KATHARUPI KHAGOLSHASTRA

Book Details

• Title: The Fascinating Stars (आकर्षक तारे)

• Publisher: Mehta Publishing House

• Edition: 4th

• Publishing Year: November 2005

• ISBN: 9788177666205

• Number of Pages: 128

• Language: Marathi

• Category: Science

• Binding: Paperback

About The Book

From ancient times, the glittering stars in the sky have captivated the human imagination. Over the years, through intense observation and scientific study, mankind has attempted to understand and name these celestial bodies, associating them with animals, objects, and more. "The Fascinating Stars" explores this vast, intriguing world of astronomy in a uniquely engaging way.

The book delves into various celestial phenomena, including different types of stars, variable stars, novae, supernovae, nebulae, and much more. It explains the concept of precession of Earth, an essential aspect of our planet’s movement and its effects on the stars we see today. It reveals how the Earth's axis wobbles due to gravitational forces from the Sun and Moon, shifting our pole star over the centuries.

For example, when the Egyptian pyramids were constructed, the star Thuban in the constellation Draco was the North Pole star. However, the future pole star will be Vega in the Lyra constellation, near Cygnus.

This book stands out by incorporating numerous references from Hindu mythology, offering a fresh perspective compared to other Western astronomy texts, which often focus on Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Arabic mythologies. The author explains various constellations and their names through rich mythological stories, adding cultural depth and meaning to the scientific exploration.

The conversational style of the book makes it accessible and engaging, perfect for both novice astronomy enthusiasts and those with a deeper interest in the subject.

Key Features:

• Explores astronomical phenomena like variable stars, novae, supernovae, and nebulae

• Explains Earth's precession and its impact on our pole star

• Provides a mythological perspective on constellations from Hindu and other ancient mythologies

• Engaging conversational style for easy understanding

• Offers an accessible introduction to astronomy for beginners

Ideal For:

• Astronomy enthusiasts looking for a mix of science and mythology

• Students studying basic astronomy and mythology

• Anyone curious about the stars and celestial bodies

• Readers who enjoy learning through storytelling