The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Stars.

THE CAMBRIDGE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF STARS

JAMES B. KALER

This unusual and detailed encyclopedia reviews the widely known constellations and locates stars relative to Earth and the celestial sphere. Kaler, professor emeritus of astronomy at the University of Illinois, details the colors, spectra, and chemical composition of stars, the motion of the galaxy, and the forms of star groupings, including binary stars and clusters. He also explores variable stars such as Cepheids, red giants, and eruptive stars. He describes the formation of stars, their aging processes, and the composition of the interstellar medium, including clouds of dust that form nebulae. Finally, he devotes a chapter to the sun, the most important star in relation to Earth. Vivid photos and graphs help guide the reader along. Cambridge, 2006, 324 p., color images, hardcover, $60.00.