Astronomy, space and time Books

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 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 SynopsisIn a startling reinterpretation of the evidence, Stillman Drake advances the hypothesis that Galileo''s trial and condemnation by the Inquisition was caused not by his defiance of the Church, but by the hostility of contemporary philosophers.Galileo''s own beautifully lucid arguments are used to show how his scientific method was utterly divorced from the Aristotelian approach to physics in that it was based on a search not for causes but for laws. Galileo''s method was of overwhelming significance for the development of modern physics, and led to a final parting of the ways between science and philosophy. 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 Reviewstimulating and very convincing. * Theology *Table of ContentsList of illustrations ; Introduction ; 1. The background ; 2. Galileo's early years ; 3. Conflicts with philosophers ; 4. Conflicts with astronomers and theologians ; 5. The Dialogue and the Inquisition ; 6. The final years ; Reading list ; Index

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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 SynopsisFrom the years of design and manufacturing through launch and deployment to the extraordinary images and the new science they inform, Infinite Cosmos showcases the revelations coming from the James Webb Space Telescope - the sharpest planetary vistas and the deepest views of the cosmos humankind has ever seen.

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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 SynopsisSacred Geometry exists all around us in the natural world, from the unfurling of a rose bud to the pattern of a tortoise shell, the sub-atomic to the galactic. A pure expression of number and form, it is the language of creation and navigates the unseen dimensions beyond our three-dimensional reality.Since its discovery, humans have found many ways - stone circles, mandalas, labyrinths, temples- to call upon this universal law as a way of raising consciousness and communicating with a divine source. By becoming aware of the dots and lines that build the world around you, Sacred Geometry will teach you how to bring this mystical knowledge into your daily practice.

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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 SynopsisRichard Dawkins has written a string of bestselling books, including the phenomenal The God Delusion. He is a fellow of the Royal Society and the Royal Society of Literature, and has won numerous awards. He was a professor at Oxford University until 2008 and he remains a fellow of New College.Trade ReviewDawkins has a gift for making science enjoyable ... [He is] one of the greatest scientific writers/explainers of all time. * Bill Gates *From the first sentence it reads with the force and fluency of a classic ... a luminous, authoritative prose that transcends age differences * The Times *Stunning in appearance ... the book is a triumph * New Scientist *The text is persuasive whatever one's age ... the chapter on rainbows has the clearest explanation of how they appear that I've ever seen * Financial Times *I wanted to write this book but I wasn't clever enough. Now I've read it, I am -- Ricky Gervais

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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 SynopsisDiscover the Mysteries of Our UniverseWeird Universe is your gateway to the wonders of spaces. Have you ever looked up at the night sky and marveled at the mysteries hidden beyond the stars? This book takes that curiosity and turns it into an accessible, fun introduction to space, packed with all the weirdness we've discovered out there. Unlock the wonders of space with a fresh and exciting perspective. Erika Hamden, a renowned astrophysicist and educator, brings her passion for space to life in this engaging book. With years of experience studying the cosmos, Hamden specializes in making complex topics fun and easy to understand. Her expertise shines through as she leads readers on an exploration of the strangest and most awe-inspiring phenomena in space. Whether you're fascinated by the biggest black holes, curious about the history of NASA, or simply want to explore the strange and magnificent things we've found in outer space, this book is for you. No prior knowledge requiredjust a desire to understand more about the cosmos and its connection to life here on Earth.. See how space exploration shapes our everyday world. Space isn't just an abstract conceptit plays a crucial role in shaping the technology we use every day. From NASA's breakthroughs to innovations inspired by our exploration of the cosmos, Hamden shows how space discoveries influence our world. You'll also gain insight into the process behind these findings, from the questions scientists ask to the groundbreaking answers they uncover. By the end of the book, you'll understand not just what we know about the universe, but how we've come to know it. Inside, you'll find:A clear, engaging look at black holes, galaxies, and the history of NASA, explained in simple terms. Fascinating insights into how scientists make new discoveries about space, with a focus on how it all connects to us here on Earth. Fun and accessible content perfect for all ages, including those learning space for kids and adults who want to dive deeper into the world of astronomy. If you liked Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, The Illustrated Brief History of Time, or Not Necessarily Rocket Science, you'll love Weird Universe.

