Guide to Comets By Patrick Moore An informative and engaging account of the history, structure and origins of comets and their place in the solar system, written by the well-known astronomer. ISBN-13: 9780718823153 Specifications: 216x138mm, 112pp, Hardback with b&w illustrations Price: £15.99 • US$34.50 Publication: July 1977 Order this Title Now

About this Book

A highly informative account of those elusive visitors from space that have mystified man for many centuries. Past civilisations considered comets to be harbingers of disaster or omens of divine intent; military successes and failures were often attributed to the appearance of a comet over the battle field. And in 1456, Pope Calistus III was said to have excommunicated a comet (later charted by and named after Edmond Halley) as an agent of the devil!

Patrick Moore sets out by explaining the basic structure of a comet and its relation to the rest of the solar system, describing the effects that the planets - especially Jupiter - can have on comets' orbits. The author indicates that anyone with keen eyesight can become a comet hunter, and may be able to contribute information about position, orbit, brightness and periodicity.

The book also describes the famous comets of the past: Halley's comet, the first comet to be recognised as periodical; Biela's comet, which split in two and dissolved into a shower of shooting stars; and the recent crop of comets such as Bennett's, Arend-Roland, Ikeyi-Seki, West's, and the great comet disappointment of 1973-4 - Kohoutek.

The book is illustrated with explanatory diagrams and photographs, and includes tables of the known periodic comets and a glossary of terms. It will be invaluable for both the amateur astronomer and the casual viewer of the night sky.

About the Author

Patrick Moore, renowned in the field of astronomy, became a member of the British Astronomical Society and a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society as a boy and well remembers the problems that beset the amateur beginner. Since then, he has spent a great deal of time helping young people in the field. His positions have included Vice-President of the British Astronomical Association and Director of the Mercury and Venus section of the British Astronomical Association. Such significant contributions have earned him both an O.B.E. and a knighthood. His frequent lectures and radio and television broadcasts have gained him a large audience throughout much of the world and great respect as an expert and authority in this field.