The Cosmic Perspective Fundamentals

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The world’s bestselling textbook series for introductory astronomy — used successfully by more than 1 million students!

The Cosmic Perspective Fundamentals is the briefest introduction to astronomy in The Cosmic Perspective series. At less than 300 pages, it focuses on only the most fundamental topics in astronomy and is crafted to engage students in the process of scientific inquiry. Also ideal for K-12 teachers who want a brief overview of the kinds of astronomy topics typically covered in elementary and middle school.

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Praise for The Cosmic Perspective

“It is the most refreshing astronomy text I have seen in years.” — Richard Gray, Appalachian State University

“Your book is aimed at real people. I think you have hit the bull’s eye.” — James A. Scarborough, Delta State University

“Student questions have been anticipated by an exceptionally thorough writing style… The explanations of complex concepts are artfully accomplished… I really enjoyed reading it.” — John Stolar, West Chester University

“This textbook displays great promise in leading the revolution to bring our astronomy courses back from the brink of entertainment and turn them into core science courses on a subject that everyone finds fascinating.” — James Schombert, University of Oregon

“This text is superb — the best astronomy book I have used in 28 years of teaching the course — I truly enjoy it.” — Anthony Jusick, Stetson University

“You and your coauthors are to be commended for the first TRULY innovative intro astronomy text in many years! Well done!” — Joe Heafner, Catawba Valley Community College

Table of Contents

1. A Modern View of the Universe
   • 1.1 The Scale of the Universe
   • 1.2 The History of the Universe
   • 1.3 The Process of Science in Action Defining Planets
2. Understanding the Sky
   • 2.1 Understanding the Seasons
   • 2.2 Understanding the Moon
   • 2.3 The Process of Science in Action The Puzzle of Planetary Motion
3. Changes in Our Perspective
   • 3.1 From Earth-Centered to Sun-Centered
   • 3.2 Hallmarks of Science
   • 3.3 The Process of Science in Action The Fact and Theory of Gravity
4. Origin of the Solar System
   • 4.1 Characteristics of the Solar System
   • 4.2 The Birth of the Solar System
   • 4.3 The Process of Science in Action The Age of the Solar System
5. Terrestrial Worlds
   • 5.1 Terrestrial Surfaces and Atmospheres
   • 5.2 Histories of the Terrestrial Worlds
   • 5.3 The Process of Science in Action Global Warming
6. The Outer Solar System
   • 6.1 Jovian Planets, Rings, and Moons
   • 6.2 Asteroids, Comets, and the Impact Threat
   • 6.3 The Process of Science in Action Extinction of the Dinosaurs
7. Planets Around Other Stars
   • 7.1 Detecting Extrasolar Planets
   • 7.2 Characteristics of Extrasolar Planets
   • 7.3 The Process of Science in Action Extrasolar Planets and the Nebular Theory
8. The Sun and Other Stars
   • 8.1 Properties of the Sun
   • 8.2 Properties of Other Stars
   • 8.3 The Process of Science in Action Visualizing Patterns Among Stars
9. Stellar Lives
   • 9.1 Lives in Balance
   • 9.2 Star Death
   • 9.3 The Process of Science in Action Testing Stellar Models with Star Clusters
10. The Bizarre Stellar Graveyard
    • 10.1 White Dwarfs and Neutron Stars
    • 10.2 Black Holes
    • 10.3 The Process of Science in Action Searching for Black Holes
11. Galaxies
    • 11.1 Our Galaxy: The Milky Way
    • 11.2 Galaxies Beyond the Milky Way
    • 11.3 The Process of Science in Action Seeking Supermassive Black Holes
12. Galaxy Distances and Hubble’s Law
    • 12.1 Measuring Cosmic Distances
    • 12.2 The Implications of Hubble’s Law
    • 12.3 The Process of Science in Action Observing Galaxy Evolution
13. The Early Universe
    • 13.1 The Big Bang
    • 13.2 Evidence for the Big Bang Theory
    • 13.3 The Process of Science in Action Inflation
14. Dark Matter and Dark Energy
    • 14.1 Evidence for Dark Matter
    • 14.2 Gravity versus Expansion
    • 14.3 The Process of Science in Action Evidence for Dark Energy
15. Life in the Universe
    • 15.1 The Search for Life in the Solar System
    • 15.2 The Search for Life Among the Stars
    • 15.3 The Process of Science in Action The Theory of Evolution