Classifying the Cosmos: How We Can Make Sense of the Celestial Landscape

Description

Since the invention of the telescope 400 years ago, astronomers have rapidly discovered countless celestial objects. But how does one make sense of it all? Astronomer and former NASA Chief Historian Steven J. Dick brings order to this menagerie by defining 82 classes of astronomical objects, which he places in a beginner-friendly system known as "Astronomy’s Three Kingdoms.” Rather than concentrating on technicalities, this system focuses on the history of each object, the nature of its discovery, and our current knowledge about it. The ensuing book can therefore be read on at least two levels. On one level, it is an illustrated guide to various types of astronomical wonders. On another level, it is considerably more: the first comprehensive classification system to cover all celestial objects in a consistent manner. Accompanying each spread are spectacular historical and modern images. The result is a pedagogical tour-de-force, whereby readers can easily master astronomy’s three realms of planets, stars, and galaxies. Front Matter ....Pages i-l Front Matter ....Pages 1-5 The Protoplanetary Family (Steven J. Dick)....Pages 7-12 The Planet Family (Steven J. Dick)....Pages 13-35 The Circumplanetary Family (Steven J. Dick)....Pages 37-57 The Subplanetary Family (Steven J. Dick)....Pages 59-85 The Interplanetary Medium Family (Steven J. Dick)....Pages 87-101 The Planetary Systems Family (Steven J. Dick)....Pages 103-130 Front Matter ....Pages 131-135 The Protostellar Family (Steven J. Dick)....Pages 137-144 The Star Family (Steven J. Dick)....Pages 145-216 The Circumstellar Family (Steven J. Dick)....Pages 217-248 The Substellar Family (Steven J. Dick)....Pages 249-254 The Interstellar Medium Family (Steven J. Dick)....Pages 255-292 The Stellar Systems Family (Steven J. Dick)....Pages 293-318 Front Matter ....Pages 319-323 The Protogalactic Family (Steven J. Dick)....Pages 325-331 The Galaxy Family (Steven J. Dick)....Pages 333-370 The Circumgalactic Family (Steven J. Dick)....Pages 371-386 The Subgalactic Family (Steven J. Dick)....Pages 387-390 The Intergalactic Medium Family (Steven J. Dick)....Pages 391-411 The Galactic Systems Family (Steven J. Dick)....Pages 413-443 Back Matter ....Pages 445-458