Astronomer's computer companion /

Within the last few years the Internet has become a Mecca of information for astronomy enthusiasts. One of the problems, however, is that there is so much that it is difficult to find one's way around. Planetary scientist Foust and writer LaFon offer an excellent guide, a gold mine of resources, covering everything from the planets and stars to cosmology. This reviewer liked particularly the material on neutron stars and black holes. Internet addresses are given on every page; overall, there are hundreds. For the uninitiated there are also brief but accurate descriptions of all astronomical phenomena. The accompanying CD-ROM offers astronomical software, images and animations, and a searchable version of the entire book. The latter part of the book contains numerous resources that would be helpful to all amateurs. All in all, an excellent introduction to astronomy, which one could easily spend hours previewing. It covers so much material it would also be useful to those already familiar with the basics. Overall, the best book on science and the Internet that this reviewer has seen. Strongly recommended. General readers; undergraduate and graduate students. B. R. Parker; formerly, Idaho State University

Foust, who holds a Ph.D. in planetary sciences and is editor of SpaceViews (www. spaceviews.com), and amateur astronomer LaFon cover all the basics, reviewing many online resources, web sites, and software for amateur astronomers. The CD-ROM contains animations, astronomical images, and shareware applications. This will appeal to readers from junior high up to senior citizens. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.