Books about Descriptive from Amazon.com

In a stunning and completely new view of the solar system, an astronaut and a geologist team up to investigate, through parallel views made possible by cutting-edge space technology, how the earth itself can help science unravel the mysteries of the heavens.

Noted planetary geologist Ellen Stofan and veteran astronaut Tom Jones pair images of Earth—many captured by space shuttle and space station crewmembers—with astonishing scenes of alien surfaces beamed home by NASA’s far-ranging robotic probes. Vivid illustrations of searing lava plains, windswept deserts, and stark craters demonstrate how natural forces have shaped these varied landscapes. This comprehensive new portrait of the solar system brings to light an array of important features never seen until today—and it highlights, for the first time, the similarities and contrasts between Earth and its neighbors in space.

Anecdotal stories from space flights and exploratory missions make Planetology an absorbing read as well as an informative resource. The book’s unique concept draws intriguing comparisons across multiple physical processes, and its dynamic design offers a fresh approach to the study of space. With extensive media and science experience and contacts for both authors, Planetology is positioned for stellar success..
Price: $21.92 [Notify me when price goes down.]

In Seeing in the Dark, a poetic love letter to science and to the skies, Timothy Ferris invites us all to become stargazers He recounts his own experiences as an enthralled lifelong amateur astronomer and reports from around the globe -- from England and Italy to the Florida Keys and the Chilean Andes -- on the revolution that's putting millions in touch with the night sky. In addition, Ferris offers an authoritative and engaging report on what's out there to be seen -- what Saturn, the Ring nebula, the Silver Coin galaxy, and the Virgo supercluster really are and how to find them. The appendix includes star charts, observing lists, and a guide on how to get involved in astronomy.

Ferris takes us inside a major revolution sweeping astronomy, as lone amateur astronomers, in global networks linked by the Internet, make important discoveries that are the envy of the professionals. His ability to describe the wonders of the universe is simply magical, and his enthusiasm for his subject is irresistible..
Price: $4.85 [Notify me when price goes down.]

The largest ever (42 cm x 35 cm) fully illustrated guide to the universe from our home planet to the edge of space and time. Our view of the universe covers at least 130 billion trillion kilometers (80 billion trillion miles) in every direction around us. We know that the magnificent vault of stars emblazoning Earth's night skies are an infinitesimal fraction of the hundreds of billions that inhabit our galaxy, and we know there are at least as many galaxies in the universe as there are stars in the Milky Way. "Cosmos" makes sense of this dizzying celestial panorama by exploring it one step at a time and by illustrating the planets, moons, stars, nebulae, white dwarfs, black holes and other exotica that populate the heavens with over 450 of the most spectacular and up-to-date photographs and illustrations. We begin at home, with an orbital survey of planet Earth, before venturing deeper into the solar system via the Moon, Venus, Mercury, the Sun and Mars. Crossing the asteroid belt takes us into the outer solar system and the realm of the gas giants Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. Beyond Neptune's orbit we encounter a graveyard of icy debris left over from the solar system's formation that marks the outer limits of the Sun's sphere of influence. Emerging in interstellar space, we head for the heart of our galaxy as the rhythms of stellar life unfold before our eyes: we pass through dark clouds of dust and gas ablaze with clusters of newly smelted stars, we watch dying stars bloom and fade as planetary nebulae, or tear themselves apart as supernovae. Navigating through thick swarms of stars, we reach the galactic core, a gravitational maelstrom of exotic stars in the thrall of a supermassive black hole. Having crossed the Milky Way, we enter intergalactic space. Out here we watch the hidden lives of galaxies: we see them tear their companions apart or devour them whole, we see them flock and cluster, forming massive conglomerations that span millions of light years and warp space with their tremendous gravity. As we press ever deeper into the cosmos, so we travel further back in time. After covering an almost unimaginable 13.4 billion light years, we approach the edge of space and the dawn of time where our voyage must end, but not before we consider how our universe was born, and how it might die..
Price: $21.72 [Notify me when price goes down.]

If there were a canon for viewing the night sky, Charles Messier would be its author. The galaxies, star clusters, and nebulae cataloged by the famous comet hunter in the late 1700s are still the most widely observed celestial wonders in the heavens They are the favorite targets of amateur astronomers, with such rich variety and detail that they never cease to fascinate. This book provides new and experienced observers with a fresh perspective on the Messier objects. Stephen James O'Meara has prepared a visual feast for the observer. Using the finest optical telescopes available for amateur work, he describes and sketches the view from the telescope as never before. There are new drawings, improved finder charts, and new astronomical data on each object, including findings from the Hubble Space Telescope. Expand your universe and test your viewing acumen with this truly modern Messier Guide. It is a must for budding night watchers. Stephen James O'Meara is a contributing editor to Sky and Telescope..
Price: $33.50 [Notify me when price goes down.]

For sophomore courses on digital design in an Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science department

 

Digital Design, fourth edition is a modern update of the classic authoritative text on digital design.  This book teaches the basic concepts of digital design in a clear, accessible manner. The book presents the basic tools for the design of digital circuits and provides procedures suitable for a variety of digital applications.

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Price: $91.00 [Notify me when price goes down.]

BLAST OFF TO THE FINAL FRONTIER WITH 101 OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD PROJECTS YOU CAN EASILY BUILD YOURSELF!

The sky is not the limit! If you yearn to touch the stars, 101 Outer Space Projects for the Evil Genius has everything you need to explore the universe from the comfort of your own home. Whether you're a beginner stargazer or a more experienced astronomer, you'll find an outstanding project to satisfy you, from model rockets and celestial maps to space robots, GPS systems, and much, much more.

Full of easy-to-follow plans and clear schematics for each project, as well as lists of materials and tools so you know exactly what's involved before you begin, 101 Outer Space Projects for the Evil Genius

400 dazzling illustrations that let you build each of the 101 amazing how-to projects visually

First-hand experiences and case studies to help you make the most out of each project

Frustration-factor removal-needed parts are listed, along with sources

101 Outer Space Projects for the Evil Genius provides you with all the plans, instructions, parts lists, and sources you need to:

• Use GPS systems
• Experiment with model rockets
• Navigate your way through the universe using your computer
• Build your own telescope, radio telescope, and planetarium
• Read celestial maps of heavenly bodies
• Create a Mars rover to explore your home
• Design your own International Space Station

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Price: $2.61 [Notify me when price goes down.]

Verilog HDL is a language for digital design, just as C is a language for programming. This complete Verilog HDL reference progresses from the basic Verilog concepts to the most advanced concepts in digital design. Palnitkar covers the gamut of Verilog HDL fundamentals, such as gate, RTL, and behavioral modeling, all the way to advanced concepts, such as timing simulation, switch level modeling, PLI, and logic synthesis. Verilog HDL is a hardware description language (with a user community of more than 50,000 active designers) used to design and document electronic systems. This completely updated reference progresses from basic to advanced concepts in digital design, including timing simulation, switch level modeling, PLI, and logic synthesis..
Price: $54.99 [Notify me when price goes down.]