NOTE: This eBook includes color photos and color text. On black and white eReaders, these photos and text will appear as grayscale (so any text that is in color will appear dim on a black and white eReader). The photos are NASA space photos. (NASA did not participate in the writing or publication of this eBook.) This eBook provides a highly visual introduction to some basic astronomy concepts that everyone should know, like explaining the phases of the moon and earth-based evidence of the heliocentric model. For full contents, see below. There are 40 full-color slides all together. NOTE: This book specifically addresses the basic astronomy concepts listed below. (This is not a comprehensive introduction to all astronomy concepts.) The author, Chris McMullen, is a physics and astronomy instructor at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. He earned his Ph.D. in physics at Oklahoma State University in phenomenological high-energy physics (particle physics). His doctoral dissertation was on the collider phenomenology of superstring-inspired large extra dimensions, a field in which he has coauthored several papers. All rights are reserved by the author. However, educators may use this material in the classroom for the purpose of teaching astronomy concepts. Contents: (1) Understanding the lunar phases (2) Understanding solar and lunar eclipses (3) Understanding the seasons (4) Evidence that the earth is round (5) Ptolemy’s geocentric model (6) Aristarchus’/Copernicus’ heliocentric model (7) Understanding retrograde motion (8) Objections to the heliocentric model (9) Overcoming objections to the heliocentric model (10) Evidence for the heliocentric model
Author
Dr. Chris McMullen has over 20 years of experience teaching university physics in California, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana. Dr. McMullen is also an author of math and science books. Whether in the classroom or as a writer, Dr. McMullen loves sharing knowledge and the art of motivating and engaging students. Chris McMullen earned his Ph.D. in phenomenological high-energy physics (particle physics) from Oklahoma State University in 2002. Originally from California, Dr. McMullen earned his Master's degree from California State University, Northridge, where his thesis was in the field of electron spin resonance. Dr. McMullen is well-known for: • engaging students in challenging ideas through creativity • breaking difficult problems down into manageable steps • providing clear and convincing explanations to subtle issues • his mastery of physics and strong background in mathematics • helping students become more fluent in practical math skills As a physics teacher, Dr. McMullen observed that many students lack fluency in fundamental math skills. In an effort to help students of all ages and levels master basic math skills, he published a series of math workbooks on arithmetic, fractions, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus called the Improve Your Math Fluency Series. Dr. McMullen has also published a variety of science books, including introductions to basic astronomy and chemistry concepts in addition to physics workbooks. Dr. McMullen is very passionate about teaching. Many students and observers have been impressed with the transformation that occurs when he walks into the classroom, and the interactive engaged discussions that he leads during class time. Dr. McMullen is well-known for drawing monkeys and using them in his physics examples and problems, using his creativity to inspire students. A stressed-out student is likely to be told to throw some bananas at monkeys, smile, and think happy physics thoughts. Dr. McMullen first published The Visual Guide to Extra Dimensions, Volumes 1 and 2, to share his passion for the geometry and physics of the fourth dimension. Dr. McMullen has coauthored a half-dozen articles on current and future collider searches for large extra dimensions. In addition to writing and teaching, Dr. McMullen enjoys Scrabble, golf, and chess.
