Most Popular Books by Jacqueline Mitton

This lavishly illustrated new dictionary written by an experienced writer and consultant on astronomy provides an essential guide to the universe for amateur astronomers of all ages. Around 1300 carefully selected and cross-referenced entries are complemented by hundreds of beautiful colour illustrations, taken from space missions, the Hubble Space Telescope, and other major observatories on Earth and in space. Distinguished stellar illustrator Wil Tirion has drawn 20 new star maps especially for inclusion here. A myriad of named astronomical objects, constellations, observatories and space missions are described in detail, as well as biographical sketches for 70 of the most luminous individuals in the history of astronomy and space science. Acronyms and specialist terms are clearly explained, making for the most thorough and carefully assembled reference resource that teachers and enthusiasts of astronomy will ever need.

Tours the solar system, weaving together mythology and astronomy.

A revealing account of the second largest moon in our solar system.

Held up by the heliopause? Floored by the flatness problem? Intimidated by MACHOs? With the Cambridge Astronomy Dictionary you''ll no longer be defeated by such astronomical jargon! These and 3,200 additional words, names, and abbreviations used in amateur and professional astronomy, are clearly and concisely defined. Entries include information from modern and classical astronomy, including: A comprehensive selection of specialist terms All the constellations, planets, and moons of the solar system Comets, stars, asteroids, nebulae, and galaxies Telescopes, observatories, spacecraft, and space missions Published internationally as The Penguin Dictionary of Astronomy, it is considered the classic reference work in its field. This edition has been completely revised and includes many new entries. Anyone involved with astronomy, either professionally or as a hobby, will find the Cambridge Astronomy Dictionary a handy and invaluable reference. Jacqueline Mitton''s interest in astronomy began when she was a child and she had her first telescope as a teenager. She graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in physics, then obtained her PhD in astronomy at the University of Cambridge. In 1989 she became the Press Officer of the Royal Astronomical Society. She is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, a member of the International Astronomical Union, and a Member of the Division of Planetary Sciences of the American Astronomical Society. She is the author or co-author of 16 astronomy books and writes for both children and adults.

Identifies the groups of stars known as constellations and discusses their origin, uses, and observation.

Rave reviews for Pluto and Charon: Ice Worlds on the Ragged Edge of the Solar System The story of the quest to understand Pluto and the resulting transformation of our concept of the diminutive planet from that of solar-system misfit to king of the Kuiper Belt is told in this book by Alan Stern and Jacqueline Mitton. Stern, a Plutophile to the core, is one of the most energetic, talented, and savvy planetary astronomers in the business today. Mitton, trained as an astronomer, is an experienced writer and editor of scientific books for nonscientists. Together they have created an immensely informative book . . . Written in an engaging and informal style, Pluto and Charon takes the reader step by step from the discovery of the ninth planet in 1930 to the current understanding of Pluto and its moon, Charon.-Sky & Telescope More than a book summarizing what we know about [the] planet, [Pluto and Charon is] about how far and how fast astronomical technology has come since 1965 . . . Stern and Mitton use the narrative of Pluto research to explain in comfortable, everyday language how such work is done . . . One of the nice touches in the book is that Stern and Mitton tell us something about each astronomer.-Astronomy Pluto and Charon presents the exploration of the ninth planet-written as a vivid historical account-for anyone with an interest in science and astronomy . . . the authors describe in simple language the methods researchers use to explore the universe and the way ever-improving instrumentation helps their knowledge advance.-Physics Today

A scientific and mythological tour of the solar system.

From Hercules to Cassiopeia, young stargazers can learn the stories behind 10 great constellations, drawing on both scientific fact and ancient legends. Detailed illustrations and foil blocking make this a beautiful addition to the series.Ages 6 and up

The remarkable story of how our solar system came to be The birth and evolution of our solar system is a tantalizing mystery that may one day provide answers to the question of human origins. From Dust to Life tells the remarkable story of how the celestial objects that make up the solar system arose from common beginnings billions of years ago, and how scientists and philosophers have sought to unravel this mystery down through the centuries, piecing together the clues that enabled them to deduce the solar system''s layout, its age, and the most likely way it formed. Drawing on the history of astronomy and the latest findings in astrophysics and the planetary sciences, John Chambers and Jacqueline Mitton offer the most up-to-date and authoritative treatment of the subject available. They examine how the evolving universe set the stage for the appearance of our Sun, and how the nebulous cloud of gas and dust that accompanied the young Sun eventually became the planets, comets, moons, and asteroids that exist today. They explore how each of the planets acquired its unique characteristics, why some are rocky and others gaseous, and why one planet in particular—our Earth—provided an almost perfect haven for the emergence of life. From Dust to Life is a must-read for anyone who desires to know more about how the solar system came to be. This enticing book takes readers to the very frontiers of modern research, engaging with the latest controversies and debates. It reveals how ongoing discoveries of far-distant extrasolar planets and planetary systems are transforming our understanding of our own solar system''s astonishing history and its possible fate.

Containing over 2,400 entries, this wide-ranging dictionary encompasses all aspects of classical and modern astronomy and gives the names of constellations, stars, galaxies, asteroids, comets, nebulae, and observatories. Entries on telescopes and space missions show how astronomers have opened new windows on the universe, while exact definitions of terms used in modern astrophysics and cosmology allow access to the most-up-to-date research.

Popular astronomy & space.

