Astronomy, space and time Books

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisThe Essential Pocket Guide.

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Book SynopsisExplore the Brightest Stars in the Night SkyExplore the 25 brightest stars in the night sky and discover their unique characteristics, life cycles, and star categories, offering readers an in-depth understanding of astronomy objects and the universe.Delve into the captivating world of stars. This star gazing book takes you on a cosmic journey, unveiling the secrets of the brightest star in the sky and the fascinating star systems that have intrigued humanity for millennia. Dive deep into the fascinating details of each star system, including their size, color, temperature, distance from Earth, and the presence of exoplanets. Explore the universe like never before. Thanks to advanced observational astronomy, we can look further and more clearly than ever before. You''ll discover unique and exceptional stars, from the largest star in the universe to variable stars that change brightness, and even a star composed of diamonds. From the majestic Sirius star system to distant constellations like Ursa Major, this book offers a detailed journey through these celestial wonders, making it an ideal astronomy gift or star gazing gift for kids.Inside, you’ll find: A deep dive into the characteristics of the 25 brightest stars in the night sky. Fundamental stargazing principles, teaching you how to identify constellations, locate celestial objects, and appreciate the night sky. Insights into the life cycle and classification of stars, alongside fascinating examples of unique stars, such as the largest star in the universe and a star composed of diamonds, capturing the diverse nature of star categories.                   If you liked Star Finder!, National Geographic Stargazer''s Atlas, or Space Explorers, you’ll love 25 Brightest Stars.

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Book SynopsisLook up...The Art of Stargazing is the ultimate insider's guide to the night sky in which award-winning space scientist and The Sky at Night presenter Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock shares her expertise and unique insights into the marvellous world of stars. Take a tour of the 88 constellations and explore the science, history, culture and romanticism behind these celestial bodies.In this must-have handbook for budding stargazers - and anyone looking for a little more wonder in their lives - Maggie will help you to identify stars and teach you the basics of naked-eye observation, offering fascinating facts plus advice on kit, 'dark sky' locations and much more. Also included are beautiful illustrations to accompany each constellation and an easy-to-read sky map. With Maggie by your side, the night sky will truly come alive.

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Book SynopsisOne of the world's leading astrobiologists takes us on an awe-inspiring journey across the cosmos to investigate some of humanity's most profound questions.

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Book Synopsis*Fully revised and updated for the 21st century*The #1 New York Times bestselling author of Astrophysics for People in a Hurry takes readers on an entertaining and edifying tour of the universe.In Neil deGrasse Tyson's delightful journey through the cosmos, his fictional character Merlin responds to popular questions asked by adults and children alike. Merlin, a timeless visitor from Planet Omniscia in the Andromeda Galaxy, has observed first-hand many of the major scientific events of Earth's history. Merlin's friends include the most important scientific figures and explorers of all time - da Vinci, Magellan, Newton, Einstein and Hubble. While Merlin occasionally recounts playful conversations with these luminaries, all questions are answered with authentic science, infused with wit, wisdom, and an occasional rhyme. With the help of intermittent humorous cartoons, Merlin clarifies the details of familiar phenomena like gravit

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Book SynopsisFrom bestselling author and British astronaut Tim Peake, an inspirational human history of space travel, from the Apollo missions to our future forays to Mars. The Right Stuff for a new generation.PERFECT GIFT FOR FATHER''S DAY''This book is brilliant - once in a blue moon. A book for the whole family.'' Chris Evans, Virgin Radio''The most wonderful book ... Tim Peake is a historian and encyclopaedia of space.' Rory Stewart''An extraordinary book. For anyone - even if you're not interested in Space. If you're interested in human stories and the human character - this is delightful.'' BBC Breakfast''A fascinating, detailed, playful book drawn from extensive research Peake met seven Apollo astronauts, Russian cosmonauts and various other space technicians as well as his considerable personal experience. Lifts the lid on what space is like: the dedication and sacrifice; the politics and pantomime; the practicaliti

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Book SynopsisNow expanded and in full color, and useful to 2060! This tremendous new edition of a classic book (previously published only in black-and-white) contains star charts and pictures, for all those who observe the night sky with unaided eyes, binoculars or telescopes. It is equally useful for beginners and experienced old hands at astronomy.

