Visual Astronomy introduces the basics of observational astronomy, a fundamentally limitless opportunity to learn about the universe with your unaided eyes or with tools such as binoculars, telescopes, or cameras.

Musical Sound, Instruments, and Equipment offers a basic understanding of sound, musical instruments and music equipment, geared towards a general audience and non-science majors. The book begins with an introduction of the fundamental properties of sound waves, and the perception of the characteristics of sound. The relation between intensity and loudness, and the relation between frequency and pitch are discussed. The basics of propagation of sound waves, and the interaction of sound waves with objects and structures of various sizes are introduced. Standing waves, harmonics and resonance are explained in simple terms, using graphics that provide a visual understanding.

Musical Sound, Instruments, and Equipment offers a basic understanding of sound, musical instruments and music equipment, geared towards a general audience and non-science majors. The book begins with an introduction of the fundamental properties of sound waves, and the perception of the characteristics of sound. The relation between intensity and loudness, and the relation between frequency and pitch are discussed. The basics of propagation of sound waves, and the interaction of sound waves with objects and structures of various sizes are introduced. Standing waves, harmonics and resonance are explained in simple terms, using graphics that provide a visual understanding.

Visual Astronomy introduces the basics of observational astronomy, a fundamentally limitless opportunity to learn about the universe with your unaided eyes or with tools such as binoculars, telescopes, or cameras. The book explains the essentials of time and coordinate systems and their use in basic observations of the night sky. Readers will learn how to use widely accessible resources to determine what is visible (and when it is visible) from their particular location. Distinct attention is paid to the dependence of the appearance and motion on the observer's location, by extending the discussion to include various latitudes in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. This approach provides a better understanding of the night sky and makes the material more interesting and relevant around the world, not just in North America. You don't need any mathematical skill or technical knowledge to quickly grasp the concepts of basic astronomy, nor do you need expensive equipment to look up at the night sky and understand what you see. If you do have or can access a telescope, Visual Astronomy will teach you the fundamentals of its use and how to get the best views possible. Links to major telescope facilities around the world; current and past space missions; links to free sky simulation applications; and ideas for observation projects make this an excellent learning tool for the new hobbyist or for teachers who wish to show their students why visual astronomy is a lifetime love for millions.