A survey of astronomy explains its goal and methods, discusses each planet in the solar system, and describes the life cycle of a star.

A third edition of the title which contains the latest advances in the field of study. The dictionary has over 2,800 entries and encompasses classical and modern astronomy, giving the names of constellations, stars, galaxies, asteroids, comets, nebulae, and information on telescopes, observatories and space missions.

Provides information on various aspects of astronomy and outer space, including the sun and moon, planets, comets, asteroids, meteors, constellations, the nature and origin of the universe, and more.

Providing information on extraterrestrials, this book covers everything from the first flying saucer sighting to the discovery of water on the Moon. Read about UFOs, Men in Black, the wired-up world of radioastronomy, the search for other life forms and film-star aliens.

Describes the sun''s family of planets, moons, and comets based on information from space probes.

Gods, heroes, legends and creatures – amazing constellations light up the night sky, and each has a special story. Dr Jacqueline Mitton’s lyrical text blends ancient myths with modern astronomical facts in this spectacular introduction to the wonder of our night sky. Christina Balit’s stunning, graphic images are the perfect accompaniment to these dramatic tales.

What is the Moon like tonight? Its Turn the pages to see its many enchanting phases - from a horned crescent to the plump-faced Man in the Moon, from the icy crystal ring round the Moon to a dark orange eclipse - watched by Owl, Beaver, Koala, Spider Monkey and other creatures around the globe. The final scene has a surprise in store! Brief science notes make this a perfect introduction to the night sky for very young readers.

Our Universe is full of mystery and excitement. The Marshall Children''s Guide to Astronomy provides young readers with the information they need to launch their own mission of discovery. Renowned authors, Dr Jacqueline Mitton and Dr Simon Mitton take the most complex of concepts and explain them in accessible, everyday language. Spectacular photography and illustrations depict such dramatic phenomena as supernovas and exploding galaxies. This stunningly illustrated book begins with the wider picture, looking out at the furthest depths of space and travelling back in time to the origins of the Universe. The reader then learns about galaxies, spectacular supernovas and other amazing space phenomena before discovering out solar system and the way in wich we observe the Universe from our own planet. Budding astronomers will delight in this comprehensive and enlightening guide. It provides hours of pleasure for the young astronomer and accessible information for school projects - an ideal combination of fun and fact.

La nascita e l’evoluzione del sistema solare sono un mistero davvero affascinante. La sua soluzione un giorno - forse - potrà rispondere alle domande che ci poniamo sulle origini dell’umanità. Il libro racconta l’avvincente storia di come i corpi celesti che formano il sistema solare siano nati mi-lioni di anni fa e descrive come scienziati e filosofi da secoli provino a svelarne i misteri, mettendo insieme pezzo a pezzo tutti gli indizi che hanno permesso di dedurre l’aspetto dell’universo, la sua età e il modo in cui probabilmente si è formato. Ripercorrendo la storia dell’astronomia e le sco-perte più recenti in astrofisica e planetologia, John Chambers e Jacqueline Mitton ci offrono il più autorevole testo in circolazione sul tema. I due autori esaminano lo scenario in cui il Sole è comparso, la nuvola di gas e polveri che lo accompagnavano, poi trasformatasi in pianeti, comete, lune, asteroidi come oggi li vediamo. Esplorano i modi nei quali ciascun pianeta ha acquisito le caratteristiche uniche che conosciamo, perché alcuni sono divenuti mondi gassosi e altri regni di roccia, e in particolare perché uno tra essi, la nostra Terra, sia così perfetto per l’origine della vita. Dalla polvere alla vita è una lettura obbligata per chi si interessa alla lunga strada percorsa dal sistema solare. Ci porta alla frontiera della ricerca, si cimenta con le dispute più recenti e rivela come le scoperte di pianeti extra-solari stiano cambiando la comprensione del nostro stesso sistema, della sua straordinaria storia e forse del suo destino.

Everyone knows their own star sign, but how many can identify the constellations in the night sky and the stars that form them? Here is a beautiful illustrated book offering a factual, astronomical guide to the Zodiac and the celestial phenomena in which the Zodiac tradition is rooted. Illuminated by Christina Balit''s dazzling illustrations, this book will appeal to horoscope-devotees, star-gazers and everyone fascinated by the reality behind the myths, whatever their age.

Images captured by the Hubble Space Telescope, including planets, stars, galaxies, quasars, and swirling clouds of gas, are accompanied by non-technical explanations

The universe is waiting to be explored—and this remarkable guide to the wonders of outer space will get you started on your journey! Explore the farthest reaches of the universe with this stunning visual atlas of outer space. From the big bang to the future of space exploration, The Ultimate Interactive Guide to the Universe gives children a detailed look at how stars and planets are formed, what causes black holes and nebulae to form, and the latest advancements in space travel. Flaps, pull tabs, a model solar system, a poster, and an interactive stargazer’s guide to the constellations of the night sky make this a complete guide to learning about the mysteries of the universe.

Visitez la Lune comme si vous y étiez pour connaître ses origines, sa géologie et sa topographie. Comment s''est formé notre satellite naturel ? Qui a posé le premier le pied dessus ? Pour quelles raisons s''y intéresse-t-on toujours ? Que trouve-t-on sur cet astre ? Découvrez toute l''histoire de l''observation et de la conquête de la Lune ainsi que les nouveaux projets de missions ou d''installations qui la visent !