Astronomy, space and time Books

Book SynopsisNicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543) is a pivotal figure in the birth of modern science, the astronomer who stopped the sun and set the earth in motion. Born in Poland, educated at Cracow and then in Italy, he served all of his adult life as a church administrator. His vision of a sun-centered universe, shocking to many and unbelievable to most, turned out to be the essential blueprint for a physical understanding of celestial motions, thereby triggering what is commonly called the Copernican revolution. A first edition of his world-changing treatise, De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium, has most recently been auctioned for more than $2 million.In this book, leading historian of science Owen Gingerich sets Copernicus in the context of a rapidly changing world, where the recent invention of printing with moveable type not only made sources more readily available to him, but also fueled Martin''s Luther''s transformation of the religious landscape. In an era of geographical exploration and discovery, new ideas were replacing time-honored concepts about the extent of inhabited continents. Gingerich reveals Copernicus'' heliocentric revolution as an aesthetic achievement not dictated by observational proofs, but another new way of looking at the ancient cosmos.Deftly combining astronomy and history, this Very Short Introduction offers a fascinating portray of the man who launched the modern vision of the universe. Out of Gingerich''s engaging biography emerges the image of a scientist, intellectual, patriot, and reformer, who lived in an era when political as well as religious beliefs were shifting.Trade ReviewThis short book is superb. * Ian Welland, Astronomy Now *A superb contribution to the series. * John Henry, Annals of Science *A very strong introduction to Copernicus - an introduction whose unexpected elements make it surprising and enjoyable to read. * Christopher M. Graney, Metascience Review *An easy read, with a great deal to teach us all about both science and history. In all, a most enjoyable book. * Juan A. Añel, Contemporary Physics *Gingerich is clearly a fan of Copernicus and this superb little book will make you a fan too. * David W. Hughes, The Observatory *In eight short chapters that carefully combine biographical and conceptual elements, Gingerich gives readers the benefit of his unparalleled knowledge of Copernicus and his work. * Michel-Pierre Lerner, Journal for the History of Astronomy *Table of ContentsList of illustrations Acknowledgments Prologue 1. Copernicus, the young scholar 2. The architecture of the heavens 3. Copernicus's vision 4. Canon days and the Little Commentary 5. Competing with Ptolemy 6. Rheticus 7. De revolutionibus 8. The book nobody read Appendix 1: Copernicus's alternative to the equant Appendix 2: De revolutionibus as a recipe book for planetary positions References Further reading Index

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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 SynopsisThe untold story of Newton's private papers, hidden for centuries, sold for a pittance and then painstakingly reconstructed to reveal a man altogether stranger and more complicated than the genius of legend.Trade ReviewThis fascinating book traces thehistory of Newton's papers...The author gives some fascinating background...It is a captivating story. * Paradigm Explorer, David Lorimer, Programme DirectorScientific and Medical NetworkEditor, Paradigm Explorer *Not only is the book a valuable contribution to the history of Newton's work, but it is a most enjoyable read with elements of a good detective story * J. S. Rowlinson, Science Progress *Sarah Dry tells a riveting, beautifully written story * Times Higher Education *Dry's fine writing and scholarship make this book a useful resource and a good read * Robyn Arianrhod, Times Higher Education *compelling * Stuart Kelly, Scotland on Sunday *Engaging book * Economist *Dry is to be congratulated for furnishing us with a fresh and readable chronicle of the tortuous route that Newtons manuscript took to being made public. * Nature *By identifying the roles of a host of collectors in securing various parts of the collection, Dry does full justice to a fascinating story; it sheds bright light on the range and development of this most brilliant - and most elusive - of minds. Pure joy. * Graham