The Celestial Atlas: Gaia Space Observatory and the Quest for a 3D Map of our Galaxy

The Celestial Atlas: Gaia Space Observatory and the Quest for a 3D Map of our Galaxy
Author: Daniel Triana
Publisher: Daniel Triana
Total Pages: 54
Release: 2023-09-28
Genre: Science
ISBN:

Embark on an awe-inspiring cosmic journey with Gaia Space Observatory, Capturing a three-dimensional map of our Milky Way Galaxy. This captivating book unveils the remarkable achievements of the Gaia spacecraft, a cutting-edge space observatory that has revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos. In its quest to explore the mysteries of our vast universe, Gaia has meticulously mapped the Milky Way galaxy in stunning three-dimensional detail. From distant stars to celestial bodies hidden within interstellar dust clouds, this revolutionary observatory has captured it all, revealing the mesmerizing beauty and complexity of our cosmic neighborhood. Immerse yourself in the exquisite imagery and groundbreaking research presented within these pages as you witness Gaia's extraordinary mission unfold. Discover how this pioneering endeavor has not only provided us with unprecedented knowledge about our galactic home but also deepened our appreciation for the infinite wonders that lie beyond. Gaia Space Observatory is an inspiring testament to human curiosity and relentless pursuit of knowledge—a must-read for anyone.

The Evolution of The Milky Way

The Evolution of The Milky Way
Author: F. Matteucci
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 644
Release: 2000
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 9780792366799

This review of the most up-to-date observational and theoretical information concerning the chemical evolution of the Milky Way compares the abundances derived from field stars and clusters, giving information on the abundances and dynamics of gas.

The Cosmos

The Cosmos
Author: Jay M. Pasachoff
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 629
Release: 2014
Genre: Science
ISBN: 110768756X

An exciting introduction to astronomy, using recent discoveries and stunning photography to inspire non-science majors about the Universe and science.

The Origin of the Galaxy and Local Group

The Origin of the Galaxy and Local Group
Author: Joss Bland-Hawthorn
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 240
Release: 2014-02-11
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3642417205

This volume contains the updated and expanded lecture notes of the 37th Saas-Fee Advanced Course organised by the Swiss Society for Astrophysics and Astronomy. It offers the most comprehensive and up to date review of one of the hottest research topics in astrophysics - how our Milky Way galaxy formed. Joss Bland-Hawthorn & Ken Freeman lectured on Near Field Cosmology - The Origin of the Galaxy and the Local Group. Francesca Matteucci’s chapter is on Chemical evolution of the Milky Way and its Satellites. As designed by the SSAA, books in this series – and this one too – are targeted at graduate and PhD students and young researchers in astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology. Lecturers and researchers entering the field will also benefit from the book.

Pathways to Discovery in Astronomy and Astrophysics for the 2020s

Pathways to Discovery in Astronomy and Astrophysics for the 2020s
Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Publisher:
Total Pages: 615
Release: 2022-08-04
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9780309467346

The steering committee was specifically asked to (1) provide an overview of the current state of astronomy and astrophysics science, and technology research in support of that science, with connections to other scientific areas where appropriate; (2) identify the most compelling science challenges and frontiers in astronomy and astrophysics, which shall motivate the committee’s strategy for the future; (3) develop a comprehensive research strategy to advance the frontiers of astronomy and astrophysics for the period 2022-2032 that will include identifying, recommending, and ranking the highest-priority research activities; (4) utilize and recommend decision rules, where appropriate, that can accommodate significant but reasonable deviations in the projected budget or changes in urgency precipitated by new discoveries or unanticipated competitive activities; (5) assess the state of the profession, including workforce and demographic issues in the field, identify areas of concern and importance to the community, and where possible, provide specific, actionable, and practical recommendations to the agencies and community to address these areas. This report proposes a broad, integrated plan for space- and ground-based astronomy and astrophysics for the decade 2023-2032. It also lays the foundations for further advances in the following decade.

Understanding Gaia

Understanding Gaia
Author: Gabriella Bernardi
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 159
Release: 2019-03-16
Genre: Science
ISBN: 303011449X

This book is the first to provide a comprehensive, readily understandable report on the European Space Agency’s Gaia mission that will meet the needs of a general audience. It takes the reader on an exciting journey of discovery, explaining how such a scientific satellite is made, presenting the scientific results available from Gaia to date, and examining how the collected data will be used and their likely scientific consequences. The Gaia mission will provide a complete and high-precision map of the positions, distances, and motions of the stars in our galaxy. It will revolutionize our knowledge on the origin and evolution of the Milky Way, on the effects of mysterious dark matter, and on the birth and evolution of stars and extrasolar planets. The Gaia satellite was launched in December 2013 and has a foreseen operational lifetime of five to six years, culminating in a final stellar catalogue in the early 2020s. This book will appeal to all who have an interest in the mission and the profound impact that it will have on astronomy.

