Comets / P. Andrew Karam.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Karam, P. Andrew, author.

Series:

Earth series (Reaktion Books (Firm))

Earth series

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Comets--Popular works.

Comets.

Comets--Religious aspects.

Comets in literature.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (200 pages) : illustrations.

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

London, UK : Reaktion Books, 2017.

Summary:

Radiating fire and ice, comets as a phenomenon seem part science, part myth. Two thousand years ago when a comet shot across the night sky, it convinced the Romans that Julius Caesar was a god. In 1066, Halley's Comet was interpreted as a foreshadowing of the death of Harold the Second in the Battle of Hastings. Even today the arrival of a comet often feels auspicious, confirming our hopes, fears, and sense of wonder in the universe.In Comets, P. Andrew Karam takes the reader on a far-ranging exploration of these most beautiful and dramatic objects in the skies, revealing how comets and humanity have been interwoven throughout history. He delves into the science of comets and how it has changed over time; the way comets have been depicted in art, religion, literature, and popular culture; and how comets have appeared in the heavens through the centuries. Comprehensive in scope and beautifully illustrated throughout, the book will appeal not only to the budding astronomer, but to anyone with an appreciation for these compelling and remarkable celestial bodies.

Contents:

Cover

Comets

Imprint Page

Contents

Introduction

1. The Science of Comets

2. Studying Comets through the Ages

3. Visualizing Comets

4. Comets and Religion

5. Comets in Literature and Popular Culture

6. History's Greatest Comets

7. Bringers of Life and of Doom

Conclusion

References

Select Bibliography

Acknowledgements

Photo Acknowledgements

Index.

Notes:

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

9781780238586

1780238584