Astronomy Explained by Gerald North

by Gerald North

Every year large numbers of people take up the study of astronomy, mostly at amateur level. There are plenty of elementary books on the market, full of colourful photographs, but lacking in proper explanations of how and why things are as they are. Many people eventually wish to go beyond the 'coffee-table book' stage and study this fascinating subject in greater depth. This book is written for them. In addition, many people sit for public examinations in this subject each year and this book is also intended to be of use to them. All the topics from the GCSE syllabus are covered here, with sample questions at the end of each chapter. Astronomy Explained provides a comprehensive treatment of the subject in more depth than is usually found in elementary works, and will be of interest to both amateur astronomers and students of astronomy.

Paperback

First published January 15, 1997

Reviews

[Bryan Whitehead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, sort of. For awhile now I’ve been looking for the missing link between coffee table books on astronomy (the sort full of pretty pictures and vague descriptions) and complex texts beyond the grasp of those of us who have been absent from the academic pursuit of math and science for many years. This book, written by British astronomer Gerald North, is the closest I’ve come so far. If nothing else, it’s nice to read something that doesn’t talk to me like I’m an idiot. Sadly, when it comes to some of the concepts North discusses, I must admit that I am an idiot. And that’s where he fails me. Though a great deal of the book can be appreciated by people with a variety of math and science skills (even me), North occasionally lapses into complicated and incomplete descriptions involving concepts that are at best ill-defined. For example, the chapter on electromagnetic radiation borders on completely incomprehensible (and I thought from my experience working with the broadcast spectrum that I understood the basics at least a little; guess not). Further, his work could have done with the loving attention of a good editor. However, overall the book should prove interesting to budding astronomers, particularly those with an active understanding of physics and advanced mathematics (or at least easy access to a professor who can answer some basic questions).