COMETS- Nomad of the Solar System  (English, Hardcover, Srikumar M Menon)

Comets, the visitors from outer solar system occasionally put up spectacular shows in the night sky.? The world is currently gearing up for Comet ISON, which, if the ?guesstimates? of astronomers are proved right, is all set to become the ?Comet of the Century? in late 2013.? Some astronomers expect ISON to outshine the full moon in December 2013, following its closest approach to the Sun, with a tail rivalling that of the Great Comet of 1680! This book aims to address the interest in comets bound to be sparked by this celestial spectacle. It is an attempt to introduce the lay reader to the origin of comets, myths surrounding them, the historical anecdotes about comet discoveries and so on. It is replete with snippets about famous comets in the history of mankind, special cometary events and provides tips on how to observe the ?Great Comet of 2013? ? even if it does not live up to its billing! Divided into comprehensive sections, this book also deals with the importance of amateur observations in this age of professional telescopes and sophisticated instruments.