Description
Questions about the heavens are as old as civilization, perhaps as old as language itself. Is this universe infinite? What are the lights we see in the sky? In the millennia since our distant ancestors first looked up, these basic questions have been answered in countless ways, while other, more difficult questions have arisen and been answered in turn. This insatiable curiosity is fundamental to our nature, and as we learn more about our universe, we better understand our place in it.
Astronomer Mark Kidger has spent his career helping the general public understand the nature of the universe and what astronomy can tell us about its composition, history, and future. In Astronomical Enigmas, he presents the questions he is asked most frequently and offers answers that are at once clear, succinct, and stimulating.
Kidger begins by exploring the heavens from the perspective of our forebears, moving from Stonehenge and the earliest theories about the planets and stars to one of the great historical mysteries in astronomy: the identity of the star of Bethlehem. He then answers questions that provoke some of the most passionate and heated arguments between astronomers: Is there life on Mars? Is Pluto a planet? What did we learn by going to the Moon? He uses these questions to look at how astronomers deduce information about objects they could never visit. Finally, Kidger looks to the future by examining two urgent questions—the possibility that an asteroid might devastate life on Earth and the impact of climate change as witnessed on other planets—before coming full circle to look at our own origins, answering the question "Are we stardust?" The answer is as astonishing as it is unexpected. Witty, engaging, and accessible, Astronomical Enigmas is a terrific way for anyone who is fascintated by the skies to learn how much we know about our solar system—and how much there still is to discover.Reviews
"In 12 delightful chapters, astronomer Kidger takes us on a tour of the solar system, addressing an array of fascinating questions . . . a joy to read."—Publishers Weekly"He answers questions that provoke some of the most passionate and heated arguments between astronomers. Astronomical Enigmas illustrates how much we know about our solar system, and how much there still is to discover."—Lunar Planetary Information Bulletin "Quite engaging . . . serves up an elucidating overview of the big questions in astronomy, providing the reader with a commanding level of knowledge."—George Whitesides, Air & Space Smithsonian "A refreshing and successful departure from the traditional approach to an introductory astronomy book . . . An excellent book that spans a wide range of topics."—Choice "In this highly interesting volume, an astronomer asks general-interest questions and provides solid scientific answers . . . packed with information."—Donald Logsdon, Jr., NSTA Recommends "Mr. Kidger's lively writing and clear exposition make the book both enjoyable and informative."—Jeffrey Marsh, Washington Times "Highly recommended as an informative read and a good reference to many of the controversial areas of astronomy."—Nick Lomb, Australian Physics "Easy to read but not easy to put down!"—Peter D. Mata, Spaceflight "A beautifully written book packed with narrative answers to major astronomical topics of current interest."—Katherine Haramundanis, Science Books and Films "Fascinating read."—Alvin K. Benson, Magill Book Reviews "Mark Kidger, having looked into interesting nooks and crannies of astronomy, has brought a dozen topics he found there to the general public . . . I will look forward to his sequel."—Key Reporter "The book is well produced and is written with enthusiasm in a clear and informal style."—Colin Cooke, Observatory Magazine
Author Information
Mark Kidger is an astronomer at the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias who works at the observatories in La Palma and Tenerife.
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