The Greatest Comets in History

The Greatest Comets in History

Author: David A.J. Seargent

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2008-12-16

Total Pages: 272

ISBN-13: 0387095136

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Naked-eye comets are far from uncommon. As a rough average, one appears every 18 months or thereabouts, and it is not very unusual to see more than two in a single year. The record so far seems to have been 2004, with a total of five comets visible without optical aid. But 2006, 1970, and 1911 were not far behind with a total of four apiece. Yet, the majority of these pass unnoticed by the general public. Most simply look like fuzzy stars with tails that are either faint or below the naked-eye threshold. The ‘classical’ comet – a bright star-like object with a long flowing tail – is a sight that graces our skies about once per decade, on average. These ‘great comets’ are surely among the most beautiful objects that we can see in the heavens, and it is no wonder that they created such fear in earlier times. Just what makes a comet ‘‘great’’ is not easy to define. It is neither just about brightness nor only a matter of size. Some comets can sport prodigiously long tails and yet not be regarded as great. Others can become very bright, but hardly anyone other than a handful of enthusiastic astronomers will ever see them. Much depends on their separation from the Sun, the intensity of the tail, and so forth.


Book Synopsis The Greatest Comets in History by : David A.J. Seargent

Download or read book The Greatest Comets in History written by David A.J. Seargent and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2008-12-16 with total page 272 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Naked-eye comets are far from uncommon. As a rough average, one appears every 18 months or thereabouts, and it is not very unusual to see more than two in a single year. The record so far seems to have been 2004, with a total of five comets visible without optical aid. But 2006, 1970, and 1911 were not far behind with a total of four apiece. Yet, the majority of these pass unnoticed by the general public. Most simply look like fuzzy stars with tails that are either faint or below the naked-eye threshold. The ‘classical’ comet – a bright star-like object with a long flowing tail – is a sight that graces our skies about once per decade, on average. These ‘great comets’ are surely among the most beautiful objects that we can see in the heavens, and it is no wonder that they created such fear in earlier times. Just what makes a comet ‘‘great’’ is not easy to define. It is neither just about brightness nor only a matter of size. Some comets can sport prodigiously long tails and yet not be regarded as great. Others can become very bright, but hardly anyone other than a handful of enthusiastic astronomers will ever see them. Much depends on their separation from the Sun, the intensity of the tail, and so forth.

Great Comets

Great Comets

Author: Robert Burnham

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2000-05-04

Total Pages: 246

ISBN-13: 9780521646000

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Spectacular and mysterious objects that come and go in the night sky, comets have dwelt in our popular culture for untold ages. As remnants from the formation of the Solar system, they are objects of key scientific research and space missions. As one of nature's most potent and dramatic dangers, they pose a threat to our safety--and yet they were the origin of our oceans and perhaps even life itself. This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of the biggest and most awe-inspiring of all comets: those that have earned the title "Great." Robert Burnham focuses on the Great comets Hyakutake in 1996 and Hale-Bopp in 1997, which gripped attention worldwide because, for many, they were the first comets ever seen. He places these two recent comets in the context of their predecessors from past ages, among them the famous Comet Halley. Great Comets explains the exciting new discoveries that have come from these magnificent objects and profiles the spaceprobes to comets due for launch in the next few years. The book even takes a peek behind Hollywood's science-fiction fantasies to assess the real risks humanity faces from potential impacts of both comets and asteroids. For everyone interested in astronomy, this exciting book reveals the secrets of the Great Comets and provides essential tools for keeping up to date with comet discoveries in the future. Robert Burnham has been an amateur astronomer since the mid-1950s. He has been a senior editor of Astronomy magazine (1986-88) and is the author of many books and CD-ROMS, including Comet Hale-Bopp: Find and Enjoy the Great Comet and Comet Explorer.


