Seeds/Backman/Wegryn’s “Foundations of Astronomy,” 15th Edition, offers a comprehensive and visually rich exploration of two key questions: "What are we?" and "How do we know?" Students gain a deep understanding of their place in the universe, viewed as a natural outcome of galaxy, star and planet formation. The stars-first approach provides clarity for studying planets in our solar system, including Earth, within the context of the universe's history and evolution. The authors emphasize the relationship between evidence and hypothesis, offering insights and understanding of scientific processes. Mathematical concepts are integrated into the text, avoiding separate sidebars. End-of-chapter "Sense of Proportion" questions encourage grasping relative time and size scales. Updates include a new chapter on exoplanets and the latest online resources to help meet students' needs.
