The Facts on File Dictionary of Astronomy

THE FACTS ON FILE DICTIONARY OF ASTRONOMY has long been the standard by which other dictionaries of astronomy have been measured. With its clear descriptions of different celestial bodies and phenomena and observational instruments and techniques as well as its definitions of mathematic and scientific terms, it is easy to see why THE FACTS ON FILE DICTIONARY OF ASTRONOMY has become the classic in its field. This third edition has been extensively revised and expanded by a team of professional astronomers. Its more than 3,500 entries reflect current scholarship in the field as well as the recent developments in space technology and research. The Hubble space telescope, the Magellan space probe, and Jupiter's rings are among the 1,000 plus entries added since the second edition. Entries on theories about the origin and evolution of the Universe, the formation and distribution of the galaxies, and the birth and death of stars have been modified to demonstrate current understanding of the Universe. Over 100 diagrams round out this accurate and authoritative reference. Like its previous editions, THE FACTS ON FILE DICTIONARY OF ASTRONOMY, third edition, proves to be an essential resource for students, teachers, researchers, professional and amateur astronomers, as well as the general reader with an interest in astronomy.