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Book SynopsisNothing seems more real than time passing. We experience life as a succession of moments. But just as some of us see God as eternal, so physicists understand the truths of mathematics and the laws of nature as constant, transcending time. These laws dictate how the future will evolve: there is no freedom, no uncertainty about the future at all. Yet, argues Lee Smolin, this denial of time is holding back both physics, and our understanding of the universe. We need a major revolution in scientific thought: one that embraces the reality of time and places it at the centre of our thinking. Time, he concludes, is not an illusion: indeed, it is the best clue that we have to fundamental reality. Time Reborn explains how the true nature of time impacts on us, our world, and our universe.Trade ReviewOne of the most original living theorists ... He challenges not only Einstein's relativity, but also the very notion of natural laws as immutable truths * Economist *Brilliant and persuasive -- Ray Monk * Guardian *Provocative and stimulating ... Smolin reconceives the universe -- Christopher Potter * Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisEvery atom of our bodies has been part of a star. Our very own star, the Sun, is crucial to the development and sustainability of life on Earth. This Very Short Introduction presents a modern, authoritative examination of how stars live, producing all the chemical elements beyond helium, and how they die, sometimes spectacularly, to end as remnants such as black holes.Andrew King shows how understanding the stars is key to understanding the galaxies they inhabit, and thus the history of our entire Universe, as well as the existence of planets like our own. King presents a fascinating exploration of the science of stars, from the mechanisms that allow stars to form and the processes that allow them to shine, as well as the results of their inevitable death. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expeTrade ReviewPart of the extensive Very Short Introduction series, this volume by Andrew King provides an engaging overview of the science of stars. This pocket-sized book is an enjoyable read. * Dawn E. Leslie, Contemporary Physics *Table of ContentsPREFACE; FURTHER READING

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Book SynopsisTime is relative, situation-dependent, location- and culturally-dependent, and very much subjective. Yet we treat it as if it were objective. We share standardized time, and we are dependent on it for almost everything we do. When it comes to waking up, business meetings, transportation, finding your way via GPS, seeing friends, watching a show, we are all dependent on a standardized notion of time and time measurement. The future gives us hope and deadlines drive innovation and productivity. Time drives us forward and we talk about time – all the time! The word “time” is the most used noun in English, followed by “year” in third place and “day” in fifth. We are obsessed with it, for a lot of very good and practical reasons. The book looks at time through different perspectives (ranging from physics, history, philosophy, anthropology to art, business & politics, biology and psychology). The author’s aim is to bring us closer to the nature and our experience of time by looking at it from different lenses to improve our understanding of what time is and what it is not – and to use that knowledge to improve how we organize ourselves around time. It’s by better understanding time’s nature and experience that we can keep the positive and productive elements of time and get rid of the unhealthy time practices in our lives.

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Book Synopsis''Packed full of stunning images, Unseen Universe takes you on an awe-inspiring journey seen through the eyes of the James Webb Space Telescope. A truly wonderful book that puts the universe into perspective. Beautiful and informative.'' - Tim Peake, astronaut and bestselling authorThis is the universe as you''ve never seen it before. From the towering dust cliffs of the Carina Nebula to Jupiter glowing like an iridescent disco ball in the sky, the stunning new images from the James Webb Space Telescope have captured the imagination of millions all over the world.These awe-inspiring pictures are also rapidly changing our understanding of our solar system and beyond. Webb is the most powerful and complex space telescope ever built, capturing a glimpse of deep space billions of years in the past.In this landmark book, Dr Caroline Harper and contributing eminent astrophysicists from across the globe explain the science behind these astonishi

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Book SynopsisTake a step back, slow down and see the big picture in this warm, witty and beautifully illustrated book for children and adults celebrating our precious time on Earth.