Book Synopsis Great Comets by : Robert Burnham

Download or read book Great Comets written by Robert Burnham and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2000-05-04 with total page 246 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Spectacular and mysterious objects that come and go in the night sky, comets have dwelt in our popular culture for untold ages. As remnants from the formation of the Solar system, they are objects of key scientific research and space missions. As one of nature's most potent and dramatic dangers, they pose a threat to our safety--and yet they were the origin of our oceans and perhaps even life itself. This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of the biggest and most awe-inspiring of all comets: those that have earned the title "Great." Robert Burnham focuses on the Great comets Hyakutake in 1996 and Hale-Bopp in 1997, which gripped attention worldwide because, for many, they were the first comets ever seen. He places these two recent comets in the context of their predecessors from past ages, among them the famous Comet Halley. Great Comets explains the exciting new discoveries that have come from these magnificent objects and profiles the spaceprobes to comets due for launch in the next few years. The book even takes a peek behind Hollywood's science-fiction fantasies to assess the real risks humanity faces from potential impacts of both comets and asteroids. For everyone interested in astronomy, this exciting book reveals the secrets of the Great Comets and provides essential tools for keeping up to date with comet discoveries in the future. Robert Burnham has been an amateur astronomer since the mid-1950s. He has been a senior editor of Astronomy magazine (1986-88) and is the author of many books and CD-ROMS, including Comet Hale-Bopp: Find and Enjoy the Great Comet and Comet Explorer.

Atlas of Great Comets

Atlas of Great Comets

Author: Ronald Stoyan

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2015-01-08

Total Pages: 225

ISBN-13: 110709349X

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A stunning reference on thirty of the greatest comets that have been witnessed and documented since the Middle Ages. Supported by a wealth of images, the broad historical context and modern scientific interpretation are explored for each Great Comet, providing an invaluable resource for all astronomy enthusiasts.


Book Synopsis Atlas of Great Comets by : Ronald Stoyan

Download or read book Atlas of Great Comets written by Ronald Stoyan and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2015-01-08 with total page 225 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A stunning reference on thirty of the greatest comets that have been witnessed and documented since the Middle Ages. Supported by a wealth of images, the broad historical context and modern scientific interpretation are explored for each Great Comet, providing an invaluable resource for all astronomy enthusiasts.

The great comet of 1858, its history and telescopic appearances

The great comet of 1858, its history and telescopic appearances

Author: Great comet

Publisher:

Published: 1858

Total Pages: 20

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis The great comet of 1858, its history and telescopic appearances by : Great comet

Download or read book The great comet of 1858, its history and telescopic appearances written by Great comet and published by . This book was released on 1858 with total page 20 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

The Great Comet of 1680

The Great Comet of 1680

Author: Howard Robinson

Publisher:

Published: 1916

Total Pages: 160

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis The Great Comet of 1680 by : Howard Robinson

Download or read book The Great Comet of 1680 written by Howard Robinson and published by . This book was released on 1916 with total page 160 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Visually Observing Comets

Visually Observing Comets

Author: David A. J. Seargent

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2017-03-15

Total Pages: 275

ISBN-13: 3319454358

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In these days of computers and CCD cameras, visual comet observers can still contribute scientifically useful data with the help of this handy reference for use in the field. Comets are one of the principal areas for productive pro-amateur collaboration in astronomy, but finding comets requires a different approach than the observing of more predictable targets. Principally directed toward amateur astronomers who prefer visual observing or who are interested in discovering a new comet or visually monitoring the behavior of known comets, it includes all the advice needed to thrive as a comet observer. After presenting a brief overview of the nature of comets and how we came to the modern understanding of comets, this book details the various types of observations that can usefully be carried out at the eyepiece of a telescope. Subjects range from how to search for new comets to visually estimating the brightness of comets and the length and orientation of tails, in addition to what to look for in comet heads and tails. Details are also given of 20 periodic comets, predicted to return between the years 2017 and 2027, that are expected to become suitable targets for visual observing, in addition to information on a famous comet potentially visible each year and subject to great outbursts of brightness.


Book Synopsis Visually Observing Comets by : David A. J. Seargent

Download or read book Visually Observing Comets written by David A. J. Seargent and published by Springer. This book was released on 2017-03-15 with total page 275 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In these days of computers and CCD cameras, visual comet observers can still contribute scientifically useful data with the help of this handy reference for use in the field. Comets are one of the principal areas for productive pro-amateur collaboration in astronomy, but finding comets requires a different approach than the observing of more predictable targets. Principally directed toward amateur astronomers who prefer visual observing or who are interested in discovering a new comet or visually monitoring the behavior of known comets, it includes all the advice needed to thrive as a comet observer. After presenting a brief overview of the nature of comets and how we came to the modern understanding of comets, this book details the various types of observations that can usefully be carried out at the eyepiece of a telescope. Subjects range from how to search for new comets to visually estimating the brightness of comets and the length and orientation of tails, in addition to what to look for in comet heads and tails. Details are also given of 20 periodic comets, predicted to return between the years 2017 and 2027, that are expected to become suitable targets for visual observing, in addition to information on a famous comet potentially visible each year and subject to great outbursts of brightness.