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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 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 SynopsisHow many days are there between full moons - think you know? Is there an ancient key to the calendar hidden in stone circles? What is the magical secret of the Sun-Moon-Earth system? If you have ever wondered about eclipses, tides or the seasons, this amazing little book by acknowledged time-lord Robin Heath will quickly introduce you to the astonishing beauty of the primary cycles around this planet. Advanced wizarding at its best! “Timeless” RESURGENCE. "Fascinating" FINANCIAL TIMES. "Beautiful" LONDON REVIEW OF BOOKS. "Rich and Artful" THE LANCET. "Genuinely mind-expanding" FORTEAN TIMES. "Excellent" NEW SCIENTIST. "Stunning" NEW YORK TIMES. Small books, big ideas.

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Book SynopsisFrom the ancient origins of astronomy to the Copernican revolution, and from Galileo to Hawking''s research into black holes, The Story of Astronomy charts the discoveries of some of the greatest minds in human history, and their attempts to unveil the secrets of the stars. Peter Aughton''s trademark narrative style is to the fore, demystifying some of the biggest breakthroughs in the history of science, and packed full of fascinating nuggets such as why we have 60 minutes in an hour, how the Romans bodged the invention of the leap year and when people really discovered the Earth wasn''t flat (a thousand years before Columbus). And explaining in the most straightforward and compelling of ways what Newton, Einstein, Hubble and Hawking really achieved. Richly informative and readable, The Story of Astronomy is a fascinating journey through 3000 years of stargazing. Included are chapters on: The Origins of Astronomy; From Babylon to Ancient Greece; The Almagest; PersianTable of ContentsIntroduction. The Origins of Astronomy. From Babylon to Ancient Greece. The Almagest. Astronomy in the Dark Ages. The Copernican Revolution. Chasing the Paths of the Planets. Galileo: The Great Telescope Maker. Jeremiah Horrocks: Father of English Astronomy. The Clockwork Universe. English and French Rivalry. Finding Longitude. William Herschel: Gazing Deeper into Space. Understanding the Forces of Nature. Albert Einstein: Relativity Redefines Astronomy. The Hubble Universe. From Microcosm to Macrocosm. Beyond the Visible Spectrum. Black Holes, Quasars and the Universe. Stephen Hawking: Exploring the Boundaries of Space. Astronomy in the Space Age. The Big Bang and the Creation of the Universe. Dark Matter and Dark Energy. Planets, Moons and the Search for Life. Glossary. Further Reading. Index.

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Book SynopsisAn understanding of thermal physics is crucial to much of modern physics, chemistry and engineering. This book provides a modern introduction to the main principles that are foundational to thermal physics, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. The key concepts are carefully presented in a clear way, and new ideas are illustrated with copious worked examples as well as a description of the historical background to their discovery. Applications are presented to subjects as diverse as stellar astrophysics, information and communication theory, condensed matter physics and climate change. Each chapter concludes with detailed exercises.The second edition of this popular textbook maintains the structure and lively style of the first edition but extends its coverage of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics to include several new topics, including osmosis, diffusion problems, Bayes theorem, radiative transfer, the Ising model and Monte Carlo methods. New examples and exercises have been added throughout.Trade ReviewThis is probably the best book I know of thermodynamics and statistical physics. The authors have done really a great job. [...] The contents of the book are organised in such way that it can be used for a standard undergraduate level course in thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, where it is also possible to make the appropriate selection of the topics depending on the level and duration of the course. It could also be very useful as a source reference for lecturers in thermodynamics and statistical physics. * M.A.F. Sanjuan, Contemporary Physics *Table of ContentsI: PRELIMINARIES; II: KINETIC THEORY OF GASES; III: TRANSPORT AND THERMAL DIFFUSION; IV: THE FIRST LAW; V: THE SECOND LAW; VI: THERMODYNAMICS IN ACTION; VII: STATISTICAL MECHANICS; VIII: BEYOND THE IDEAL GAS; IX: SPECIAL TOPICS

