Introduction to Astronomy and

Introduction to Astronomy & Cosmology is based on a successful course given by the author to give first year university students a thorough grounding in modern astronomy and to describe the techniques that have given rise to many exciting discoveries. The book also aims to show that astronomy is a wonderful showcase for fundamental physics and how it determines the fabric of the Universe. The Chapters are Organised as Follows: Astronomy, an observational science Our Solar System I - the Sun Our Solar System II - the Planets Extra-solar Planets Observing the Universe The Properties of Stars Stellar Evolution - the life and death of stars Galaxies and the Large Scale Structure of the Universe Cosmology - the origin and evolution of the universe Every concept is accompanied by worked examples including problems at the end of each chapters. Complex mathematics are not required to use this book. This highly illustrated textbook, including numerous colour images, though primarily written for undergraduates, will also be of interest to amateur astronomers and students studying astronomy in senior school. von Morison