Did you know that as you read these words showers of high-speed particles from exploding stars are raining down on you? This book reveals the startling ways life on Earth is touched by our cosmic environment, and demonstrates why without such contact, life itself wouldn't be possible.
The Little Book of Stars answers, in the clearest language, the questions anyone might have about our heavenly canopy. How are stars born? How do they die? Why do they shine? How long do they shine? Is our star, the Sun, dying? How can you tell time from the stars? Or navigate? What are the measures of stars? Can we ever travel to other stars? In this engagingly written and concise book, the second in the Little Book series, noted astronomer James B. Kaler shows us "the significance that the stars have had in human life, how we have used them to tell our stories, and how we use them to find who and where we are."
Focusing on the remarkable extremes of stars, this illustrated account delves into their diverse characteristics, including brightness, size, temperature, and uniqueness. It offers an engaging overview of stellar evolution, making complex astronomical concepts accessible and interesting to readers. Originally published in 2001, it appeals to those captivated by the mysteries of the universe and the life cycles of these celestial bodies.
This guide offers a thorough exploration of spherical astronomy without relying on complex mathematics. It provides insights into the dynamics of the night sky, making it accessible for readers interested in celestial phenomena. The book emphasizes practical understanding and observation, catering to both beginners and enthusiasts who wish to deepen their knowledge of astronomical concepts and the movements of celestial bodies.
A professor of astronomy at the University of Illinois, he is the author of Stars and Their Spectra (Cambridge), Stars (Freeman/Scientific American Library), Cosmic Clouds (Freeman/Scientific American Library), and numerous articles for popular and professional astronomy magazines.