Our Wonderful Universe

Abstract

THIS work is written specially for young people and the subject is approached from the observational side: mathematics are completely absent from the text. The copious illustrations will prove very helpful to the tyro as will also some of the simple experiments which have been suggested, for example, the camera and flash–lamp apparatus, described in Chapter 1, to illustrate the rotation of the earth. Part 1 gives a brief outline of the general structure of the universe and Part 2 deals with the solar system, concluding with a short account of the origin of the sun and planets. Reference is merely made to the nebular hypothesis and the tidal theory; in the limited space the author finds it impossible to state any of the objections to either of these theories. In Part 3 the reader will find an excellent account of the stellar systems, proper motions, variable stars, double stars, star clusters, nebulae, etc. Detailed descriptions are impossible in dealing with such a vast programme in a single volume, but Prof. Chant has succeeded in condensing an enormous amount of useful information into the work, which will stimulate young readers to pursue the subject further in more advanced text–books. The value of the bookis enhanced by the illustrations and photographs—210 altogether—which greatly increase the interest in the various sections. Our Wonderful Universe An Easy Introduction to the Study of the Heavens. By Dr. Clarence Augustus Chant. New edition, revised and enlarged. Pp. 281. (London, Bombay and Sydney: George G. Harrap and Co., Ltd.; Toronto: The Ryerson Press, 1940.) 5s.