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Book SynopsisThis essential guide for every amateur astronomer explores the entire universe in one practical, easy-to-use, beginner-friendly handbook.​The Astronomy Handbook, by award-winning astronomy writer Govert Schilling, is the indispensable, go-to guide to everything you ever wanted or need to know about space, including: the stars and the constellations planets comets eclipses galaxies black holes exoplanets and much more It also offers an excellent education for every amateur astronomer, including detailed and practical information on how to: locate and track the movements of the constellations throughout the year view the planets and the cosmos select the best equipment to use, including telescopes and cameras photograph objects in space Schilling provides a fascinating history of astronomy, as well as clear and accessible explanations of binary, variable, and neutron stars; black holes and gamma-ray bursts; the formation and structure of galaxies; dark matter; and extraterrestrial life.The Astronomy Handbook is a primordial soup-to-nuts guide to the cosmos and an essential reference for every student of the universe. 

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Book SynopsisA former NASA scientist makes the cosmic common knowledgeTo study astronomy is to consider the most wondrous phenomena on the grandest of scales - the universe and all it contains. Beginning with our earliest explorations of the night sky, William Waller takes us on an enthralling journey through the Milky Way and far, far beyond. He combines science and history to show how our understanding of everything from black holes to the structure of the universe has evolved over time, illuminating past discoveries and offering contemporary insights into the cosmic histories of stars, planets and galaxies. Whether object of study or curiosity, the universe - and all it contains - is tantalisingly introduced here.Trade Review‘The most informative and approachable introduction to astronomy of recent years. Bill Waller is a congenial guide on this grand tour to the farthest reaches of the universe.’ -- Alan Hirshfeld, author of Starlight Detectives: How Astronomers, Inventors, and Eccentrics Discovered the Modern Universe‘A fun, engaging and entertaining introduction to the wonderful phenomena in space. Covering broad topics spanning the birth, life and death of the universe, this book is a fantastic way to quench your astronomical thirst.’ -- Dr Sheila Kanani MBE, Education, Outreach and Diversity Officer, Royal Astronomical Society, and Honorary Researcher, Lancaster University

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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 SynopsisNAMED A BEST BOOK OF 2022 BY PUBLISHERS WEEKLYAfter a few billion years of bearing witness to life on Earth, of watching one hundred billion humans go about their day-to-day lives, of feeling unbelievably lonely, and of hearing its own story told by others, The Milky Way would like a chance to speak for itself. All one hundred billion stars and fifty undecillion tons of gas of it.It all began some thirteen billion years ago, when clouds of gas scattered through the universe's primordial plasma just could not keep their metaphorical hands off each other. They succumbed to their gravitational attraction, and the galaxy we know as the Milky Way was born. Since then, the galaxy has watched as dark energy pushed away its first friends, as humans mythologized its name and purpose, and as galactic archaeologists have worked to determine its true age (rude). The Milky Way has absorbed supermassive (an actual technical term) black holes, made enemies of a few galactic neighbors, and mourned the deaths of countless stars. Our home galaxy has even fallen in love.After all this time, the Milky Way finally feels that it's amassed enough experience for the juicy tell-all we've all been waiting for. Its fascinating autobiography recounts the history and future of the universe in accessible but scientific detail, presenting a summary of human astronomical knowledge thus far that is unquestionably out of this world.