Comet Lore

Comet Lore

Author: Edwin Emerson

Publisher: Good Press

Published: 2022-01-17

Total Pages: 118

ISBN-13:

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This book describes not only Halley's comet itself but also looks at its historical significance and explains why people in ancient times associated it with danger and dreadful events to come. It has copious illustrations and was written in 1910.


Book Synopsis Comet Lore by : Edwin Emerson

Download or read book Comet Lore written by Edwin Emerson and published by Good Press. This book was released on 2022-01-17 with total page 118 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book describes not only Halley's comet itself but also looks at its historical significance and explains why people in ancient times associated it with danger and dreadful events to come. It has copious illustrations and was written in 1910.

Comets

Comets

Author: Donald K. Yeomans

Publisher:

Published: 1991-02-08

Total Pages: 506

ISBN-13:

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The diminutive size of cometary bodies is in no way proportional to their scientific importance. Theorists suggest that comets played a major role in the development of the Earth and subsequent collosions of comets may have wiped out various life forms, allowing only the most adaptable to develop further. In short, the study of comets is important from a historical perspective, scientifically compelling and, at the same time, entertaining. In this authoritative book, the development of cometary ideas is traced from antiquity through the actual fly-by of Halley by international spacecraft in 1986. The focus is on the cometary theories that were evident in each era. Included are many colorful anecdotes and information about culture and important personalities throughout history. Also contains an exhaustive catalog of all comet apparitions through the year 1700.


Book Synopsis Comets by : Donald K. Yeomans

Download or read book Comets written by Donald K. Yeomans and published by . This book was released on 1991-02-08 with total page 506 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The diminutive size of cometary bodies is in no way proportional to their scientific importance. Theorists suggest that comets played a major role in the development of the Earth and subsequent collosions of comets may have wiped out various life forms, allowing only the most adaptable to develop further. In short, the study of comets is important from a historical perspective, scientifically compelling and, at the same time, entertaining. In this authoritative book, the development of cometary ideas is traced from antiquity through the actual fly-by of Halley by international spacecraft in 1986. The focus is on the cometary theories that were evident in each era. Included are many colorful anecdotes and information about culture and important personalities throughout history. Also contains an exhaustive catalog of all comet apparitions through the year 1700.

An Essay Towards a History of the Principal Comets That Have Appeared Since the Year 1742

An Essay Towards a History of the Principal Comets That Have Appeared Since the Year 1742

Author:

Publisher: Forgotten Books

Published: 2018-03-08

Total Pages: 118

ISBN-13: 9780364141083

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Excerpt from An Essay Towards a History of the Principal Comets That Have Appeared Since the Year 1742: Including a Particular Detail of the Return of the Famous Comet of 1682 in 1759, According to the Calculation and Prediction of Dr. Halley; Compiled From the Observations of the Most Eminent Astronomers of This Century In t 743 he was received into the French aca demy. This was the firfl inflance of the fame per fon being a member of both the academies at Paris. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.


Book Synopsis An Essay Towards a History of the Principal Comets That Have Appeared Since the Year 1742 by :

Download or read book An Essay Towards a History of the Principal Comets That Have Appeared Since the Year 1742 written by and published by Forgotten Books. This book was released on 2018-03-08 with total page 118 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Excerpt from An Essay Towards a History of the Principal Comets That Have Appeared Since the Year 1742: Including a Particular Detail of the Return of the Famous Comet of 1682 in 1759, According to the Calculation and Prediction of Dr. Halley; Compiled From the Observations of the Most Eminent Astronomers of This Century In t 743 he was received into the French aca demy. This was the firfl inflance of the fame per fon being a member of both the academies at Paris. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

Atlas of Great Comets

Atlas of Great Comets

Author: Ronald Stoyan

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2015-01-08

Total Pages: 225

ISBN-13: 1316195724

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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.


Book Synopsis Atlas of Great Comets by : Ronald Stoyan

Download or read book Atlas of Great Comets written by Ronald Stoyan and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2015-01-08 with total page 225 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.