{"product_id":"observational-astronomy-geoff-cottrell-9780192849021","title":"Observational Astronomy: A Very Short Introduction","description":"\u003cem\u003eVery Short Introductions\u003c\/em\u003e: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eAlmost everything we know about the Universe has come from studying the messages carried by light from outer space. Until only a handful of decades ago, this meant observing optical photons in the narrow visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. However, recent technological developments have now enabled us to extend this range and explore the Universe at radio, infrared, ultraviolet, X-ray, and gamma-ray wavelengths. The observations reveal a plethora of exotic phenomena such as young galaxies at the edge of the visible Universe, quasars, pulsars, colliding galaxies, and exploding stars, often at great distances. We have discovered that the Universe is expanding and that the expansion itself is accelerating. Closer to our home planet, we track killer asteroids and comets. Working closely together, observational astronomy and astrophysics have shown us how stars produce their energy, where the chemical elements come from, how black holes form, and how the giant supermassive black holes lurking in the hearts of galaxies spew immensely powerful jets of particles and energy thousands of light years out into space. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eAnd we now have new ways beyond light to probe the mysteries of the Universe. This \u003cem\u003eVery Short Introduction\u003c\/em\u003e describes how neutrinos and gravitational waves are revolutionizing our knowledge. How do we know all this? Advances in telescope technologies offer a partial explanation, but technology alone is not enough. Unlocking the secrets of the Universe also involves the critical application of the laws of physics to the observations. Cottrell describes how we are turning observations into knowledge and how theory, in turn, is inspiring new observations. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eABOUT THE SERIES: The \u003cem\u003eVery Short Introductions\u003c\/em\u003e series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e Geoff Cottrell\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN-10:\u003c\/b\u003e 0192849026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN-13:\u003c\/b\u003e 9780192849021\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Oxford University Press, USA\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/b\u003e English\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 07\/27\/2023\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 176\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eFormat:\u003c\/b\u003e Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 0.30lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 6.30h x 4.30w x 0.30d","brand":"Geoff Cottrell","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":44074715513087,"sku":"9780192849021","price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0662\/2982\/9887\/files\/img_0f1d0de7-df9a-4eee-9c69-b14144f08965.jpg?v=1685455354","url":"https:\/\/www.whiterainbookhouse.com\/products\/observational-astronomy-geoff-cottrell-9780192849021","provider":"WR Book House","version":"1.0","type":"link"}