Cosmology 101

by David H. Levy

David H. Levy, the science columnist for PARADE magazine, who took over Carl Sagan's post, is one of the world's foremost astronomers and a contributor to ASTRONOMY magazine. He has discovered 22 comets, including Shoemaker-Levy 9, which collided with Jupiter and made news around the world. In this easily understood book, he takes the armchair reader around the cosmos, introducing the major subjects studied by astronomy students in a manner non-students, and ageing ex-students can understand. Accompanied by b/w illustrations and a color section of important discoveries and maps, this book is the place to start for anybody who wants an introductory course or refresher course in a subject of extraordinary scope.
Whether discussing "the deep sky," solar eclipses, dark matter or the rings of Saturn, Levy brings refreshing clarity and affability to a subject often considered too complex for the "ordinary" reader.
• In one volume, everything a casual reader needs to know to understand our view of the cosmos. • This is an accessible, comprehensive handbook for all things dealing with cosmology. • Includes tips and information about telescopes and amateur astronomy. Information on where and when to look for the most spectacular heavenly sights. • Find out how to discover new comets and other celestial objects on your own. • Includes first hand accounts from astronomer David Levy of field sessions and voyages to view total eclipses of the sun. • Impress your friends by knowing what is actually visible -- and what you're looking at -- in a clear night sky.

Genres: Nonfiction

Paperback

First published July 1, 2003

About the author

David Levy is a prominent astronomer and author, most famous for his co-discovery in 1993 of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9, which collided with the planet Jupiter in 1994.

Levy was born in Canada, but now lives in Arizona. He has been involved with astronomy, as an observer, promoter, and author, for his entire adult life. Levy has discovered twenty two comets, given innumerable lectures, television appearances, and published articles in the major science and astronomy magazines.

He gained a Phd in English literature in 2010. There is an asteroid named in his honour, Levy 3673. He is married to Wendee Levy.

Reviews

[Ester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything you need to know about the stars. I just need someone to show me what I'm looking at through the telescope.

[Jenn C · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've always been fascinated by the night sky, wondering about the twinkling miniature lights high above my head. I just happened to recently pick up Cosmology 101: Everything You Ever Need To Know About Astronomy, The Solar System, Stars, Galaxies, Comets, Eclipses And More when it was returned one day by a customer at the public library where I work.

The text is clunky in parts and there were a few portions that I've had to reread more than a few times. Coming to this book as a complete neophyte, I would suggest this as a "201" book (i.e. for someone who's not a complete beginner but has some basic knowledge). That being said, the beginning did hook me, from Levy's description of the moon's "birth" to his "trip" through the universe. It was in the middle of the book that he lost me.

And no bibliography. (The haphazard chapter references don't count.)

[Jason Presser · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like astronomy you'll love this book..