| Description | Contents;
1. The contents of the universe: from elementary particles to clusters of galaxies.
2. The nature of space and time: Relativity Theory
3. Theories of the origin of the universe: Big Bang, Steaday State, Oscillating Universe. Observational evidence
4. Cold stars and hot stars: formation of the elements, stellar evolution, H-R diagram, clusters
5. Pulsars and other dense objects: white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes
6. Galaxies and quasars
7. The Sun
8. The Earth
9. The Moon
10. Mars and Venus
11. Other planets and asteroids. Meteorites and comets
12. Theories of the formation of the solar system
13. The question of extra-terrestrial life. Exobiology. Search for life outsied the solar system. Energetics of flights to other stars.
14. Instruments for space esploration and astronomy. Manned vs. Unmanned flight
15. Evolution of astronomical thought. Questions that remain to be answered.
Appendix A: Coordinate systems and night sky maps
Appendix B: Motion in gravitaional field
Appendix C: Useful numbers and tables |