Book Description

A fascinating introduction to the recently discovered Comet Hale-Bopp that will soon burst onto the celestial scene. The comet will be one of the most-studied and perhaps brightest. It arrives on the heels of other recent comets in the "year of the comet". Hockey's book fills the long-standing demand for a guidebook that helps everyone gripped by "comet-fever" appreciate this spectacular event. It is written in a lucid style for a non-technical readership. Biographical details and first-person quotes from Alan Hale and Thomas Bopp, among others, humanize the science behind the comet and capture the "feel" of what could well-be the astronomical event of the decade. The book provides the reader with charts and tables to locate and observe the comet. Hockey tells the story of the comet's discovery, astronomer's reaction to it, and their preparation for its arrival. It also discusses other famous comets, including Comet Halley, Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 and Comet Hyakutake, and their significance. "This is a well-written account of everything you need to know to enjoy Comet Hale-Bopp. The level of writing is most appropriate for young teens, but their parents will pick it up and learn a great deal as well. I was particularly impressed with how well the author handles scientific concepts for this audience. They are deftly woven into the text, and should inspire young readers to see science as an exciting process, not a collection of factoids". Dr. Catharine Garmany, University of Colorado, Boulder, Chair, Education Advisory Board, American Astronomical Society "It is refreshing... to see this authoritative little book... The book is especially suitable for younger readers, observers, andamateur astronomers. The profuse photo illustrations include not only some of the better NASA and large-telescope images of comets, asteroids, and craters, but also shots of current science personalities, including the discoverers; Hale and Bopp. All in all, the book gives an easy introduction to why scientists and naturalists are excited about the approach of a new, major comet... Perhaps the most inspiring chapters for many readers will be the last two, which detail how and where to watch for the comet, the role of amateurs in comet studies, and how to understand and use small telescopes... I recommend it for younger readers and applaud the author... for introducing a whole new generation of readers to their own personal comet and hence to the wonders of the universe around us". Dr. William K. Hartmann, Planetary Science Institute, Tucson, Author of "Astronomy: the Cosmic Journey" and "Moons and Planets", co-author of "The Modern Theory for the Origin of the Moon", Mariner 9 space-probe imaging team co-investigator, Space Artist "Hockey has the first-time astronomical observer clearly in his sights...young astronomers will enjoy Hockey. "John Hughes, Sky and Telescope, February 1997 "This book correctly identifies itself as "a fascinating introduction to the recently-discovered Comet Hale-Bopp"...Author Thomas Hockey is a professional planetary scientist, and a professor at a university (Northern Iowa) noted for its emphasis on quality astronomy education. It is therefore not surprising that this book is clear and accurate... Hockey has a distinctive conversational style which is neither pedantic nor slick; his book reads like a story from cover to cover. It is neither a textbooknor an encyclopedia on comets". Prof. John R. Percy, Astronomer, University of Toronto, Chair, International Astronomical Union Commission: The Teaching of Astronomy "If you are interested in either finding Comet Hale-Bopp or learning about the mysterious lore of comets, then this is the book for you. Hockey is a real story-teller when he relates the discovery of Hale-Bopp; he shows how the roles played by both amateur and professional astronomy knit together. Hockey writes in a casual, easy-to-read style which makes concepts clear without resorting to math. I especially recommend this book for teachers and their students". Prof. Mary Kay Hemenway, Astronomer, University of Texas at Austin, Education Officer, American Astronomical Society "I find the book to be a rare gem in the popular science canon which, by my personal standards, covers a fascinating subject, is of relevance to the scientific community and well written". Bruce Gain, Editor, Earth Space Review "The interested public will find this book both entertaining and informative". Prof. Thomas E. Cravens, Astronomer, University of Kansas "A fascinating introduction to the recently-discovered Comet Hale-Bopp". America Online "The Comet Hale-Bopp Book is a nicely illustrated guide... It has been targeted at the novice and/or younger audience and meets this objective admirably. The text is written in a modern, easy to read style and is littered with analogies which help the reader relate to such things as astronomical distance scales and the like. Chapter three is typical of the books excellent non-technical narrative. The author manages to discuss gravity and orbital dynamics in just g pages, yet leaves the reader witha clear understanding of how and why comets orbit the Sun... This book is a lucid, well written text and is well suited to help the novice comet enthusiast discover the delights of comet watching". Vello Tabur, Comet Discoverer