From Book News, Inc.
Now available in paperback, Kaler's (U. of Illinois) work provides wonderfully accessible descriptions of every kind of atmospheric and astronomical phenomena--from rainbows and sundogs to meteor showers and eclipses. The bulk of the book is dedicated to nonmathematical (or very basically mathematical) explanations of celestial coordinates, tides and timekeeping, stars and constellations, planetary motion, how to calculate the location and time of sunrise and sunset, moon phases and features, light and telescopes, and navigation. Though black and white, the illustrations are superb. Appendices include star charts; graphs and tables of sunrise, sunset, and twilight times; and an introduction to trigonomic functions and how to use them.Copyright © 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
Review
"[A]n excellent discussion of the variations in solar time. This is essential material for understanding sundials." Joe Heafner, Sky & Telescope
"It develops into a comprehensive treatment of all aspects of the sky that could be useful to astronomers, whether they are professionals, amateurs, or students, and to general readers who simply wish to learn about the night sky...a thoroughly enjoyable read." Astronomy
Book Description
The Ever-Changing Sky is a comprehensive and uniquely non-mathematical guide to spherical astronomy. In a clear and lucid text, it guides through terrestrial and celestial co-ordinate systems, time measurement and celestial navigation, on to the stars and constellations (with useful star maps provided), the motions and appearance of the Moon and planets, tides and eclipses, and the smaller bodies of the Solar System (asteroids, meteors, meteorites and comets). There is also a brief overview of atmospheric phenomena. This text is invaluable to students of naked-eye astronomy, amateur and professional astronomers, and more general readers wanting to know how the night sky changes.
Book Info
Provides a comprehensive and non-mathematical guide to spherical astronomy. Focuses on the geometrical aspects of the night sky without using complex trigonometry. Softcover.
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