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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 SynopsisIntroduction by Professor Stephen Hawking.When Edwin Hubble looked into his telescope in the 1920s, he was shocked to find that nearly all of the galaxies he could see through it were flying away from one another. If these galaxies had always been travelling, he reasoned, then they must, at some point, have been on top of one another. This discovery transformed the debate about one of the most fundamental questions of human existence - how did the universe begin?Every society has stories about the origin of the cosmos and its inhabitants, but now, with the power to peer into the early universe and deploy the knowledge gleaned from archaeology, geology, evolutionary biology and cosmology, we are closer than ever to understanding where it all came from. In The Origin of (almost) Everything, New Scientist explores the modern origin stories of everything from the Big Bang, meteorites and dark energy, to dinosaurs, civilisation, timekeeping, belly-butTrade ReviewImportant... The Origin of (Almost) Everything doesn't look like a typical science book. It's friendly and colourful. Its blocks of text and ample images, makes it read more like a magazine than textbook. Unravelling dozens of life's biggest mysteries, Lawton and Daniel's irreverent storytelling approach answers nagging questions that have inspired centuries of scientific inquiry... Like The Origin of (Almost) Everything suggests, the best science writing and illustrations don't just answer your questions - they compel you to ask more. * WIRED *

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Book SynopsisFrom teaching you how to spot the major and minor constellations, to revealing the fascinating starlore from around the world, this stunningly illustrated hardback will bring star-gazing vividly to life.

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Book SynopsisFrom Stonehenge to atomic clocks, this is how we’ve used science to work out the time across the centuriesTrade Review‘Each day in 2019, Chad Orzel informs us, is nearly two milliseconds longer than days were in 1870. And they feel even longer. This entertaining and engrossing book takes us through our long struggle to measure time with precision. Filled with amazing devices, it’s ultimately a story of the triumph of human ingenuity.’ -- Sean Carroll, author of Something Deeply Hidden‘I came away from this brisk, chatty book feeling that the history of chronometry is a triumph of progress. With infectious enthusiasm [Orzel] catalogues the feats of skill and effort that have gone into marking time… Orzel dives deep into the nitty-gritty of physics, astronomy and engineering, but writes lucidly and leavens his material with jokes and anecdotes… ultimately, one comes away with a sense of awe at what human ingenuity can achieve… stimulating.’ -- Daily Telegraph‘A lively introduction to timekeeping, from the Newgrange passage-tomb to caesium-133 and its possible replacements… As a professor of physics and the author of several popular science books, Orzel is an experienced teacher of science to non-scientists… His account of relativity should be comprehensible even to the single-cultured humanist. Orzel’s research is impressive and he is able to debunk various myths… so much is on offer in Chad Orzel’s book.’ -- TLS‘In A Brief History of Timekeeping, Chad Orzel… turns his enthusiasm for time travel to something more tangible: how humans through the ages have measured the passage of time… Throughout the book, Orzel scoots backwards and forwards in time, treating us to illustrations of spectacular forgotten timepieces… The author’s enthusiasm doesn’t wane as he moves into the digital era, explaining how quartz-based wristwatches “democratised” time and serve as temporal “tuning forks” for the masses… As Orzel’s book makes clear, time, and its measurement, stands still for no one.’ -- George Bass, New Scientist'Full of history, physics and physicists... [a] varied book.’ * Nature *‘A deliciously detailed journey through the astonishing ticks and tocks of timekeeping, from neolithic henges and Mayan number systems to cinnamon-filled sandglasses, tuning fork wristwatches, and even the northern lights. Equal parts mesmerizing and fascinating, Orzel’s beautifully clear explanations of physics illuminate subjects from planets to quantum engineering. By the end it is clear that time may never be on our side, but keeping track of it has opened up the universe for us.’ -- Caleb Scharf, author of The Copernicus Complex‘As Chad Orzel shows in his informative new book, while the pace of modern life seems to march briskly in step with the rhythms of various clocks, keeping accurate time has been a mainstay of history – a driving force for astronomical measurements, and eventually classical and relativistic physics. A Brief History of Timekeeping offers the quintessential account of all the factors that make up ways we record time – from the relatively slow progression of daily and lunar cycles to the near-instantaneous speed of atomic transitions. Orzel’s fascinating chronicle of how we measure the seconds, days, and years that set the stride of our life’s journey is well worth making the time to read – and that literary adventure will fly by, no doubt.’ -- Paul Halpern, author of Flashes of Creation'An excellent book… [Orzel] has turned his gifts of clarity, logical exposition and gentle humour to explaining how different time systems have operated over the millennia… “Brief Histories of…” have multiplied ever since Stephen Hawking published his A Brief History of Time, but Orzel’s version is far more intelligible and entertaining that its bestselling predecessor… A Brief History of Timekeeping would be an ideal gift to satisfy anyone demanding to understand why clocks are such a perpetual source of fascination – and for those who are already convinced, it provides a succinct summary of the multiple ways in which time can be told.’ * Dr Patricia Fara, Antiquarian Horology *‘Today’s best atomic clocks can track time with a precision of one part in a billion – but getting to this point, as Chad Orzel’s entertaining new book shows, has been an incredible adventure. It’s a history of technology, of course, but we also learn about the underlying science, from the ancient astronomers who first made sense of the motions of the sun, moon, and stars to those who unveiled relativity and quantum mechanics in the last century. If you like science, history, and fun in equal measure, A Brief History of Timekeeping is for you.’ -- Dan Falk, science journalist, author and broadcaster‘A fascinating intersection of science, history, and theology. I never expected to lose track of time reading a book about time.’ -- James Breakwell, comedy writer, creator of @XplodingUnicorn on Twitter, and author of How to Be a Man (Whatever That Means)‘Orzel gives us the grand tour of something we all take for granted. It’s about time.’ -- Chris Ferrie, author of Where Did the Universe Come From?‘Fascinating… a page-turning popular science book which is full of quirky, unexpected turns.’ -- Fortean Times