Farmelo, Times Higher Education *Drawing on existing scholarship, it is a story well worth sharing with anyone interested in Newton and how we have, over three hundred years, come to know him and shaped his legacy. Sarah Dry has a colorful and intriguing cast of characters on which to draw, who represent a surprisingly varied set of motives for engaging with Newton's life and literary remains. * Rebekah Higgitt, H-Albion *Table of ContentsPreface ; I. 1727-1822 ; 1. The last conflagration ; 2. Sincere search ; 3. To gratify men's curiosities ; II. 1822-1872 ; 4 Deranged studies ; 5. Lighting the fire ; 6. Marginal notation ; 7. Any scrap ; 8. Monsters of perfection ; III. 1872-1888 ; 9. Proudest boast ; 10. A hiatus in the history ; 11. Examine, classify, divide ; IV. 1888-1936 ; 12. Human documents ; 13. Hundreds of feet of mellow calf ; 14. Four shillings ; 15. Pioneers of science ; 16. L9,000 ; 17. A very substantial collection ; 18. Arab's antiquities ; 19. Last of the magicians ; V. 1936-the present ; 20. Founding of a discipline ; 21. We know nothing of Newton here ; 22. Newtonian industry ; 23. Newton's paper trail ; 24. Unity and flux ; 25. Ultimate value

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Book SynopsisUsing no math beyond high school algebra, the authors lay out an approachable explanation of Einstein's special relativity, then move through the fundamental differences between traveling forward and backward in time and the surprising theoretical connection between going back in time and traveling faster than the speed of light.Trade Review"Marvelously accessible." (Chicago Tribune) "Relying only minimally on technical jargon and formulas, the authors open to view the exciting conceptual prospects for designing a time machine capable of slipping backward through the centuries and of riding faster-than-light warp bubbles through the cosmos.... Armchair scientists share the thrill of peeking into the universe's deepest secrets. Penetrating science illuminates humankind's most audacious dreams." (Booklist)"

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Book SynopsisSpanish cosmographers were charged with turning their observations of the New World into a body of knowledge that could be used for governing. The author shows that this knowledge had considerable strategic, defensive, and monetary value that royal scientists were charged with safeguarding from foreign and internal enemies.Trade Review"Maria M. Portuondo's interpretation places Spain within larger European patterns, including inquiries into the role of empire in the development of the Scientific Revolution. Secret Science makes substantial contributions to the history of early modern science and of early modern Spain." (Jorge Canizares-Esguerra, University of Texas, Austin)"

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Book SynopsisImperial expansion necessitated changes in the way scientific knowledge was gathered. This book shows how this cosmographic knowledge had considerable strategic, defensive, and monetary value that royal scientists were charged with safeguarding from foreign and internal enemies.

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Book SynopsisA revealing look at the parallel mythologies behind the colonization of Earth and spaceand a bold vision for a more equitable, responsible future both on and beyond our planet. As environmental, political, and public health crises multiply on Earth, we are also at the dawn of a new space race in which governments team up with celebrity billionaires to exploit the cosmos for human gain. The best-known of these pioneers are selling different visions of the future: while Elon Musk and SpaceX seek to establish a human presence on Mars, Jeff Bezos and Blue Origin work toward moving millions of earthlings into rotating near-Earth habitats. Despite these distinctions, these two billionaires share a core utopian project: the salvation of humanity through the exploitation of space. In Astrotopia, philosopher of science and religion Mary-Jane Rubenstein pulls back the curtain on the not-so-new myths these space barons are peddling, like growth without limit, energy without guilt, and salTrade Review"A gung-ho approach to speed would violate the considerations of space ecology promoted by Rubenstein in Astrotopia: The Dangerous Religion of the Corporate Space Race. Rubenstein, while expertly dismantling some overblown claims of