Foundations of Astronomy

by Michael A. Seeds

Fascinating, engaging and extremely visual, FOUNDATIONS OF ASTRONOMY, 14th Edition, emphasizes scientific processes throughout as it guides students to answer two fundamental questions: What are we? And how do we know? In addition to exploring the newest developments and latest discoveries in the exciting field of Astronomy, authors Seeds and Backman discuss the interplay between evidence and hypothesis, providing both factual information and a conceptual framework for understanding the logic of science. Available with MindTap Astronomy, the digital learning solution that powers students from memorization to mastery. It includes Virtual Astronomy Labs 3.0--a set of 20 interactive activities that combine analysis of real astronomical data with robust simulations--providing a true online laboratory experience for your Introductory Astronomy course.

Genres: Astronomy, Reference, Science, Nonfiction, Textbooks, Physics

688 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[Paige McLoughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I studied Physics as an Undergrad and took the kind of Astronomy class that this book is geared. It is an undergraduate introduction to the topic. It as these books go it is a pretty standard textbook that isn't very math-heavy but more centered on concepts. Undergrads especially ones studying Astronomy for a science elective don't need to get bogged down in heavy equations. It has the subject highlights the edition is from the early aughts and these things get updated. College textbooks are way too expensive so it is okay to buy a used copy new things are being discovered all the time but the basics haven't changed much lately so an older book is fine at that level. Decent refresher.

[فرهاد ذکاوت · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the 6th edition. As a teacher, I love this book which is really attractive to students and also everyone who want to start Astronomy even his/her major is not Physics or astronomy. Quite complete reference in this level.
It is really important to provide a reference book for beginners exactly what it should be; And This book is the one. Seeds really was successful about it. You can check many introductory books for beginners and general courses of Astronomy.

[Julian Jawad Ahmad · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sequence is well planned. Chapters are well written with plenty of images. It is a very good book as an introductory level.

[J.J. Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poorly written at times. Gets pretty philosophical where it attempts to ascribe meaning to astronomy. Also makes some claims about science that are thinly veiled scientism. Also advocates primordial soup in astrobiology section in spite of a lack of evidence and in modern research and abandonment of the theory by many scientists. Still interesting book, thus the 3 stars.

[Daniel Macgregor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had to read for class, kept reading because I wanted to.

[Konang Favour · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really can't wait to read this book.
It was prescribed to me by an international team of enthusiasts.

[Remo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantástico libro, en principio de texto, pero que es tan claro y didáctico que casi se puede leer como un libro de divulgación. Es bastante completo en cuanto a los temas elegidos:

Y las explicaciones son muy claras y están muy, muy bien pensadas. Una gozada de lectura para el aficionado con ciertas aspiraciones técnicas.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually have the 1991 edition of this textbook, from my junior year of college. I love astronomy and I loved this book - so I kept it instead of returning it at book buy-back time. Although outdated now, there is one part that certainly isn't - and it's one of the most memorable parts: the book opens with a discussion of cosmic scale, zooming out from an overhead photo, page after page, in increasing de-magnification, taking you from a person to the known universe in ten steps. Neat stuff.

[So Hakim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, this is a textbook, alright -- but with more prose and less math. Actually, this should be go-to book for anyone with more-serious interest about stars, moons, planets, black holes... (the list goes on)

It's particularly well-illustrated and engaging. The style reminds me of Arthur Beiser's "Concepts of Modern Physics", in that students are expected to drill more on concepts and leave mathematical trickery for later stage. Highly recommended.

[Phil Lawless · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the third edition, 1992. It is a little dated, but still acomprehensive coverage of astronomy. I learned many new ideas and techniques. Had I read this as a teenager, I might have pursued astronomy as a career.

[Alieda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm such a nerd! But I love this stuff.

[Louis Lestat 1334 · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a good reference book. Used it in Astronomy Class @ SDSU. Good pictures and information about our universe.

[Teaberry]

I'm going to have to start all over on this book: it's been too long since I last picked it up!

[Ashley]

#
CompNtBk
Own in hardback.

FS: "Each of us faces the ultimate question that has intrigued humans since the beginning of awareness."

LS: "We must not cease from exploration and the end of all over exploring will be to arrive where we began and to know the place for the firs time. - T.S. Eliot"