Bad Astronomy: Misconceptions and Misuses Revealed, from Astrology to the Moon Landing Hoax

Philip C Plait

ISBN 10: 0471409766 / ISBN 13: 9780471409762

Verlag: Wiley March 2002, 2002

Beschreibung

Tight, clean.

Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers 1018592

Bibliografische Details

• Titel: Bad Astronomy: Misconceptions and Misuses Revealed, from Astrology to the Moon Landing Hoax
• Verlag: Wiley March 2002
• Erscheinungsjahr: 2002
• Sprache: Englisch
• ISBN-10: 0471409766
• ISBN-13: 9780471409762
• Einband: Trade Paperback
• Zustand: Very Good
• Verkäuferkataloge:
  • 51-SCIENCE

Über diesen Titel

Inhaltsangabe

A clever, thought-provoking guide that attacks common astronomical misconceptions

What is Bad Astronomy? Anything that accidentally or intentionally mangles the basic principles of astronomy. And who is on the lookout for good examples of Bad Astronomy? The Bad Astronomer, of course, a/k/a professional astronomer Phil Plait. In Bad Astronomy, Plait clears up misconceptions and malarkey relating to our Earth, moon, and the wider Universe. Ranging from commonly misunderstood notions such as why the sky is blue and the reason we have seasons, to large-scale shenanigans such as the so-called moon landing hoax and UFO sightings, Bad Astronomy wipes the stardust from readers' eyes to reveal just how the Universe works. Not only does Plait clearly explain the principles behind major concepts like the Big Bang, he leads readers to understand basics such as what makes the Moon look big when it rises and why the planets -- and astrology-- cannot directly influence our lives. Here is a fascinating and enlightening read for amateurs and experts alike. Bad Astronomy is the first volume in Wiley's "Bad Science" series; forthcoming titles will look at common misconceptions related to biology, weather, and the Earth.

Über die Autorin bzw. den Autor

PHILIP PLAIT, Ph.D., works in the physics and astronomy department at Sonoma State University in California. He maintains the Web site badastronomy.com and writes monthly articles on astronomy for the German newspaper Die Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. His work has appeared in the Encyclopedia Britannica Yearbook of Science and the Future and Astronomy magazine. He also writes a monthly column for astronomy.com.