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Book Synopsis‘A highly readable, entertaining and mind-expanding read from a formidable scientist’ iNews ‘A highly informative survey of the current state of astrobiology’ Literary ReviewOver the last few decades, space exploration has revolutionised our understanding of our place in the cosmos. We now know that there are many habitable environments within our solar system. Yet a profound question remains: are we alone in the universe? Nathalie A. Cabrol, leading astrobiologist and director of the Carl Sagan Center at the SETI Institute, takes us to the frontiers of the search for life. This book’s odyssey begins by searching for how life began on Earth in order to understand what’s necessary for life to exist elsewhere. What role did our moon play? And could life on Mars, or another world, have seeded life on Earth? Cabrol continues this dazzling interplanetary tour, illuminati

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Book Synopsis'A gripping exploration of one of the most fundamental, but also perplexing aspects of existence.' PROF. LEWIS DARTNELL, author of Origins'Such an enjoyable read...full of delightful nuggets that you will want to impress your friends and family with.' PROF. JIM AL-KHALILI, NYT bestselling author of The World According to Physics'This is a lovely, fascinating book. It blends history, geology, chemistry, philosophy and, of course, physics in a way that's delightful to read.' - ABIGAIL BEALL, author of The Art of Urban Astronomy--------Discover the secrets of one of the biggest puzzles in our history - Time. As a subject, it has perplexed and fascinated generations of scientists, historians and more, and continues to spark the most intriguing questions being asked in science today. Can time be stopped? Is time travel possible? Does time even exist...? In these ten bite-sized essays, Colin Stuart delves into these big questions and uncovers the most awe-inspiring and revealing things we should all know about time. Perfect for readers of Carlo Rovelli and anyone fascinated by space and the universe, this is a must-read for those short on time, but not curiosity.Trade ReviewA gripping exploration of one of the most fundamental, but also perplexing aspects of existence. * Professor Lewis Dartnell, author of Origins *This little book was full of delightful nuggets about the nature of time that you will want to impress your friends and family with...such an enjoyable read, I got through it in one sitting. * Professor Jim Al-Khalili, NYT bestselling author of 'The World According to Physics' *This is a lovely, fascinating book. It blends history, geology, chemistry, philosophy and, of course, physics in a way that's delightful to read * Abigail Beall, author of 'The Art of Urban Astronomy' *

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Book SynopsisA gripping account of the city-killer asteroids that could threaten Earth and the race to build a planetary defense system

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThis guide to star spotting is ideal if you want to know how to identify what you see in the sky. * The Week Junior *Table of Contents 1: Foreword 2: The Night Sky 1: Constellations 2: The celestial sphere 3: Star movement 4: Stargazing tips 3: Route 1: The Plough to Leo 1: The Plough 2: Ursa Major 3: Cigar Galaxy 4: Polaris 5: Ursa Minor 6: Boötes 7: Canes Venatici 8: Whirlpool Galaxy 9: Corona Borealis 10: Leo 11: Review route one 12: Find the constellations 4: Route 2: Orion to the Pleiades 1: Orion 2: Orion Nebula 3: Canis Major 4: Canis Minor 5: Winter Triangle 6: Gemini 7: Taurus 8: Crab Nebula 9: The Pleiades 10: Review route two 11: Find the constellations 5: Route 3: Cassiopeia to Aries 1: Cassiopeia 2: Cepheus 3: Perseus 4: Andromeda 5: Andromeda Galaxy 6: Pegasus 7: Stephan’s Quintet 8: Aries 9: Review route three 10: Find the constellations 6: Route 4: Cygnus to Serpens Caput 1: Cygnus 2: Lyra 3: Ring Nebula 4: Aquila 5: Summer Triangle 6: Ophiuchus 7: Serpens Cauda 8: Serpens Caput 9: Messier 5 10: Review route four 11: Find the constellations 7: Among the Stars 1: The Moon 2: The Milky Way 3: Planet spotting 4: Shooting stars 8: Glossary 9: Index 10: Acknowledgments

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Book SynopsisMatthew Shindell is a historian of science whose work focuses on the history of the Earth and planetary sciences, in particular on the development of these fields during the Cold War. He is the curator of Planetary Science at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and co-hosts the Museum's podcast, AirSpace. Shindell received a PhD in History of Science from the University of California, San Diego, and has taught at the University of Southern California and Harvard University. In addition to writing poetry, he is the author of The Life and Science of Harold C. Urey, co-author of Spaceships and Discerning Experts: The Practices of Scientific Assessment for Environmental Policy and co-editor of Smithsonian American Women. His latest book, For the Love of Mars, was published May 2023.

