In a unique collaboration, Nature Publishing Group and Institute of Physics Publishing have published the most extensive and comprehensive reference work in astronomy and astrophysics. This unique resource covers the entire field of astronomy and astrophysics and this online version includes the full text of over 2,750 articles, plus sophisticated search and retrieval functionality and links to the primary literature. The Encyclopaedia's authority is assured by editorial and advisory boards drawn from the world's foremost astronomers and astrophysicists. This first class resource is an essential source of information for undergraduates, graduate students, researchers and seasoned professionals, as well as for committed amateurs, librarians and lay people wishing to consult the definitive astronomy and astrophysics reference work.

Online version: a comprehensive reference on astronomy and astrophysics with over 3,000 full text entries. Keyword searchable by index terms and contributors, this resource is updated quarterly and new material is added periodically.

Attractively priced astrophysical reference work contains (in alphabetical sequence) 41 essays by diverse experts, which collectively review the observational, theoretical and instrumental essentials of the field in its present state. Intended to serveprimarily the needs of advanced undergraduates, beginning graduate students and general scientific readers. Essential mathematical material is presented, and though the volume is illustrated it cannot (unlike some others) be considered a "picture book". Carefully written, cleanly edited and produced, serious in tone; a useful (and unusually engaging) contribution to the reference literature. (NW) Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com).

Featuring 403 authoritative articles by world experts, this landmark volume is the most detailed sourcebook on astronomy and astrophysics ever published. Comprehensive yet concise, this extensively illustrated work treats each subject in separate articles that cover basic theory, states of current research, and a forecast of future scientific investigation.

This comprehensive Encyclopedia covers the full history of astronomy from its ancient origins in Africa, South America, the Middle East and China to the latest developments in astrophysics and space-based research. The initial articles, which are largely organised chronologically, are followed by numerous thematic historical articles on the constituents of the solar system, types of stars, stellar evolution, active galaxies, cosmology and much more. These are followed by articles on tools and techniques, from the history of spectroscopy to adaptive optics. The last part of the Encyclopedia is devoted to the history of ground- and space-based telescopes and observatories, covering the full spectral range from gamma-rays through the optical waveband to radio waves. Informative and accessibly written, each article is followed by an extensive bibliography to facilitate further research, whilst consistent coverage from ancient times to the present makes this an ideal resource for scholars, students and amateur astronomers alike.

Presents a range of topics that illustrate the state of modern astronomy, and includes practical advice ranging from how to use binoculars to advanced imaging techniques.