For one-semester courses in astronomy. Pearson eText offers an affordable, simple-to-use, mobile reading experience that lets instructors and students extend learning beyond class time. Students can study, highlight, and take notes in their Pearson eText on Android and iPhone mobile phones and tablets - even when they are offline. Educators can also add their own notes and highlights directly in the eTextbook so that students see what is important for their particular course. A practical introduction to Astronomy with an emphasis on critical thinking about our place in the universe Pearson eText for Essential Cosmic Perspective provides readers without science backgrounds with a streamlined, cutting-edge introduction to astronomy. Built on a strong tradition of effective pedagogy and coverage, the text focuses on skill-building and includes group work exercises that require active participation. Dedicated to bringing an understanding of the universe, its scientific basis and its relevance to our lives, each chapter is written to specific learning goals that build an ideal learning path for readers. Aiming to foster a lifelong learning experience, the authors focus on key concepts, providing big picture context, promoting conceptual understanding, and preferring plain language to jargon. The 8th Edition incorporates the latest scientific updates in the field of astronomy and includes new features that reinforce critical thinking and excite readers' curiosity. New features such as Extraordinary Claims engage readers by presenting extraordinary claims about the universe and how they were either supported or debunked as scientists collected more evidence, reinforcing the process of science and how scientists think critically to evaluate them. My Cosmic Perspective establishes a personal connection between readers and the cosmos as they learn to think critically about the meaning of what they learn in their astronomy studies and beyond. Designed and written for a one semester course, this text shares many of the strengths of its more comprehensive best-selling sibling, The Cosmic Perspective . Learn more about Pearson eText. NOTE: Pearson eText is a fully digital delivery of Pearson content. This ISBN is for the standalone Pearson eText access card. In addition to this access card, you will need a course invite link, provided by your instructor, to register for and use Pearson eText.