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Book SynopsisThe awe-inspiring history of humanity told through our relationship with stars and the night sky.'Excellent . . . This books makes you rethink the traditional story of the history of astronomy . . . Effortlessly readable.' BBC Sky at Night'Stuart Clark's picture of the yawning gaps in our understanding of the cosmos is fuller than most.'NatureFrom the Stone Age to the Space Age, Stuart Clark explores a fascination shared across the world, one that has unequivocally shaped us as civilisations and as individuals, housing our hopes and fears. In the stars, we can see our past - and ultimately, our fate.

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Book SynopsisJohn A. Read fell in love with astronomy after viewing Saturn in a small telescope. In 2016, he became a full-time author, vlogger, student, and dad. In 2020, he was the recipient of the Simon Newcomb Award for science communication from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. He is the host of the YouTube channel Learn to Stargaze, and is earning his masters degree in space systems engineering at Johns Hopkins University.

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Book SynopsisThe tide is the greatest synchronised movement of matter on our planet. Every drop of seawater takes part in tidal motion, driven by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun. At the coast, we see the tide as a twice-daily rise and fall of sea level that moves the edge of the sea up and down a beach or cliff-face. In some places, the tide is small but at others it can rise in a few hours by the height of a three storey building; it then has to be treated with great respect by those who live and work by the sea. In this Very Short Introduction David George Bowers and Emyr Martyn Roberts explore what we know about the tides. Blending clear explanations of well known tidal phenomena with recent insights in the deep ocean and coastal seas, Bowers and Roberts use examples from around the world, to tell the story of the tide, considering its nature and causes, its observation and prediction, and unusual tides and their relevance. They explore why tides have attracted the attention of some of the world''s greatest scientists, from the initial challenge of explaining why there are two tides a day when the moon and sun pass overhead just once; a problem that was solved by Isaac Newton. In the 19th century, scientists unravelled the rhythms of the tide; good tidal predictions in the form of tide tables were then possible. The predictions were made on beautiful tide predicting machines constructed of brass and mahogany, some of which can still be seen in maritime museums. In the 20th century, the importance of tides as mixers of sea water became evident. As Bowers and Roberts explore, tidal mixing of the ocean is essential for maintaining its deep circulation, a key part of the climate-control system of our planet. In inshore waters, tidal mixing enhances biological productivity, influences sea temperature and turbidity and creates dramatic features such as maelstroms and tidal bores. In the 21st century, space probes are examining the effects of tidal processes on the moons of Jupiter and Saturn and the possibility of tidally-heated liquid oceans with their own ecosystems. Looking to the cutting edge of tidal research, Bowers and Roberts also consider how we can study the role of the tide in the geological and biological evolution of our own planet with innovative computer models. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Trade ReviewThis is an interesting and well written book that provides an invaluable introduction to all things tidal ... This is most certainly a book I would recommend to any oceanography students, or indeed physical geography students keen to get an understanding of tides and their importance in marine, coastal and estuarine environments. * Robert A. Francis, Progress in Physical Geography *Table of Contents1: Watching the tide 2: Making tides 3: Measurement and prediciton 4: The tide in shelf seas 5: Tidal bores 6: Tides and the Earth 7: Tidal mixing 8: New frontiers Further Reading index

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Book SynopsisWhat is time? What does it mean for time to pass? Is it possible to travel in time? What is the difference between the past and future? Until the work of Newton, these questions were purely topics of philosophical speculation. Since then we''ve learned a great deal about time, and its study has moved from a subject of philosophical reflection to instead became part of the subject matter of physics. This Very Short Introduction introduces readers to the current physical understanding of the direction of time, from the Second Law of Thermodynamics to the emergence of complexity and life. Jenann Ismael charts the line of development in physical theory from Newton, via Einstein''s Theory of Relativity, to the current day. Einstein''s innovations led to a vision of time very different from the familiar time of everyday sense. In this new vision, time is one of the dimensions in which the universe is extended alongside the spatial dimensions. The universe appears as a static block of events, in which there is no more a difference between past and future than there is between east and west. Discussing the controversy and philosophical confusion which surrounded the reception of this new vision, Ismael also covers the contemporary mixture of statistical mechanics, cognitive science, and phenomenology that point the way to reconciling the familiar time of everyday sense with the vision of time presented in Einstein''s theories. Very Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Table of ContentsIntroduction 1: History up through Newton 2: From space and time to space-time: the era of Einstein 3: Philosophical implications of the relativistic conception of time 4: The direction of time 5: The time of human experience 6: The big picture and new horizons Further Reading Index