companies such as SpaceX and Blue Origin, proposes a gentler mode of space exploration that refuses to rehearse the violent history of colonialism on earth. In a way her vision recalls Capt. Kirk and Mr. Spock’s Prime Directive: to avoid interference with other life forms. The original Star Trek series began in 1966, only months after the death of Sergei Korolev. Perhaps it still has something to teach us." -- Steven Poole * Wall Street Journal *"The vision is to mine the lunar surface for rocket fuel that can then propel us all the way to Mars—and beyond, as humanity takes its self-appointed place in the stars. Rubenstein told me that vision makes her want to throw up. . . . Rubenstein argues that today’s corporate space race—helmed by Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Richard Branson, and others who propose to 'save' humanity from a dying planet—is actually rehashing old Christian themes that go all the way back to the fifteenth century, when European Christians colonized the Americas. Remember how Donald Trump described the Artemis mission and eventual settlement of the moon and Mars? He called it 'America’s manifest destiny in the stars.' But as Rubenstein points out, not everyone thinks it’s the moon’s destiny to be strip-mined, or Mars’s destiny to be settled by human colonists. In fact, some believe these celestial bodies should have fundamental rights of their own." -- Sigal Samuel * Vox *"That techno-utopian agenda, which too frequently anchors public discussion of extraterrestrial exploration, was critiqued last year in Astrotopia: The Dangerous Religion of the Corporate Space Race, by Mary-Jane Rubenstein, professor of religion and science at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. She notes the quasi-religious fervor of ‘astrosavior’ Musk and his devotees: the planet is doomed, cries its richest man, who promises salvation elsewhere for the faithful. His is not the only voice that matters. What about the Navajo Nation, who regard other worlds as sacred? We should not be sacrificing a space Greta to social media trolls to argue the toss; we need governments brave enough to make new rules in space that respect and benefit us all.” * Financial Times *"Rubenstein succeeds in highlighting both the debate over whether future space exploration and exploitation should be led by government or entrepreneurial entities and the manner in which neoliberal, private-sector emphases have come to dominate the thinking of a particular segment of the pro-space community. Her criticisms of this phenomenon—part of a growing body of literature in environmental studies, Afrofuturism, and anticolonialism investigations—are on point.” -- Roger D. Launius * Science *“In the cold war, space exploration’s wonders served a race between political systems. Today, argues religion and science scholar Rubenstein, they are subject to commercial rivalry, notably between billionaires Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk, who are littering space and advocating it as a refuge from Earth’s destruction. She argues that we must eschew such myopic, colonialist ‘astrotopia,’ and listen instead to a sort of ‘pantheistic mysticism’—valuing and learning from the cosmic environment—scorned by past imperialists.” -- Andrew Robinson * Nature *"If you find this state of affairs depressing—if your fascination with the Moon, Mars and other wonders of our solar system is increasingly tempered by concerns that a small but powerful group of people seems hell-bent on mucking them up—then you should run, not walk, to your nearest bookseller for a copy of Astrotopia. . . . It offers a concise but stinging critique of the current 'New Space' era, giving succour to space fans everywhere who are, in Rubenstein’s words, 'sick over the decimation of this planet and horrified that this planet isn’t enough for the decimators.' . . . When I review a book, I like to mark important passages and pithy phrases with sticky notes. By the time I finished Astrotopia, my copy had more paper flags than a Jubilee street party. I hope this review illustrates why this was so, and why Rubenstein’s arguments deserve the widest possible hearing among people who dream of exploring space without exploiting it." -- Margaret Harris * Physics World *“A version of spaceflight's story that isn't told often enough.” -- Meghan Bartels, News Reporter * Scientific American, "55 Books Scientific American Recommends