aspects related to the quantum theoretical nature of time, leading to an expansion of the basic laws through nanotechnology. Finally, the book explores the effect of nanotechnological manipulations of brain functions and the need for the development of reliable models for the matter-mind complex. This innovative approach to understanding Nano systems makes Basic Physics of Nanoscience a vital resource for advanced students and researchers of physics, materials science, and neuroscience.

Primitive Meteorites and Asteroids: Physical, Chemical, and Spectroscopic Observations Paving the Way to Exploration covers the physical, chemical and spectroscopic aspects of asteroids, providing important data and research on carbonaceous chondrites and primitive meteorites. This information is crucial to the success of missions to parent bodies, thus contributing to an understanding of the early solar system. The book offers an interdisciplinary perspective relevant to many fields of planetary science, as well as cosmochemistry, planetary astronomy, astrobiology, geology and space engineering. Including contributions from planetary and missions scientists worldwide, the book collects the fundamental knowledge and cutting-edge research on carbonaceous chondrites and their parent bodies into one accessible resource, thus contributing to the future of space exploration.

Covering the origins of life on Earth and our search for life elsewhere in the Universe, examining what life could look like, the ways scientists are looking for it and what we expect to find.

Building on a long tradition of effective pedagogy and comprehensive coverage, The Cosmic Perspective, Seventh Edition provides a thoroughly engaging and up-to-date introduction to astronomy for non-science majors. The text provides a wealth of features that enhance student skill-building, including new group work exercises that engage students in active learning, helping them retain concepts longer and build communication skills for the future. The Seventh Edition has also been fully updated to include the latest astronomical observations, results from recent space missions, and new theoretical developments that inform our understanding of the early universe. This text is also available in two volumes, which can be purchased separately: * The Cosmic Perspective: The Solar System, Seventh Edition (includes Chapters 1-13, 24) * The Cosmic Perspective: Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology, Seventh Edition (includes Chapters 1-6, S2-S4, 14-24)