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Book SynopsisWe live in a world of waves. The Earth shakes to its foundations, the seas and oceans tremble incessantly, sounds reverberate through land, sea, and air. Beneath the skin, our brains and bodies are awash with waves of their own, and the Universe is filled by a vast spectrum of electromagnetic radiation, of which visible light is the narrowest sliver. Casting the net even wider, there are mechanical waves, quantum wave phenomena, and the now clearly detected gravitational waves. Look closer and deeper and more kinds of waves appear, down to the most fundamental level of reality. This Very Short Introduction looks at all the main kinds of wave, their sources, effects, and uses. Mike Goldsmith discusses how wave motion results in a range of phenomena, from reflection, diffraction, interference, and polarization in the case of light waves to beats and echoes for sound. All waves, however different, share many of the same features, and, as Goldsmith shows, for all their complexities many of their behaviours are fundamentally simple.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 Contents1: Waves in essence2: Water waves3: Sound waves4: Seismic waves5: Biological waves6: Electromagnetic waves7: Gravitational waves8: Quantum wavesFurther readingIndex

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Book SynopsisAstrobiologists study the origin and evolution of life on Earth and the possibility of life beyond Earth; a question that has fascinated scientists for hundreds of years. In this Very Short Introduction, David C. Catling introduces the latest scientific understanding of astrobiology, incorporating aspects of microbiology, geology, and astronomy.Trade ReviewAlthough this is a very short introduction, it is very comprehensive. The subject is introduced and pursued with a workman-like manner, getting down to the essentials directly. * The Skeptic, Norman Hansen *Table of Contents1. What is astrobiology? ; 2. From stardust to planets, the abodes for life ; 3. Origins ; 4. From slime to sublime ; 5. Life: a genome's way of making more and fitter genomes ; 6. Life in the solar system ; 7. Far-off worlds, distant suns ; 8. Controversies and prospects

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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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Book SynopsisNew paperback edition - This detailed examination of our steps into space is viewed from our potential future there â on Mars to be exact â and considers how we will reach that point.Trade Review‘A handy reference for space fans and professionals alike’ -- Publishers Weekly‘The way to the stars in open.’ -- Sergei Korolev

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Book Synopsis Astronomy: A Complete Introduction will ensure you recognize what you are seeing in the night sky. You will investigate the sun, moon, planets comets and stars and learn how to observe them. This comprehensive guide, complete with star charts, will map out the skies and allow you to impress your friends with your knowledge of the sky at night.Astronomy: A Complete Introduction includes:Chapter 1: Introducing AstronomyChapter 2: The spinning skyChapter 3: Sky-watchersChapter 4: The astronomer''s telescopeChapter 5: Into spaceChapter 6: The SunChapter 7: The MoonChapter 8: The Sun''s familyChapter 9: The inner planetsChapter 10: The outer planetsChapter 11: Minor members of the Solar SystemChapter 12: The starsChapter 13: Pattern of starsChapter 14: Double and variable starsChapter 15: The life and times of a starChapter 16: The Star-clusters and nebulaeChapter 17: The depths of the univers