in 2023" *"Rubenstein is not only brilliant at putting together and analyzing ideas; she’s also a lively (and quite accessible) writer." * Christian Century *"Rubenstein is not against utopianism, but she argues that Silicon Valley techno-utopianism is fraudulent, using the rhetoric of science and reason to disguise the fact that its promises are actually unscientific and unrealistic. Instead, she advocates that we get our ideas for a beautiful human future from a diverse array of other sources, from feminist science fiction to indigenous thinkers. Rubenstein offers us a starting point for thinking about how we might forge a path for our species that is egalitarian and humane." * Current Affairs *"Rubenstein takes apart the mindset that wants to establish outposts on the moon, mine water and metals, and colonise Mars. . . . Should we study and explore space? Yes, but not if science means heedless exploitation, argues the book. Ethical exploration would avoid damage and violence and prioritise knowledge over profit. It would keep earth’s own needs first, like using technology to better track weather and disaster, or deploying billionaire surpluses on this planet before remaking others. Otherwise, what we do to the earth, we will do outside earth." * Times of India *"I’m not a pantheist but the argument does carry some weight: our rationalistic relationship with the modern world has denied us of any real, meaningful connection with Mother Nature. We’re instead too focused on our divine destiny in the stars. But if we ruin the Moon or Mars or any other planet, then what is really the point of it all in the first place? . . . In the conclusion of Astrotopia, Rubenstein asserts the need for a pantheist revolution against the Western view of God as a single entity. Instead we should embrace God as being within everything. It’s a fundamental rewriting of our position in the cosmos, and a repositioning of the cosmos around us. A more spiritual approach to spacefaring might just allow us to avoid our earthly mistakes, and explore space ethically. And if we learn any lessons from our time here on Earth, it should not be ‘how space belongs to us, but how we belong to it.’ As Carl Sagan said, we are, each of us, made of star-stuff." -- James Tatam * Nature Astronomy *"Astrotopia makes a powerful argument that we are approaching space exploration with the same old imperial Christian mythology, making space merely a thing to be exploited." -- Hilary Lamb * Engineering and Technology *"Rubenstein's work is always delightfully readable and engagingly enlightening, but Astrotopia feels more immediate, because the message is both timely and urgent. A book of cultural criticism as well as consciousness raising, Astrotopia is meant to reach beyond the philosophers of religion and space historians to the interested layperson who needs to know how the world’s wealthiest people are 'rehashing' themes of Christian conquest to justify their manifest destiny in space. . . . Astrotopia is downright fun when it’s centered on the two focus-pulling, spotlight-stealing, grand-gesturing, dueling ringmasters themselves—Musk and Bezos—mostly because Rubenstein’s tone as she recounts the litanies of their outsized ideas is that of an exasperated Greek chorus." -- Catherine L. Newell * The Revealer *"Few books of late have given me such pause as Rubenstein’s thoughtful Astrotopia. Like many, I had considered space travel an untrammeled good (despite its origins in the destructive political rivalries of the Cold War and recent reliance on individual, stupidly-rich capitalists to move its development forward). Like many, I would love a Star Trek universe where humans peaceably coexist and thrive on hundreds of new worlds, the sins of the past behind us as we progress together in the noble spirit of exploration ever onward into bright futures. But what Rubenstein makes so clear is that today that kind of future utopia seems wholly unlikely. Without a severe imaginative reset, we may be doomed to repeat our imperialist and colonialist sins of the past, this time with the planet at stake." -- Jeremy Brett * Ancillary Review of Books *"Astrotopia presents an examination of the current state of space exploration juxtaposed with the history of previous periods of exploration—and exploitation—here on Earth. Rubenstein . . . brings a particularly interesting perspective to the subject in examining not only the histories