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Book SynopsisLearn about the phases of the moon with this sparkly interactive tie-back book with a surprise glow-in-the-dark ending!Trade ReviewIt is rare to find a book which is so stunningly aesthetic as well as powerful in its bold and clear presentation of content. Phases of the Moon is a feast for the eyes, touch and heart. Shade 7 has managed to produce a book as timeless and beautiful as the celestial beauty of the moon itself, we will cherish our copy for many moons inshaAllah. I really think the book will have a profound effect on my children understanding the significance of the moon in islam and learning it's phases.

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Book SynopsisWho's Who in the Moon is aimed not only at the beginner or near-beginner, but also at the backyard astronomer who is perhaps experienced in other areas of observation but who has decided to spend more time considering the Moon as an alternative target. The book provides a visual introduction to our closest celestial neighbour, opening with an introductory section which details not only the history of lunar mapping and naming of lunar formations, but also provides useful information on observing the lunar surface and what observers can realistically expect to see when they look at the Moon with the naked eye, binoculars or a small/medium telescope. The introductory section is followed by a lengthy series of images, including not only wide field panoramic views, but also a large number of more detailed images showing close-up views of different areas of the Moon and featuring individual craters, mountains, valleys and much more. Many of the individual features shown on these images are identified by name and are accompanied by biographical sketches relating to the men and women after whom they are named. This is a non-technical, up-close-and-personal visual look at the Earth's only natural satellite and many of the individual features scattered across its surface. Rather than offering itself as a full and exhaustive guide to the lunar surface, A Guide to the Moon is more of a vade mecum which enables and (hopefully) encourages the reader to become more acquainted with the lunar landscape on a personal level, with a view to learning more about the astronomers and other scientists whose names are immortalised by having lunar features named after them. Who's Who in the Moon was inspired by, and is a tribute to, a Memoir published by the British Astronomical Association (BAA) in 1938 entitled Who's Who in the Moon written by Mary Evershed, the first Director of the BAA Historical Section. The biographical notes in A Guide to the Moon include examples of those penned by Mary Evershed in her original publication.

