Abstract
As was to be expected of one who is himself above all a diligent observer, Dr. Steavenson has written a book in which the actual appearance of the heavens is given considerable prominence. The last few years have seen a number of books on popular astronomy, but the present volume has a great deal to recommend it, partly on account of this circumstance. One of the difficulties which beset the writer of popular expositions is the choice of a mental standard for his public; the author must make up his mind whether he is addressing an intelligent schoolboy, a casually interested adult, or an enthusiastic and painstaking reader. Dr. Steavenson starts off by explaining the seasons and the phases of the moon; but he goes right on to give an account of galactic rotation. The mathematics is suppressed, but the general line of the argument is sometimes given. Judging by the phases of the moon, which we usually see expounded in fairly elementary school-books, Dr. Steavenson has chosen for his public the intelligent schoolboy: and judging by the rotating galaxy—but why not the schoolboy too? There is a lot to be said for astrophysics as an academic exercise for the young, and it is a pity that it is not a school subject. Astrophysical work involves a peculiar mixture of mathematical and general reasoning, and would provide an excellent mental gymnastic. But this is a digression; Dr. Steavenson is out to interest more than to instruct, and in this we can have no doubt but that he has succeeded.
Suns and Worlds: an Introduction to Astronomy.
W. H.
Steavenson
By. (The How-and-Why Series.) Pp. 104 + 4 plates. (London: A. and C. Black, Ltd., 1933.) 2s. 6d. net.
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Suns and Worlds: an Introduction to Astronomy . Nature 133, 312 (1934). https://doi.org/10.1038/133312a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/133312a0