themselves but the motivations concurrent with them. . . . What’s more, she caps her examination with the presentation of an alternative of how the future of space exploration might unfold if undertaken with appropriate reflection upon the past, and a reexamination of the motivations and methods for its continuance." -- Johannes E. Riutta * Well-read Naturalist *"A new book, Astrotopia, lays out in the most fascinating terms the ways in which things are very much going wrong up there beyond the wild blue yonder. . . . In the end, it’s not the Tesla in orbit that bothers. It’s this: 'When asked why he wants to "save" humanity by sending us to Mars rather than addressing injustice, poverty and climate change on Earth, Musk will often laugh and say, "F— Earth." Earth is done; Earth is history; Earth is so last eon.' . . . Sure, we can and should go joy-riding in our planetary neighborhood. But we still have a chance to save the most hospitable planet we know, Rubenstein writes. Let’s give it the old college try before saying F-it.” -- Larry Wilson * Orange County Register *"Why are American taxpayers giving billions in contracts to Elon Musk to send astronauts back to the Moon, and dangling a second contract for a lunar lander to Jeff Bezos, two of the world’s richest tech billionaires? For the answer to these questions, I strongly suggest you read Astrotopia: The Dangerous Religion of the Corporate Space Race. . . . In highly entertaining prose, Rubenstein unpacks the absurdity of Musk and Bezos’s space ambitions while exploring the larger issue of how our national priorities for space continue to be guided by destructive myths instead of sustainable, peaceful ones." -- Micah L. Sifry * The Connector *"Astrotopia is superb and will fascinate anyone curious about the current space fervor." * Booklist *"Rubenstein lends fresh energy to a familiar debate about the value of space programs, dreams of mining the solar system, and colonizing the moon and Mars." * Kirkus Reviews *"A singular perspective on space technology, with unexpected comparisons to colonialism that will make readers think twice about the future of humanity on other planets." -- Jennifer Moore * Library Journal *"In Astrotopia, the philosopher Rubenstein argues that the twenty-first-century private space race being carried out by Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Richard Branson, and others has become a ‘mythological project’ analogous to the type of ‘imperial Christianity’ that was used by Europeans to colonize more than half the planet. Discussing the era of private competition in space, known as NewSpace, she argues that we need to act now to prevent it from being rapaciously exploited by capitalists. Yet perhaps the most provocative portion of the book looks toward the past: Rubenstein convincingly demonstrates that NASA and US politicians used Christian imperialist language to justify the Apollo missions. In other words, it’s no coincidence that the Apollo 8 crew read from the book of Genesis while orbiting the Moon on Christmas Eve 1968." * Physics Today *"In her book Astrotopia: The Dangerous Religion of the Corporate Space Race, religion professor Mary-Jane Rubenstein describes the pull of the cosmos as 'mythic.' And she’s right: there is something truly spiritual about our cosmos—it has a God-like ability to make you feel small. As Rubenstein beautifully writes, 'Innumerable suns warming scadzillions of planets, with oceans and dust storms and cloud microbes and who knows what else, all in constant motion through infinite space and time, and here you are, making a cheese sandwich, nowhere in particular.'" * New Voices *"This book critically analyzes the motivations of commercial space entities from the perspective of a professor of religion, science, and technology. The early commercial space flight endeavors described in the book are appropriately compared to the exploits of early colonialists who ventured into ‘unexplored’ lands in pursuit of resources and settlement opportunities. Rubenstein also provides convincing examples of how many of the ongoing commercial space activities are not fully evaluated for various ethical issues related to space operations, including the issues raised by the prospects of, e.g., space tourism, outer space settlement, and exploitation of planetary resources. The author unapologetically describes how the commercial space flight missions currently sensationalized