Fundamental Astronomy, Sixth Edition

Editors: Karttunen, H., Kröger, P., Oja, H., Poutanen, M., Donner, K.J. (Eds.)
The established, widely-adopted textbook for physical science majors that gives a comprehensive, calculus-based introduction to the topics of classical and modern astronomy and astrophysics
Richly illustrated with more than 400 images, including 36 color plates, that take you on a visual tour of the cosmos
Fifth edition offers substantial new material on extragalactic astronomy, cosmology, and extra-solar planets, as well as updates throughout that are a real step up from the previous edition
Comprehensive approach provides a sound basis for more profound studies in the astronomical sciences

About this Textbook
Now in its sixth edition this successful undergraduate textbook gives a well-balanced and comprehensive introduction to the topics of classical and modern astronomy. While emphasizing both the astronomical concepts and the underlying physical principles, the text provides a sound basis for more profound studies in the astronomical sciences.
The chapters on galactic and extragalactic astronomy as well as cosmology were extensively modernized in the previous edition. In this new edition they have been further revised to include more recent results. The long chapter on the solar system has been split into two parts: the first one deals with the general properties, and the other one describes individual objects. A new chapter on exoplanets has been added to the end of the book next to the chapter on astrobiology.
In response to the fact that astronomy has evolved enormously over the last few years, only a few chapters of this book have been left unmodified.
Long considered a standard text for physical science majors, Fundamental Astronomy is also an excellent reference and entrée for dedicated amateur astronomers. For their benefit the introductory chapter has been extended to give a brief summary of the different types of celestial objects.
From reviews of earlier editions:
"… The wide range of expertise gives the book an authority that would be almost impossible for a single-author text … There are other aids to the reader: worked examples … starred sections in small print take the inquisitive reader beyond the general level of the book." (Nature)
"… Unique among available texts and has so much to offer … No one involved in astronomy teaching will want to be without a copy." (The Physics Teacher)
"Gives a solid foundation to the basic ideas of astronomy in a clear and accessible fashion … Fundamental ideas are developed clearly and applied to real problems, and solutions are worked out." (Sky & Telescope)<
"Fundamental Astronomy is both the title and an excellent description of the content … . is also suited for serious amateurs who "find the popular texts too trivial". In my opinion … this volume a must-buy for any serious amateur looking for a comprehensive overview of matters astronomical. … Its usefulness for education purposes is enhanced by worked examples in each section followed by exercises." (AAS Journal, March, 2004)
"This is the 4th edition of this well known and well tested undergraduate-level text on astronomy. … All the derivations are well done and the problems selected for student work are interesting and will undoubtedly help the student in his or her studies. … if you are looking for a solid undergraduate text outlining the physics which underpins so much of modern astronomy then this book will be a very useful addition to your personal library." (Kevin P. Marshall, Astronomy Now, May, 2004)
From the reviews of the fifth edition: “This textbook, suitable for a university first course in astronomy, is the outgrowth of a long and outstanding astronomical tradition in Finland, and the result of an extensive collaborative effort, which included also teaching and interaction with many people. … I highly recommend this book for class use … it will be useful for professionals as well.” (Bruno Bertotti, Prometeo, Vol. 24 (3-4), 2008)

About the authors
Hannu Karttunen is a Finnish astronomer and science writer. He is an associate professor at Turku University and works at Tuorla Observatory. Besides astronomical articles Dr. Karttunen has published astronomy textbooks and teaching material as well as articles for anthologies and encyclopedias. Karttunen has also produced a radio lecture series on astronomy. Hannu Karttunen received the 1998 Tieto-Finlandia Award for his book Oldest science: Astronomy Stone Age to the mission to the moon, and, in2007, the Finnish News Writers Association Tietopöllö Award for his writings and books for children and young people.
Heikki Oja is a Finnish astronomyer and associate professor at the University of Helsinki, as well as the former director of the Almanac Office. Dr. Oja has written dozens of non-technical non-fiction books and appeared frequently on the radio to talk about astronomy and space research. He has received several awards for his outreach activities.

Number of Pages
XIV, 550
Number of Illustrations and Tables
466 b/w illustrations, 36 illustrations in colour
Additional Information
Original Finnish edition published by Ursa, Helsinki, 1984
Topics
Astronomy, Astrophysics and Cosmology
Geophysics / Geodesy
Popular Science in Astronomy



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