Review by Choice Review
Noted astronomer/author Moore has teamed with Rees to produce this new edition (1st ed., CH, May'01, 38-5013). It is a very readable summary of much of the current knowledge of the universe. Slightly over half of the book is a comprehensive and detailed survey of solar system topics, and this part is extremely well done. The remaining portion that deals with everything outside the solar system is rather uneven. Some topics are presented in reasonable detail, while others are discussed only briefly, if at all. Unfortunately, as might be expected in a book of this scope, a few errors and misleading statements have slipped in. On the decidedly very positive side, the book is filled with Moore's uniquely personal insights and anecdotes, and this makes it a real joy to read, whether for looking up some specific material or just some pleasurable "surfing." Readers at all levels are likely to find this a useful reference. Summing Up: Recommended. All academic, general, and professional audiences. R. R. Erickson Lycoming College
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Booklist Review
Data books are core sources for general library reference collections. Aimed at professional as well as novice astronomers, Patrick Moore's Data Book of Astronomy is a versatile reference source containing data from the sun, planets, satellites, comets, stars, nebulae, and constellations in our galaxy and beyond. Based on a title published by the Institute of Physics in 2000, this volume retains the basic plan of the earlier work, but the text has been largely rewritten using new data, and the tables have been enlarged and updated. The contents are accessible to the layperson. The topically arranged chapters begin with a lengthy overview of their subject. Interesting sidelights punctuate the text; for example, the reader learns that the distinctive illumination of Venus generates multiple claims of UFO sightings. The highlights of the volume are the hundreds of data tables and the comprehensive star catalog. Examples of tables include Solar eclipses, 2000-2020; Selected craters on the near side of the Moon; Satellites of Mars; and Selected list of Trojan asteroids. The 134-page star catalog comprises descriptive information as well as data such as right ascension, declination, apparent magnitude, absolute magnitude, distance in light years, spectrum, and name for stars down to the fourth magnitude. Constellation maps augment descriptions in the star catalog. A few black-and-white photographs and illustrations supplement the text. Appendixes include a chronology of the history of astronomy; a 16-page listing of astronomers, with summary biographical statements; and a 7-page glossary. The index offers subject access to the contents. Informed by current and authoritative data, this title merits high recommendation for academic, public, and special libraries.--Cannon, Nancy Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
Review by Booklist Review