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Book SynopsisThe definitive story of the making of 2001: A Space Odyssey, acclaimed today as one of the greatest films ever made, and of director Stanley Kubrick and writer Arthur C. Clarke—“a tremendous explication of a tremendous film….Breathtaking” (The Washington Post).Fifty years ago a strikingly original film had its premiere. Still acclaimed as one of the most remarkable and important motion pictures ever made, 2001: A Space Odyssey depicted the first contacts between humanity and extraterrestrial intelligence. The movie was the product of a singular collaboration between Stanley Kubrick and science fiction visionary Arthur C. Clarke. Fresh off the success of his cold war satire Dr. Strangelove, Kubrick wanted to make the first truly first-rate science fiction film. Drawing from Clarke’s ideas and with one of the author’s short stories as the initial inspiration, their bold vision benefited from pioTrade Review“At last! The dense, intense, detailed, and authoritative saga of the making of the greatest motion picture I’ve ever seen, 2001: A Space Odyssey. I now have reason to see Kubrick’s ‘proverbial “really good” science fiction movie’ another 200 times. Michael Benson has done the Cosmos a great service.” -- Tom Hanks"Over the years, so much has been written about 2001 and its creation that I thought we knew all that there was to know. And then, I received a copy of Michael Benson’s lively, exciting and exhaustively researched book, which further expands our understanding of what is truly one of the greatest films ever made." -- Martin Scorsese“Michael Benson’s Space Odyssey: Stanley Kubrick, Arthur C. Clarke and the Making of a Masterpiece is a masterpiece about a masterpiece—a passionately written, impeccably researched book about a great director’s pushing himself, his cast and crew beyond safety or sanity in a relentless quest for a non-verbal vision of the transcendent future of both space and film itself.” -- Scott Eyman, author of John Wayne: The Life and Legend and Hank and Jim: The Fifty-Year Friendship of Henry Fonda and James Stewart“Despite the attention Benson lavishes on the humans—Kubrick and Clarke—HAL-9000 would have been proud of this smart, fluent, and meticulously researched account of the making of a sci-fi classic.” -- Peter Biskind, author of Easy Riders, Raging Bulls: How the Sex, Drugs, and Rock 'n' Roll Generation Saved Hollywood“A fascinating, detail-rich account of the long slog to make the science-fiction masterpiece 2001: A Space Odyssey. . . . [An] endlessly interesting narrative. Essential for students of film history, to say nothing of Kubrick's most successful movie.” * Kirkus Reviews (starred review) *“If Kubrick’s masterpiece was a remarkable voyage into the future, Michael Benson’s book is a delightful voyage back in time. For those of us inspired by the film, this book provides a delicious peek into landmark collaboration of two creative geniuses and the lasting gift they provided for all of us.” -- Lawrence M. Krauss, Foundation Professor in the School of Earth and Space Exploration, Director of the Origins Project at Arizona State University, and author of The Physics of Star Trek, A Universe from Nothing, and The Greatest Story Ever Told.. So Far“A new and remarkably comprehensive look at the complex relationship between the two men whose collaboration led to one of the greatest films of all time. . . . This story about the making of 2001 is as compelling and eye-opening as the film itself.” * Booklist (starred review) *"[An] engrossing, immersive examination of the long path to Stanley Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke's masterpiece. . . . The pair's fraught but hugely successful relationship forms the backdrop of this astonishing tale of obsessive genius at work." -- Ben Dickinson * The New York Times Book Review *

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Book SynopsisExplore the star-studded cosmos with this fully updated, user-friendly skywatcher's guide, filled with charts, graphics, photographs, and expert tips for viewing -- and understanding -- the wonders of space. Stargazing's too much fun to leave to astronomers. In these inviting pages, 'Night Sky Guy' Andrew Fazekas takes an expert but easygoing approach that will delight would-be astronomers of all levels. Essential information, organized logically, brings the solar system, stars, and planets to life in your own backyard. Start with the easiest constellations and then 'star-hop' across the night sky to find others nearby. Learn about the dark side of the moon, how to pick Mars out of a planetary lineup, and which kinds of stars twinkle in your favorite constellations. Hands-on tips and techniques for observing with the naked eye, binoculars, or a telescope help make the most out of sightings and astronomical phenomena such as eclipses and meteor showers. Photographs aTrade Review“This guide is beautifully illustrated. It’s a nice size to throw in a purse or bag for taking to your local observatory or up into the treehouse…There’s even a section on stargazing with your children.” –Just a Secular Homeschooler “Chock full of photographs, graphics, tips, and information - this book is THE book to read if you want to learn about watching the night sky and what's in it. You can find out about what telescope to use and the various star patterns that make up the constellations. Its so interesting, you can't help but get lost in the pages of this book - learning so much about the beautiful night sky that mesmerizes us. I found myself completely engaged in this book - it was so much fun to read. I loved it!” –A Bookish Way of Life “I have to get this book, star gazing is one of my favorite summertime activities.” –Instagram: createexploreread “If you have any interest at all in ordering the stars when you look up this book will be a perfect start.” –Broken Teepee “It is a great educational tool, beautifully illustrated, and jam packed with information on anything you could see up in the night sky…The book itself is the perfect size to throw in a bag, or even keep in the car if you are going on a road trip or somewhere to stare up at the sky.” –Diary of a Stay at Home Mom “The book is an easy read, and very interesting. It’s not just about star constellations, but about many heavenly bodies (like asteroids). After reading the book, it’s easier to know what to look for in the night sky – even for an amateur.” –Man of La Book “If you are even just casually thinking about stargazing this summer, this guide is a MUST HAVE. We (my husband and I) know just enough to seem like experts to our children – though it could now be argued that my older son knows more astronomy facts than I do. But now I have this book.” –Sarah Reads Too Much