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Book SynopsisSitting still in a quiet room, you might just be able to convince yourself that nothing is moving. But air currents swirl about you. Blood rushes through your veins. The atoms in your chair jiggle furiously. And the planet you are on is whizzing through space 35 times faster than the speed of sound. In Zoom, Bob Berman takes a thrilling tour around the wondrous and myriad motions that shape every aspect of the universe. Spanning astronomy, geology, biology, meteorology and history, he explains how clouds stay aloft, how the earth’s rotation curves a ball’s flight, how a mosquito’s familiar whine is tuned to a perfect A sharp, how the day gets longer every century, and much more.Trade Review‘Absolutely fascinating… passionate, packed with interesting facts and numbers, and full of colourful details… a delightful book’ * BBC Sky at Night *'Absorbing' * Daily Mail *‘Berman interweaves a formidable number of facts through the book which light up every page… it all adds up to an entertaining read, leaving you in no doubt how incredible life and the universe we live in really are’ Four stars. * BBC Focus *‘Bob Berman’s The Sun’s Heartbeat glitters and skips with the joy and excitement of science at its best. He explains things I always wondered about without diminishing the star-gazer’s sense of awe.’ -- Mark Kurlansky, author of Salt and Cod'Berman's pitch-perfect book goes a long way to answering the questions you thought were too dumb to ask, but it does much more than simply provide facts... Berman is a master storyteller' * New Scientist on The Sun's Heartbeat *'Light-hearted and fun... Above all, the author's enthusiasm for science shines through' * Wall Street Journal on The Sun's Heartbeat *'Deeply enjoyable... Berman comes across as the world's most enthusiastic science teacher' * Washington Post on The Sun's Heartbeat *

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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 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 SynopsisExplore the daily lives of children around the world through the lens of a single, special day in June, the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere and the shortest in the southern hemisphere.

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewModern physics has found its poet. A captivating, fascinating, profoundly beautiful book. . . Rovelli is a wonderfully humane, gentle and witty guide for he is as much philosopher and poet as he is a scientist -- John Banville * Irish Times *Wonderful. . . Time is something we think we know about instinctively; here he shows how profoundly strange it really is -- Philip Pullman * Guardian *Full of staggering revelations... I could (and will) read and think about such things again and again until they begin to sink in -- Maggie Nelson * New York Times *This book has been a kind of bible for me. When life feels strange, Rovelli's books remind me that there is beauty in the strangeness. The Order of Time is one of those books that I will always go back to -- Johny PittsExtraordinary. . . you should read it -- Nick Hornby * Believer *Brings the most difficult ideas alive in clear, appealing language. It is as close as I've come to a physics lesson that almost suggests the meaning of life -- Rory StewartMeet the new Stephen Hawking. . . I've never seen special relativity explained so well, never visualised it less fuzzily, never felt such a jolt of shock at what it implies -- James McConnachie * Sunday Times *A dizzying, poetic work in which I found myself abandoning everything I thought I knew about time -- Charlotte Higgins * Guardian *Enlightening... gives poetic voice to the common human experience of moving through time, while simultaneously leaving the reader much more equipped to understand how exactly that happens. . . A resounding affirmation of the humanity behind science * Time magazine, Best Nonfiction Books of the 2010s *I consider Carlo Rovelli to be a poet as much as a physicist. . . Everybody should read this book -- Es DevlinA joy to read. . . Rovelli writes easily, vividly and brilliantly - he is as at ease with Beethoven as he is with Boltzmann's constant, and verses by Horace launch each chapter, one of which ends with a couplet from the Grateful Dead. . . A delight -- Tim Radford * Guardian *A deep - and remarkably readable - dive into the fundamental nature of time. . . written with enough charm and poetry to engage the imagination of anyone who reads it -- Clive Cookson * Financial Times *Anyone with the least interest in the science of the physical world will be by turns astonished, baffled and thrilled by what Rovelli has to say about the true nature of time, which has little in common with our everyday conception of it -- John Banville * Guardian *Highly original. . . The heart and humanity of the book, its poetry and its gentle tone raise it to the level and style of such great scientist-writers as Lewis Thomas and Rachel Carson -- Alan Lightman * New York Times Book Review *Rovelli is one of our great scientific explicators. . . Not since Stephen Hawking's A Brief History of Time has there been so genial an integration of physics and philosophy -- Ian Thomson * Observer *Physics' literary superstar makes us rethink time. . . The Order of Time will surely establish Rovelli among the pantheon of great scientist-communicators -- Philip Ball * New Scientist *An elegantly concise primer makes theoretical physics intelligible. . . stunningly written -- Tom Whipple * The Times *A masterly writer. . . In this little gem of a book, Mr. Rovelli demolishes our common-sense notion of time. . . an ambitious book that illuminates a thorny question and succeeds in being a pleasurable read -- Priyamvada Natarajan * Wall Street Journal *Carlo Rovelli has achieved almost prophetic status -- Julian Baggini * Prospect *The physicist transforming how we see the universe * Financial Times *With the publication of his million-selling Seven Brief Lessons on Physics, Carlo Rovelli took his place with Stephen Hawking and Richard Feynman as one of the great popularisers of modern theoretical physics -- Sam Leith * Spectator *The most fun physicist to be with -- as well as the greatest explainer of physics -- Bryan Appleyard * Sunday Times *

