From its beginnings, astronomy has attempted to explain not only what the universe is and how it works, but also its origins, evolution, and future. Richly illustrated, this book traces astronomical thought from Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece, through the European golden age of Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler and Newton, and up to the latest modern theories of cosmology.
From its beginnings, astronomy has attempted to explain not only what the universe is and how it works, but also its origins, evolution, and future. R...
The author, a well-known astronomer himself, describes the evolution of astronomical ideas, touching only lightly on most of the instrumental developments. Richly illustrated, the book starts with the astronomical ideas of the Egyptian and Mesopotamian philosophers, moves on to the Greek period and then on to the golden age of astronomy, that of Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler and Newton. Finally, Pecker concludes with modern theories of cosmology. Written with astronomy undergraduates in mind, this is a fascinating survey of astronomical thinking.
The author, a well-known astronomer himself, describes the evolution of astronomical ideas, touching only lightly on most of the instrumental developm...