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Book SynopsisNew to Penguin Classics, the astonishing story of the Copernican Revolution, told through the words of the ground-breaking scientists who brought it aboutIn the late fifteenth century, it was believed that the earth stood motionless at the centre of a small, ordered cosmos. Just over two centuries later, everything had changed. Not only was the sun the centre of creation, but the entire practice of science had been revolutionised. This is the story of that astonishing transformation, told through the words of the astronomers and mathematicians at its heart. Bringing together excerpts from the works and letters of Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler, Descartes, Newton and others for the first time, The Dawn of Modern Cosmology is the definitive record of one of the great turning points in human history.Edited with Translations, Notes and an Introduction by Aviva Rothman

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Book SynopsisTake a trip to outer space with this weird and wonderful guide to our universe, the perfect gift for both young and old Vargic''s beautifully innovative designs will help to explain all of the bizarre and fascinating aspects of the cosmos; from the history of the universe to what makes up our solar system and even how human life fits into the wider picture. Be taken on an unforgettable journey through space with chapters on . . . Exploring the Cosmos The Night Sky Maps of the Inner Solar System Timeline of the Universe Cosmologies throughout History Journey Into Outer Space Scale of the UniverseThis is a book that celebrates the scale and spectacle of the universe on every page, and one which you''ll treasure forever._______ ''5***** In more than one hundred pages filled with facts and illustrations he takes the reader on a journey through the history of the cosmos'' BBC Sky at Night ''Packs in so much of our astronomical knowledge, so many tidbits about the history of astronomy and space exploration that I felt wonderfully enriched by it all. It is visually striking and beautifully illustrated'' Dr. Alfredo CarpinetiTrade Review5 ***** In more than one hundred pages filled with facts and illustrations he takes the reader on a journey through the history of the cosmos * BBC Sky at Night *Packs in so much of our astronomical knowledge, so many tidbits about the history of astronomy and space exploration that I felt wonderfully enriched by it all. The book managed to surprise me in so many different ways. It is visually striking and beautifully illustrated * Dr. Alfredo Carpineti, writer for @IFLScience *Praise for Vargic's Miscellany of Curious Maps * - *Beautiful * Independent *It's a cliché to say an artist can change the way you look at the world - but Martin Vargic truly has. * www.nypost.com *This is a must read * www.visualnews.com *Bitingly satirical * www.slate.com *A phenomenal collection * www.independent.co.uk *Amazing * Daily Mail *Gorgeous * www.pastemagazine.com *Martin Vargic's maps of the world look like they belong on parchment, hung on walls of estates that no one can really afford . . . but there's more to the world than piles of dirt and great swathes of sea water . . . his cartography creates an indirect commentary on how cultural proximities are every bit as relevant in the digital age as geographical ones. * www.bostonglobe.com *Weird and wonderful * www.mirror.co.uk *

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisAn in-depth work of reportage that dares to ask what's at stake in privatising outer space.

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Book SynopsisExplains how the Earth and the Moon are locked together in a co-dependent embrace, each affecting the other in ways that impact our lives. The reader will learn in comprehensible, jargon-free language about the Moon we see, its orbit, its creation and the differing geologic details of the Moon, some of which can be seen with the naked eye.