in the news are reminiscent of the avaricious and contentious European colonization of territories outside continental Europe. She points out, moreover, that the benefits of these high-profile space flight activities are not inclusive to all and that policy makers have not fully considered the ownership of outer space territories and natural resources extracted from other planets. Ample references support the chapters. Highly recommended." * Choice *“A timely book that makes an important and well-argued point: that the new space race, indeed much like the old one, is driven largely by a combination of an instinct for capitalist exploitation and colonization coupled to a quasi-religious impulse drawing on some of the worst of the Judeo-Christian tradition. Astrotopia ought to stimulate some much-needed debate.” -- Philip Ball, author of "The Modern Myths: Adventures in the Machinery of the Popular Imagination"“One of the most philosophically sophisticated, mythically impactful, contemporarily relevant, and wickedly funny books I have read in a very long time. ‘Influential’ is a grotesque understatement. ‘Game-changing’ is more like it.” -- Jeffrey J. Kripal, author of "The Flip: Epiphanies of Mind and the Future of Knowledge"“The NewSpace era is marked by growing excitement and worry. The most significant issue moving forward is how to prevent destructive practices from crystallizing as the space endeavor grows. The first thing to do is to dispel the myth from the reality, and this book is one attempt to do that. For this field to advance, we need more critical perspectives that are forward-looking and suggest a pathway toward alternative hopeful and inclusive space futures.” -- Timiebi Aganaba, School for the Future of Innovation in Society, College of Global Futures, Arizona State University“This book is a must-read for anyone who believes that the space race is a romantic enterprise defining humanity’s destiny. Alas, as Rubenstein argues with wit and urgency, the space race is a reinvention of the worst colonialism has to offer, a mythologized narrative of exploitation and hubris poised to turn outer space into ‘another theater of greed and war.’” -- Marcelo Gleiser, Appleton Professor of Natural Philosophy, Dartmouth College, 2019 Templeton Prize Laureate“Astrotopia is an adventurous ride into outer space. Rubenstein masterfully places our desire to travel the cosmic seas within a historical and religious context, which is illuminating. Sublimely entertaining, Rubenstein brings levity to such a complex subject matter. To understand the future of the space industry, Astrotopia is a must-read.” -- Ingrid LaFleur, founder and director, The Afrofuture Strategies Institute“Astrotopia is a timely and lively read that helps us see the old myths behind NewSpace. Rubenstein exposes the religious and imperialistic roots of our outer-space plans, challenging us to rethink our motivations and justifications for our dreams of leaving Earth. Anyone who has ever asked why we are so intent on going to Mars and elsewhere, and especially those of us who consider ourselves space enthusiasts, should read this and ask whether we’re really satisfied with the futures being drawn up for us by astro-oligarchs or whether there may be other, and better, options.” -- David Grinspoon, coauthor of "Chasing New Horizons: Inside the Epic First Mission to Pluto"Table of ContentsPreface Introduction: We Hold This Myth to Be Potential 1 Our Infinite Future in Infinite Space 2 Creation and Conquest 3 The American Promised Land 4 The Final Frontier 5 Whose Space Is It? 6 The Rights of Rocks 7 Other Spacetimes Conclusion: Revolt of the Pantheists Acknowledgments Notes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisBlack holes and neutron stars are generally recognized as key components of many astrophysical systems. Based on a symposium held in honour of S. Chandrasekhar, these papers provide a comprehensive summary of progress made in the 1990s on the theory of black holes and relativistic stars.

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Book SynopsisExciting new information on the origin and evolution of the universe, the birth of planets, life on our solar system's outer moons, runaway black holes, the first gravitational waves, an enigmatic interstellar visitor and more. Recent discoveries have spawned a host of questions about the universe that couldn't even be imagined a decade ago..

