Throughout the ages, comets, enigmatic and beautiful wandering objects that appear for weeks or months, have alternately fascinated and terrified humankind. The result of five years of careful research, Atlas of Great Comets is a generously illustrated reference on thirty of the greatest comets that have been witnessed and documented since the Middle Ages. Special attention is given to the cultural and scientific impact of each appearance, supported by a wealth of images, from woodcuts, engravings, historical paintings and artifacts, to a showcase of the best astronomical photos and images. Following the introduction, giving the broad historical context and a modern scientific interpretation, the Great Comets feature in chronological order. For each, there is a contemporary description of its appearance along with its scientific, cultural and historical significance. Whether you are an armchair astronomer or a seasoned comet-chaser, this spectacular reference deserves a place on your shelf.

Author: Ronald Stoyan
Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 02/16/2015
Pages: 224
Weight: 2.8lbs
Size: 12.60h x 9.60w x 0.70d
ISBN: 9781107093492


Review Citation(s):
Choice 10/01/2015

About the Author
Stoyan, Ronald: - Ronald Stoyan is Editor-in-Chief of Interstellarum and the proprietor of the independent German publisher Oculum-Verlag, which specialises in amateur astronomy books. He is the founding director of the German deep-sky organisation 'Fachgruppe Deep-Sky' and has authored or co-authored nine books on practical astronomy, including Atlas of the Messier Objects and The Cambridge Photographic Star Atlas.Dunlop, Storm: - Storm Dunlop is an experienced writer and lecturer on astronomy. He is author of Collins Night Sky (2011), a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, and a past president of the British Astronomical Association.