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Book SynopsisWhat is time? The Janus Point offers a ground-breaking solution to one of the greatest mysteries in physics.For over a century, the greatest minds have sought to understand why time seems to flow in one direction, ever forward. In The Janus Point, Julian Barbour offers a radically new answer: it doesn't.At the heart of this book, Barbour provides a new vision of the Big Bang - the Janus Point - from which time flows in two directions, its currents driven by the expansion of the universe and the growth of order in the galaxies, planets and life itself. What emerges is not just a revolutionary new theory of time, but a hopeful argument about the destiny of our universe.'Both a work of literature and a masterpiece of scientific thought' Lee Smolin, author of The Trouble with Physics'Profound...original...accessible to anyone who has pondered the mysteries of space and time' Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal 'Takes on fundamental questions, offering a new perspective on how the Universe started and where it may be headed' Science MagazineTrade ReviewJulian Barbour is a profound and original thinker with the boldness to tackle some of nature's deepest problems. He is also a fine writer, and this renders his book - despite its conceptual depth - accessible to anyone who has pondered the mysteries of space and time -- Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal and former President of the Royal SocietyWith a rare humanity and a perspective based on a lifetime of study, Barbour writes a book that is both a work of literature and a masterpiece of scientific thought -- Lee Smolin, author of The Trouble with PhysicsThe origin of the arrow of time is arguably the most important conceptual problem in cosmology, and the prospect that it can be solved in a universe where time flows "backward" in the far past is as exciting as it is provocative. In this engaging book, Julian Barbour conveys this excitement admirably -- Sean Carroll, author of From Eternity to HereThe Janus Point shows history-in-the-making: a project to recast the foundations of all of cosmology, gravity, thermodynamics and the arrow of time. The book has given me a lot to ponder. As Gauss said of Riemann's habilitation lecture, '[it] exceeded my expectations' -- Bill Unruh, Professor of Physics at University of British ColumbiaJulian Barbour has no peer when it comes to explaining scientific ideas in a way that is accessible without being simplistic -- Neal Stephenson, author of Snow CrashJulian Barbour has discovered an unexpected and remarkably simple feature of Newtonian dynamics that is the basis of his seductive and eloquently presented explanation of the history of the universe, even time itself -- Michael Victor Berry, Professor of Physics (Emeritus) at Bristol UniversityThis delightful, provocative book is a cosmic physics adventure, enlivened with history and poetry -- Theodore A. Jacobson, Professor of Physics at University of MarylandJulian Barbour has a complete mastery of the history of ideas yet a remarkable lightness and clarity in explaining what are profound concepts. The Janus Point is controversial and gripping, an extraordinary introduction to his view of the universe -- Pedro G. Ferreira, author of The Perfect TheoryBarbour takes on fundamental questions, offering a new perspective - illustrated with lucid examples and poetically constructed prose - on how the Universe started (or more precisely, how it did not start) and where it may be headed. This book is an engaging read, which both taught me something new about meat-and-potatoes physics and reminded me why asking fundamental questions can be so fun -- Matthew Johnson * Science *A closely argued, substantive take on one of the biggest unsolved mysteries of physics, written by someone who has wrestled with not only the physics, but also the history and philosophy relevant to his subject. What's more, Barbour's approach, unlike many in the popular science game, is to publish only when he thinks he has something worth saying. That alone is enough to make him worth listening to -- Michael Brooks * Nautilus *Julian Barbour is one that rare breed, an optimistic scientist, and his engrossing The Janus Point not only turns accepted thinking about the universe on its head...but also suggests our very understanding of the nature of time needs to be reappraised * Choice *Any reader willing to engage with Barbour's ideas will come away enlightened -- Sidney Perkowitz * Physics World *

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Book SynopsisA 2025 Nautilus Book Awards Silver WinnerThe James Webb Space Telescope is transforming the universe right before our eyes—and here, for the first time, is the inside account of how the mission originated, how it performs its miracles of science, and what its revolutionary images are revealing.Pillars of Creation tells the story of one of the greatest scientific achievements in the history of civilization, a $10 billion instrument with a staggeringly ambitious goal: unlocking the secrets of the cosmos. Award-winning science writer Richard Panek stands us shoulder to shoulder with senior scientists as they conceive the mission, meet decades-long challenges to bring it to fruition, and, now, use its unprecedented technology to yield new discoveries about the origins of our solar system, to search for life on planets around other suns, and to trace the growth of hundreds of billions of galaxies all the way back to the birth of the first stars. The Webb telescope has captured the world’s imagination, and Pillars of Creation shows how and why—including through sixteen pages of awe-inspiring, full-color photos. At once a testament to human ingenuity and a celebration of mankind’s biggest leap yet into the cosmos, Panek’s eye-opening book reveals our universe as we’ve never seen it before—through the lens of the James Webb Space Telescope, a marvel that is itself a pillar of creation.

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