Welcome to Loot.co.za!
Sign in / Register |Wishlists & Gift Vouchers |Help | Advanced search
|
Your cart is empty |
|||
Books > Science & Mathematics > Astronomy, space & time > Popular astronomy
The story of humanity's fascination with the possibility of life on other worlds.
Orrery appeals to almost anyone interested in popular astronomy, astronomical mechanical devices, scientific instruments, the history of clocks- and even the history of aristocratic and prestigious families Many people these days not only astronomers have a good idea of the main components of the Solar System. They might also know about the orrery, a mechanical model that shows the movements of the Moon and planets. But not too many know why it was so named and who it was named after. The Boyle family the Earls of Orrery include the famous Boyle of Boyle s Law. But others were key in the history of the orrery, not the least being clockmakers. Aware of the lunar and planetary content of the sky, they strove to make scientific instruments to demonstrate their movements and introduced measuring devices to predict their positions. In antiquity, their lives on occasion depended on the accuracy; upsetting kings and lords was dangerous business Orreries are found everywhere. They can be made of wood or metal, and are even available today as home-assembly kits and children s toys. They appear in paintings, on computers, on the side of royal clocks, in stately home hallways, and of course, in museums all over the world. This book contains illustrations of orreries to give a guide as to what is and was available and where to see the best examples. It also contains information and references to help readers who want to make (or buy) their own orrery. The story of the Boyles is not just relevant to a tiny corner of Ireland, but spans the world. Orrery highlights the process of discovery and humankind s universal fascination with the heavens. Provides a fascinating example of the relationship between innovative thinking (invention) and precision engineering (execution)."
The rapid design, development, and production of an effective space suit was one of the most significant challenges of the space race, and the cold war. Here the author, de Monchaux, tells the gripping story.
Explore the night skies with this beautiful illustrated monthly guide to the stars and planets. This large-format almanac allows you to step outside and track the planets, locate the Milky Way, recognise the constellations of the zodiac and watch meteor showers. Stargazers' Almanac 2020 is a beautiful month-by-month guide to the night skies. It's designed specifically for naked-eye astronomy -- no telescope required! -- making it ideal for beginners, children and backyard astronomers. It is a perennially popular Christmas gift -- and one which lasts the whole year round. Each monthly chart features two views of the night sky, looking north and south, and a visual guide to the phases of the moon and the movements of the planets. Stargazers' Almanac 2020 also features: -- Advice on how to navigate the night sky -- Overhead reference map of the sky -- Reference plan of constellations -- Glossary of constellations and Latin names -- Glossary of brightness of stars -- Guide to the signs of the zodiac and how they relate to the stars -- Loop and eyelet for easy wall hanging; presented in a sturdy cardboard gift envelope Suitable for astronomy enthusiasts throughout the Northern Hemisphere's temperate (non-tropical) latitudes.
The quantity of numbered minor planets has now well exceeded a quarter million. The new sixth edition of the "Dictionary of Minor Planet Names," which is the IAU s official reference work for the field, now covers more than 17,000 named minor planets. In addition to being of practical value for identification purposes, the "Dictionary of Minor Planet Names" provides authoritative information on the basis of the rich and colorful variety of ingenious names, from heavenly goddesses to artists, from scientists to Nobel laureates, from historical or political figures to ordinary women and men, from mountains to buildings, as well as a variety of compound terms and curiosities. This sixth edition of the "Dictionary of Minor Planet Names" has grown by more than 7,000 entries compared to the fifth edition and by more than 2,000 compared to the fifth edition, including its two addenda published in 2006 and 2009. In addition, there are many corrections, revisions and updates to the entries published in earlier editions. This work is an abundant source of information for anyone interested in minor planets and who enjoys reading about the people and things minor planets commemorate." |
You may like...
The Disordered Cosmos - A Journey Into…
Chanda Prescod-Weinstein
Hardcover
The Sun - Beginner's Guide To Our Local…
Dr. Ryan French, Royal Observatory Greenwich, …
Paperback
R194
Discovery Miles 1 940
Northern Lights - The Definitive Guide…
Tom Kerss, Royal Observatory Greenwich, …
Paperback
|