Cosmic Butterflies: The Colorful Mysteries of Planetary Nebulae

by Sun Kwok

At the end of a star's life, it wraps itself in a cocoon by spilling out gas and dust. Sometime later, a butterfly-like nebula emerges from the cocoon and develops into a planetary nebula. They are among the most beautiful of the celestial objects imaged by the Hubble Space Telescope. Their structures, like bubbles floating in the void, are complemented by a kaleidoscope of colour emitted by glowing gases. Delicate, lacelike, streamers of gas add...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0521791359
• ISBN13: 9780521791359
• Release Date: September 2001
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Length: 190 Pages
• Weight: 2.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 10.2" x 10.2"

Customer Reviews

Excellent

I was actually not that interested in astronomy, but when a student at the astronomy club mentioned her father was writing it, I promised her I would go out and buy it, and it was one of the best choices of my life. Whether you're a relative newcomer in the field of astronomy, or someone who has studied it for years, this book will teach you an enormous amount about something so rarely visited - planetary nebula. It is such a fascinating field, I'm surprised so few books have been written about it. Never matter though - Dr. Kwok's book is by far the most informative book on this subject written, and is more than adequate for anyone who wishes to learn all they can on this.It is beautifully illustrated, with over 100 spectacular colour illustrations, and masterfully written. If you've never picked up a book on astronomy before - fear not, it is both clear and easy to follow with the way it is written. I recommend this book to all those who are fascinated by our universe.

Planetary Nebula eye candy

If there is one book to give the amateur astronomer oohs and aahs and remain one of his/hers best books, then the jam packed images of planetary eye candy cannot be passed up! This book, written by Dr. Sun Kwok, of whom I had the unique pleasure of having speak at our astronomy club meeting, has created a great book, filled with eye popping imagery and informative text on the creation and formation of planetary nebula. The text includes chapter after chapter on the beginings of planetary nebula formation, through the AGB stage, into proto-planetary infancy and finally into mature planetary nebula. The result is a colorful display of the awesome fury, if not death throe end, to a star in the december years of its life.Dr. Kwok is both informative and a master in his field. His research is into the organic make-up of Planetary nebula. Could these deep sky wonders harbor within them the beginings of life, especially on earth, from the death of a star and its cataclysmic end? Read this book and find out.