Product Description

The second edition of this established dictionary contains over 4,200 up-to-date entries on all aspects of astronomy. Edited by renowned author and broadcaster Ian Ridpath, with the help of over 20 expert contributors, it covers everything from space exploration and the equipment involved, to astrophysics, cosmology, and the concept of time. The dictionary also features biographical entries on eminent astronomers, as well as worldwide coverage of observatories and telescopes. Appendices include tables of Apollo lunar landing missions and the constellations. Entries are supported by numerous tables and diagrams. The text has been fully revised and updated for the second edition, and includes information on new space missions, and ones that have come to fruition (such as the Huygens Probe). It also boasts entry-level web links and highlighted entries on topics sich as the Big Bang theory, black holes, galaxy evolution, and SETI. An invaluable reference source for students, professionals, amateur astronomers, and for space enthusiasts.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #144138 in Books
• Published on: 2007-09-27
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 576 pages

Review
this book is rich in peculiarities for the interested observer. (The Independent )

About the Author
Ian Ridpath is a well-known writer and broadcaster on astronomy. As well as editor of Norton's Star Atlas, he is the author of the Collins Guide to Stars and Planets and Monthly Star Guide. A fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, he is a former editor of the magazine Popular Astronomy.

Customer Reviews

A must for anyone keenly interested in astronomy
Oxford's Dictionary of Astronomy, written by a large team of experts, is addressed to both astronomers, professional and amateur, and the general reader, and, what is more, its wealth of authoritative and well written entries, which covers all aspects of astronomy (from astrophysics, astrometry, astronomers, cosmology, exobiology, to planetology, space exploration, telescopes etc.), makes this reference a splendid astronomy book deserving a place in everyone's library.

The major difference of the latest edition (2007), compared to the 1997 and the 2003 editions, is that the latest edition is by and large up-to-date and noticeably heavier. New entries include terms such as apohele, dwarf planet, Eris, frame dragging, planetary migration, sky brightness etc. Many entries have remained unchanged whereas others, such as galaxy evolution and planet, have been updated or expanded. The number of figures and diagrams has not changed at all as far as I know, while an excellent table of variable star types has been added in the Appendix.

Of all astronomy dictionaries I consult, Oxford University's is the one I recommend the most. The one by Cambridge University Press (Jacqueline Mitton) needs updating and does not include biographical entries. CRC Press' Dictionary Of Geophysics, Astrophysics and Astronomy is too technical for the general reader, while Philip's Astronomy Encyclopedia (not a dictionary, but structured and used exactly like a dictionary) is much more illustrated than Oxford's but needs updating.

This edition of Oxford's astronomy dictionary is currently the best investment in terms of astronomy dictionary, because comprehensive, reliable, inexpensive, easy to read and carry, an excellent reference guide to space and stars.

excellent
Very good, almost encyclopedic you might say. It got me through a degree on the subject what more can I say? A must for anyone studying it.