One of the great paradoxes of modern times is that the more scientists understand the natural world, the more we discover that our everyday beliefs about it are wrong. Astronomy, in particular, is one of the most misunderstood scientific disciplines. With the participation of thousands of undergraduate students, Neil F. Comins has identified and classified, by origin and topic, over 1,700 commonly held misconceptions. Heavenly Errors provides access to all of them and explores many, including: Black holes suck in everything around them. The Sun shines by burning gas. Comets have tails trailing behind them. The Moon alone causes tides. Mercury, the closest planet to the Sun, is the hottest planet. In the course of correcting these errors, he explains that some occur through the prevalence of pseudosciences such as astrology and UFO-logy and some enter the public conscience through the "bad astronomy" of Star Trek, Star Wars, and other science-fiction movies.. Perhaps most important, Professor Comins presents the reader with the methods for identifying and replacing incorrect ideas―tools with which to probe erroneous notions so that we can begin to question for ourselves... and to think more like scientists.

Heavenly Errors

Science & Math

Comins, Neil

Astronomy & Space Science

Columbia University Press

The Traveler's Guide to Space: For One-Way Settlers and Round-Trip Tourists

If you have ever wondered about space travel, now you have the opportunity to understand it more fully than ever before. Traveling into space and even emigrating to nearby worlds may soon become part of the human experience. Scientists, engineers, and investors are working hard to make space tourism and colonization a reality. As astronauts can attest, extraterrestrial travel is incomparably thrilling. To make the most of the experience requires serious physical and mental adaptations in virtually every aspect of life, from eating to intimacy. Everyone who goes into space sees Earth and life on it from a profoundly different perspective than they had before liftoff. Astronomer and former NASA/ASEE scientist Neil F. Comins has written the go-to book for anyone interested in space exploration. He describes the wonders that travelers will encounter―weightlessness, unparalleled views of Earth and the cosmos, and the opportunity to walk on another world―as well as the dangers: radiation, projectiles, unbreathable atmospheres, and potential equipment failures. He also provides insights into specific trips to destinations including suborbital flights, space stations, the Moon, asteroids, comets, and Mars―the top candidate for colonization. Although many challenges are technical, Comins outlines them in clear language for all readers. He synthesizes key issues and cutting-edge research in astronomy, physics, biology, psychology, and sociology to create a complete manual for the ultimate voyage.

Universe: Stars and Galaxies & CD-Rom & The Once and Future Cosmos

Krause, Thomas

W.H.Freeman

Disco Universe 7e + Cd-rom + Planasphere + Clicker

Edmund Scientific

Educue

Precision

W.H.Freeman & Co.

From its First Edition, Universe has helped guide students through introductory astronomy by emphasizing not only what we know about the cosmos but also how we know it. Acclaimed for its spectacular images and engaging writing, Universe clearly communicates the thrill of discovery in astronomy to all students, regardless of their scientific background. New Available in Three Versions

Universe: The Solar System & CD-Rom

Good copy with moderate cover and page wear from being handled and read. Moderate wear on cover and edges. May show cover or page curling.Some textual or margin notes possible, and or contain highlighting. Textbooks may not include supplements like CDs, access codes. Our shipping department handles orders in a timely manner.

Universe: Stars and Galaxies & CD-Rom

Book by Wilson, William J. F., Clark, T. Alan, Bergman, Marcel, Comins, Neil, Krause, Thomas

Observing Projects Using Starry Night Backyard: for use with Freedman & Kaufmann's Universe 6e

Wilson, William J.F.

Clark, T. Alan

Bergman, Marcel

Universe: Stars and Galaxies & CD-Rom & Astronomy Online

Slater, Timothy F.

Discovering the Universe

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Books by Comins, Neil