The Facts on File Dictionary of Astronomy (Facts on File Science Dictionary)

John O. E. is a science writer and editor and co-editor of the Facts On File Dictionary of Physics and the Facts On File Dictionary of Mathematics . The Facts on File Dictionary of Astronomy, Fifth Edition contains more than 3,700 cross-referenced entries that explain, clearly and concisely, the most frequently used terms in astronomy. This revised and expanded edition contains more than 200 new entries that reflect the most recent advances in space and astronomy. Now included are pronunciation symbols for more than 1,500 uncommon terms, as well as a Guide to Using the Dictionary that explains the main features of the text and a Pronunciation Key that interprets pronunciation symbols. In addition to 150 line drawings, the dictionary includes a bibliography and an array of appendixes - including breakdowns of planetary satellites, prominent asteroids and meteor showers, constellations, and the brightest and nearest stars - and a list of Web sites. The Facts of File Dictionary of Astronomy, Fifth Edition will benefit students, teachers, university and public libraries, and professionals in astronomy or related fields seeking comprehensive coverage. Preface......Page 6 Acknowledgments......Page 7 Contents......Page 8 Guide to Using the Dictionary......Page 9 Pronunciation Key......Page 11 A......Page 12 B......Page 54 C......Page 73 D......Page 124 E......Page 144 F......Page 173 G......Page 186 H......Page 217 I......Page 238 J......Page 257 K......Page 265 L......Page 271 M......Page 287 N......Page 327 O......Page 341 P......Page 352 Q......Page 392 R......Page 396 S......Page 426 T......Page 491 U......Page 506 V......Page 515 W......Page 527 X......Page 534 Y......Page 540 Z......Page 541 Appendixes......Page 544 Table 1......Page 546 Table 2......Page 547 Table 3......Page 549 Table 4......Page 550 Table 5......Page 551 Table 6......Page 552 Table 7......Page 553 Table 8......Page 554 Table 9......Page 556 Table 10......Page 557 Table 11......Page 558 Web sites......Page 559 Other Useful Sites......Page 560 Bibliography......Page 561 Written for general readers with some interest in the field or with a specific question about a term or aspect of astronomy, this collection of over 3,700 cross-referenced entries includes a variety of features, terms, people and places. The definitions and descriptions are concise and remarkably accessible, especially considering the complexity of subject, and the line drawings are clear and easy to understand. This edition includes a pronunciation guide and over 200 new entries, joining such topics as dark energy, the early universe, imaging, orbital resonance, rampart crater and thermal field theory. It also contains a number of useful tables on sky features and famous people associated with astronomy. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) Preface 6 Acknowledgments 7 Contents 8 Guide to Using the Dictionary 9 Pronunciation Key 11 Entries A to Z 12 A 12 B 54 C 73 D 124 E 144 F 173 G 186 H 217 I 238 J 257 K 265 L 271 M 287 N 327 O 341 P 352 Q 392 R 396 S 426 T 491 U 506 V 515 W 527 X 534 Y 540 Z 541 Appendixes 544 Table 1 546 Table 2 547 Table 3 549 Table 4 550 Table 5 551 Table 6 552 Table 7 553 Table 8 554 Table 9 556 Table 10 557 Table 11 558 Web sites 559 Other Useful Sites 560 Bibliography 561 Reflects various aspects of astronomy together with associated terms in spectroscopy, photometry, and particle physics. This book contains topics that include: Avalanche, Dark energy, Early universe, Imaging, Orbital resonance, Rampart crater, Spitzer Space Telescope, and Thermal field theory.