The Lost Constellations

The Lost Constellations
Author: John C. Barentine
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 506
Release: 2015-10-23
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3319227955

Casual stargazers are familiar with many classical figures and asterisms composed of bright stars (e.g., Orion and the Plough), but this book reveals not just the constellations of today but those of yesteryear. The history of the human identification of constellations among the stars is explored through the stories of some influential celestial cartographers whose works determined whether new inventions survived. The history of how the modern set of 88 constellations was defined by the professional astronomy community is recounted, explaining how the constellations described in the book became permanently “extinct.” Dr. Barentine addresses why some figures were tried and discarded, and also directs observers to how those figures can still be picked out on a clear night if one knows where to look. These lost constellations are described in great detail using historical references, enabling observers to rediscover them on their own surveys of the sky. Treatment of the obsolete constellations as extant features of the night sky adds a new dimension to stargazing that merges history with the accessibility and immediacy of the night sky.

Spacecraft Operations

Spacecraft Operations
Author: Florian Sellmaier
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 610
Release: 2022-06-14
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 3030885933

This book describes the basic concepts of spacecraft operations for both manned and unmanned missions. The first part of the book provides a brief overview of the space segment. The next four parts deal with the classic areas of space flight operations: mission operations, communications and infrastructure, the flight dynamics system, and the mission planning system. This is followed by a part describing the operational tasks of the various subsystems of a classical satellite in Earth orbit. The last part describes the special requirements of other mission types due to the presence of astronauts, the approach of a satellite to another target satellite, or leaving Earth orbit in interplanetary missions and landing on other planets and moons. The 2nd edition is published seven years after the first edition. It contains four new chapters on flight procedures, the human factors, ground station operation, and software and systems. In addition, several chapters have been extensively expanded. The entire book has been brought up to date and the language has been revised. This book is based on the “Spacecraft Operations Course” held at the German Space Operations Center. However, the target audience of this book is not only the participants of the course, but also students of technical and scientific courses, as well as technically interested people who want to gain a deeper understanding of spacecraft operations.

Atlas of the Universe

Atlas of the Universe
Author: Patrick Moore
Publisher:
Total Pages: 288
Release: 1998
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9780521642101

Put the Universe at your fingertips with this dramatic and comprehensive look at the sky. Richly illustrated with hundreds of recent photographs and images from ground-based telescopes, the Hubble Space Telescope, and interplanetary spacecraft, Atlas of the Universe is a definitive reference to the stars, the planets and their moons, and the universe. In addition to a beautiful and informative portrait of the cosmos, this book provides superb star charts with sound advice on practical observing. The book guides its reader through the universe in seven sections: exploring the universe, the solar system, the Sun, the stars, the universe, star maps, and practical astronomy. In addition to a beautiful and informative portrait of the cosmos, this book provides superb star charts with sound advice on practical observing. This is a highly suitable guide for amateurs with telescopes who want to explore the richness of astronomical knowledge and to learn the beauty of the night sky. Patrick Moore is one of the world's outstanding popularizers of astronomy and can count fifty years of experience presenting astronomy to general readers. His extensive body of work includes Exploring the Night Sky with Binoculars (Cambridge 1989 and 1996) and The Cambridge Guide to Stars and Planets (1997).

Exoplanet Science Strategy

Exoplanet Science Strategy
Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 187
Release: 2019-01-17
Genre: Science
ISBN: 030947941X

The past decade has delivered remarkable discoveries in the study of exoplanets. Hand-in-hand with these advances, a theoretical understanding of the myriad of processes that dictate the formation and evolution of planets has matured, spurred on by the avalanche of unexpected discoveries. Appreciation of the factors that make a planet hospitable to life has grown in sophistication, as has understanding of the context for biosignatures, the remotely detectable aspects of a planet's atmosphere or surface that reveal the presence of life. Exoplanet Science Strategy highlights strategic priorities for large, coordinated efforts that will support the scientific goals of the broad exoplanet science community. This report outlines a strategic plan that will answer lingering questions through a combination of large, ambitious community-supported efforts and support for diverse, creative, community-driven investigator research.