The Cosmic Perspective Author:Jeffrey Bennett, Nicholas Schneider, Mark Voit, Megan Donahue In this accessible, student-friendly text, astronomy is treated as a fundamental human endeavor rather than an enterprise reserved for professionals. The authors engage students' curiosity through cutting-edge material that focuses on the themes of human achievement, physics in the universe, continuity of matter, the dynamic systems that sustain... more » life, and astronomy and physics as foundations for our world view. Throughout, the emphasis is on important ideas, with relevant details, techniques, and formulas presented after concepts. A Time Out to Think feature, which encourages students to check their understanding as they read, is just one of many pedagogical aids that reinforce learning. Text discussions are complemented by a distinctive art program, with figures not seen before in astronomy texts. A rich Web site includes student and instructor resources and coverage of current events.« less