Edited by Ian Ridpath
1,500 entries
Astronomy is expanding almost as rapidly as the universe itself, and the proliferating scientific jargon can sometimes baffle even the most dedicated amateur. This dictionary cuts a clear path through the maze of complex technical language, offering full, clear definitions. Compiled by Ian Ridpath, a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, and an expert team of contributors, the dictionary contains the most recent entries from astrophysics and cosmology to galaxies and time.
Here are succinct definitions for the Big Bang theory, comets, eclipses, Magellanic Clouds, Mars, quasar, relativity, and variable stars. Entries on telescopes and other measuring devices, observatories, space missions, and recently named solar system objects show how astronomers have explored the universe. There are also biographical entries on eminent astronomers from Copernicus to Edwin Hubble. From black hole to white dwarf, and from spiral galaxies to solar waves, this dictionary opens a window on the universe for amateur astronomers everywhere.
Ian Ridpath is a well-known writer and broadcaster on astronomy. He is the editor of Norton's Star Atlas and author of Star Tales, about the origin and mythology of the constellations.