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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 SynopsisThis innovative book explores the role of evangelical religion in the conflict in Northern Ireland, including how it may contribute to a peaceful political transition. Ganiel offers an original perspective on the role of a 'strong' religion in conflict transformation, and the misunderstood role of evangelicalism in the process.Trade Review"This is a remarkable first book by an excellent young scholar. It recognizes the importance of religion to Northern Ireland's sectarian conflict, while not reducing it to a religious war. Above all, it sees religionas a site of reconciliation as much as contest. It is based on impressive empirical analysis that displaysthe qualities of her insider knowledge, deriving fromGaniel'sextensive period of fieldwork in the Northof Ireland and her own evangelical beliefs, but also her outsider status asa North American social scientist, which gives the volume enormous sensitivity as well as a sense of balance. Evangelicals are a key sector of Northern Irish Protestantism, perhaps the dominant theological position within the Reformed tradition there, and Ganiel documents the transitions that are occurring in evangelical identities in Northern Ireland. The arguments are optimistic for Northern Ireland's future and fully consistent with the country's latest political developments. Politics, theology and ethnographyelide in this volume in wonderfully fertile ways that make it a pleasure to read." - John D Brewer, Department of Sociology, University of Aberdeen "Ganiel presents the world of Northern Ireland's Evangelical communities in an engaging and convincing manner...The fact that Ganiel documents how these Evangelical communities transform in response to policies of the state underscores her larger critique of the modern secular vision of autonomous social spheres...Ganiel's book offers an important contribution to the theoretical categories in the anthropology of Evangelicism" - William Girard, Anthropology NewsTable of ContentsCivil Society, Religion and Conflict in Northern Ireland Religion in Transition Comparative Perspectives Evangelical Congregations and Identity Change Evangelicals and the Reframing of Political Projects

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Book SynopsisMars: A Journey of Discovery takes us through previously uncharted territory to experience the unravelling of the mysteries of Mars first-hand and as they happened. Table of ContentsA Flickering Orb of Red • Red Planet Empire • The Sprinter: Mariner 4, First to Mars • Mars is Not Red: Marsniks Fail and Mariners Soar • Wet and Wild: A Shocking View from Mariner 9 • Into the Unknown • The Magnificent Vikings • Pink Sky, Red Sand • Is It Life? • Plucky Pathfinder • Pathfinder Triumphant • From on High: Mars Global Surveyor • An Odyssey to the Great Galactic Ghoul • Express Lane: Mars Express • Follow the Water • Blueberries, Dust Devils and Other Martian Delights • Opportunity's Grand Trek • HD in Space: Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter • Empire of Ice: Mars Phoenix Lander • Seven Minutes of Terror: Mars Science Laboratory • We Found What We Came For • On to Mount Sharp • Yin and Yang: Maven and Mangalyaan • Next Steps: Insight and the Mars 2020 Rover: Russia's Turn: Europe's Exomars • NASA's Plan: Give Us (Another) 25 Years.

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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 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 SynopsisA fascinating, ground-level backstage pass to the creation, launch, and reach of the James Webb Space Telescope.NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, the world’s largest orbiting astronomy observatory, is now nearly a million miles from Earth, probing the first stars and galaxies, documenting the structure and evolution of the universe, and searching for signs of life in other solar systems. In a series of extraordinary photographs, Inside the Star Factory tells the story of the Webb Telescope from conception to launch—a marvel of ingenuity and engineering that entailed more than 100 million people hours over a span of thirty years.The project’s lead photographer Chris Gunn was there from the start, documenting the Webb’s tumultuous history—the behind-the-scenes details of its construction, from the cutting-edge technology required for an observatory operating at temperatures as low as –370°F, beyond reach for repair, to the human story of an engineering team pursuing an unprecedented goal under incomparable pressure. Derided as the “telescope that ate astronomy,” billions of dollars over budget, ten years over schedule, nearly canceled twice, Webb was simply too big to fail.Accompanied by science writer Christopher Wanjek’s overview of the Webb’s history and profiles of the scientists and engineers who built it, this exclusive illustrated guide shows readers the heady world of scientific discovery at the very limits of human knowledge—and the very beginning of space and time.

