Introduction to Astronomy and Cosmology

Preface.
 
Bibliography.
 
Chapter 1: Astronomy, an Observational Science.
 
1.1 Introduction.
 
1.2 Galileo Galilel's proof of the Copernican theory of the solar system.
 
1.3 The celestial sphere and stellar magnitudes.
 
1.4 The celestial coordinate system.
 
1.5 Precession.
 
1.6 Time.
 
1.7 A second major observational triumph: the laws of planetary motion.
 
1.8 Measuring the astronomical unit.
 
1.9 Isaac Newton and his Universal law of Gravity.
 
1.10 Experimental measurements of G, the Universal constant of gravitation.
 
1.11 Gravity today: Einstein's special and general theories of relativity.
 
1.12 Conclusion.
 
1.13 Questions.
 
Chapter 2: Our Solar System 1 - The Sun.
 
2.1 The formation of the solar system.
 
2.2 The Sun.
 
2.3 Nuclear fusion.
 
2.4 The solar neutrino problem.
 
2.5 The solar atmosphere: photosphere, chromosphere and corona.
 
2.6 The solar wind.
 
2.7 The sun's magnetic field and the sunspot cycle.
 
2.8 Prominences, flares and the interaction of the solar wind with the earth's atmosphere.
 
2.9 Solar eclipses.
 
2.10 Questions.
 
Chapter 3: Our Solar System 2 - The Planets.
 
3.1 What is a planet?
 
3.2 Planetary orbits.
 
3.3 Planetary properties.
 
3.4 Planetary atmospheres.
 
3.5 The planets of the solar systems.
 
3.6 Comets.
 
3.7 Questions.
 
Chapter 4: Extra-solar Planets.
 
4.1 The radial velocity (Doppler wobble) method of planetary detection.
 
4.2 Planetary transits.
 
4.3 Gravitational microlensing.
 
4.4 Astrometry.
 
4.5 Discovery space.
 
4.6 Selection effects and the likelihood of finding solar systems like ours.
 
4.7 Questions.
 
Chapter 5: Observing the Universe.
 
5.1 Thinking about optics in terms of waves

Ian Morison began his love of astronomy when, at the age of 12, he made a telescope out of lenses given to him by his optician. He went on to study Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy at Oxford and in 1970 was appointed to the staff of the University of Manchester where he now teaches astronomy, computing and electronics.

He is a past president of the Society for Popular Astronomy, one of the UK's largest astronomical societies. He remains on the society's council and holds the post of instrument advisor helping members with their choice and use of Telescopes.

He lectures wi9dely on astronomy, has co-authored books for amateur astronomers and writes regularly for the two UK astronomy magazines. He also writes a monthly sky guide for the Jodrell Bank Observatory's web site and produces an audio version as part of the Jodrell Bank Podcast. He has contributed to many television programmes and is a regular astronomy commentator on local and national radio. Another activity he greatly enjoys to take amateur astronomers on observing trips such as those to Lapland to see the Aurora Borealis and on expeditions to Turkey and China to observe total eclipses of the Sun.

In 2003 the Minor Planets Committee of the International Astronomical Union named asteroid 15,727 in his honour, citing his work with MERLIN, the world's largest linked array of radio telescopes, and that in searching for intelligent life beyond our Solar System in Project Phoenix. In 2007 he was appointed to the post of Gresham Professor of Astronomy. Dating from 1597, this is the oldest astronomy professorship in the world and was once held by Christopher Wren.

"The book is beautifully produced and illustrated, and notable for the care that has gone into the choice of appropriate and unusual illustrations. Recommended." (SSR, December 2009) "This is an up-to-date, well-written, first-year undergraduate textbook ... .Many people will enjoy reading it." (The Observatory Magazine, August 2009) "A very well thought-out book that lucidly covers a comprehensive range of topics in an attractive format ... .Bang up-to-date, and all cut up into convenient, self-contained sections that can be read in a dip-in, dip-out sort of way." (Astronomy Now, January 2009)

"The book is beautifully produced and illustrated, and notable for the care that has gone into the choice of appropriate and unusual illustrations. Recommended." ( SSR , December 2009) "This is an up to date, well written, first year undergraduate textbook ... .Many people will enjoy reading it." ( The Observatory Magazine , August 2009) "A very well thought out book that lucidly covers a comprehensive range of topics in an attractive format ... .Bang up to date, and all cut up into convenient, self contained sections that can be read in a dip in, dip out sort of way." ( Astronomy Now , January 2009)