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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 SynopsisEinstein said that the most incomprehensible thing about the universe is that it is comprehensible. But was he right? Can the quantum theory of fields and Einstein's general theory of relativity, the two most accurate and successful theories in all of physics, be united into a single quantum theory of gravity? Can quantum and cosmos ever be combineTrade Review"This elegant little volume provides a clear account of two approaches to some of the greatest unsolved problems of gravitation and cosmology."--John Barrow, New Scientist "A debate between Hawking and Penrose ... raises the reader's expectations of a lively interaction, and this is fully bourne in the transcribed discussion... Hawking's effervescent sense of humour frequently enlivens the text."--Joseph Silk, Times Higher Education Praise for Princeton's previous editions:: "If there were such a thing as the World Professional Heavyweight Theory Debating Society, this would be the title bout."--Christopher Dornan, Toronto Globe & Mail Praise for Princeton's previous editions: "This is a very courteous and intellectually stimulating exchange between two first-rate minds."--Library Journal Praise for Princeton's previous editions: "This is an interesting book to read now, but it promises to become an even more interesting book for future generations of physicists."--Robert M. Wald, Science Praise for Princeton's previous editions: "As well as providing an accurate scientific record of the lectures, the text has lost none of the drama of the original occasion, which stemmed from the almost antithetical views of the two protagonists on almost everything except the classical theory of general relativity."--Gary Gibbons, Physics World Praise for Princeton's previous editions: "I found great satisfaction and not inconsiderable benefit from my efforts... The clarity and brilliance of Hawking's logic would break through in simple straightforward terms... This provided a real thrill."--Lucy Horwitz, Boston Book ReviewTable of ContentsForeword by Michael Atiyah vii Acknowledgments ix CHAPTER ONE Classical Theory, Stephen Hawking 3 CHAPTER TWO Structure of Spacetime Singularities, Roger Penrose 27 CHAPTER THREE Quantum Black Holes, Stephen Hawking 37 CHAPTER FOUR Quantum Theory and Spacetime, Roger Penrose 61 CHAPTER FIVE Quantum Cosmololgy, Stephen Hawking 75 CHAPTER SIX The Twistor View of Spacetime, Roger Penrose 105 CHAPTER SEVEN The Debate, Stephen Hawking and Roger Penrose 121 AFTERWORD TO THE 2010 EDITION The Debate Continues, Stephen Hawking and Roger Penrose 139 References 143

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