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Book

Observatories on Earth.

Call Number

  • J 522.1 OBSE (CEN)

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Edition

Revised edition.

Publication Information

Chicago, Illinois : World Book, 2017.

Physical Description

64 pages : illustrations (chiefly color), color maps ; 27 cm.

Summary

"An introduction to observatories on Earth with information about their history and use. Includes diagrams, fun facts, glossary, resource list, and index"--Provided by publisher.

Contents

  • How did ancient people use observatories?
  • Focus on: ancient observatories
  • Focus on: Chichén Itzá: architecture and the gods
  • How do modern observatories differ from ancient observatories?
  • Why are many observatories round with a dome?
  • Why are many observatories on mountains?
  • What kinds of telescopes are used in observatories?
  • How far out in space and back in time can telescopes see?
  • What do astronomers study using ground-based observatories?
  • What is an optical telescope?
  • Focus on: Keck Observatory: at the edge of the heavens
  • What are magnification and resolving power?
  • Who invented the first optical telescopes?
  • Focus on: new moons, new wonders
  • How does a refracting telescope work?
  • Focus on: the pursuit of light
  • Who invented the first reflecting telescope?
  • How does a reflecting telescope work?
  • How does a reflecting-refracting telescope work?
  • How do telescopes make images?
  • How do astronomers use computers to create astronomical images?
  • Why are there different types of telescope mirrors?
  • What is light pollution?
  • What have ground-based observatories taught us about the solar system?
  • What have ground-based observatories taught us about the larger universe?
  • Focus on: Kitt Peak Observatory: an astronomical oasis
  • What does the future hold for ground-based observatories?

Subjects