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Book SynopsisGalileo''s trial in 1633 before the Roman Inquisition is one of the most frequently mentioned topics in the history of science. Galileo''s encounter with the Catholic Church was not only a major turning point in the history of western culture; it is the paradigm case of the clash between the institutional authority of religion and the authority of scientific reason, a clash that has helped to define the modern era. Blackwell''s new contribution to the Galileo affair concerns the official theological position against Galileo. The centerpiece of his project is the treatise entitled Tractatus syllepticus, written by Melchior Inchofer, S.J., whose judgment of the orthodoxy of Galileo''s Dialogue had been requested earlier by the Holy Office and was then incorporated into the proceedings of the trial. At the time, Inchofer''s judgment against Galileo''s book was both detailed and harsh. That judgment formed the basis for Inchofer''s subsequent Tractatus, the fTrade Review“Though the conduct of Galileo's trial was probably less sinister than Blackwell has suggested, with these two defenses of the Church's condemnation of Copernicanism we have a new, intriguing glimpse behind the scenes.” —The Renaissance Quarterly"Blackwell exposes details of the infamous trial that are not universally known: Galileo's explanation in the first session that he did not know there was a warning against writing the book that brought him to the Inquisition, his premature admission of guilt in the second session, and the misreporting of court proceedings to the cardinal in terms that would resonate with them. . . . Recommended." —Choice“Richard Blackwell’s latest foray into scholarship on the Galileo affair contains detective history, careful scholarship, theological ruminations, and excellent translation work. The most tantalizing piece is chapter 1, titled ‘The Legal Case at Galileo’s Trial: Impasse and Perfidy,’ which pushes a thesis that involves plea bargains, mysterious saboteur(s), and a miscarriage of justice.” —The Sixteenth Century Journal“If the evidence does not support a plot in Galileo’s sense, Blackwell’s account provides a scenario for a spellbinding novel. The story leaves enough latitude for the reader to draw his own conclusions. Although scholars both acquit and condemn the Church, the underlying issue remains: what constitutes a demonstration?” — The Review of Metaphysics“There are many reasons why this 'Galileo affair' is uniquely important in modern history. One is that it is instructive for understanding the interaction between science and religion. Blackwell adds some nuances to the conflictualist thesis. . . . The main theme of Blackwell's book is that of exploring 'behind the scenes at Galileo's trial.'. . . This trial is one of the best-documented episodes emblematic of modernity . . . this book makes a valuable contribution and provides a model for this type of inquiry.” —Journal of Modern History“It was faith against reason, entrenched religious orthodoxy against radically new scientific fact. Richard J. Blackwell (St. Louis, emeritus) is an expert on philosophy but here he diligently presents the complex religious and scientific details of the matter within the historical context of Galileo’s time.” — Bibliotheque d’Humanisme et Renaissance

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Book SynopsisMathematical Disquisitions:The Booklet of Theses Immortalized by Galileo offers a new English translation of the 1614 Disquisitiones Mathematicae, which Johann Georg Locher wrote under the guidance of the German Jesuit astronomer Christoph Scheiner. The booklet, an anti-Copernican astronomical work, is of interest in large part because Galileo Galilei, who came into conflict with Scheiner over the discovery of sunspots, devoted numerous pages within his famous 1632 Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World SystemsPtolemaic and Copernican to ridiculing Disquisitiones. The brief text (the original was approximately one hundred pages) is heavily illustrated with dozens of original figures, making it an accessible example of geocentric astronomy in the wake of the telescope.Trade Review"Christopher Graney has translated foreign terms and concepts in efficient, modern ways, often trimming from them the complicated metaphysical and rhetorical context. Many of Graney's notes explain mathematical concepts and astronomical phenomena in reference to what astronomers understand today, which will make the text more digestible to an audience familiar with and interested in modern astronomy. The text offers a nice counterbalance to the standard canon of Galileo readings students encounter." —Darin Hayton, Haverford College“In this accessible and engaging translation, Graney makes a strong case for the value of studying the anti-Copernicans. . .The recovery of Locher’s treatise demonstrates that ‘Science’s history matters’ because it shows that true and honest debates within the scientific community have been part of the practice of modern science since its inception.” —Seventeenth-Century News“With this translation, Graney makes available to a wider range of readers Locher’s ideas in a manner unmediated by the thoughts or the agenda of Galileo. It allows them to explore and assess on their own merits the arguments advanced by critics of Copernicanism in the early seventeenth century. This in turn makes it possible to understand contemporary cosmological debates in new ways.” — European History Quarterly"There is much here for Professor Graney’s intended student audience as well as for other interested readers. His efforts will make the understanding of this Copernican debate richer for all." —Renaissance QuarterlyTable of ContentsAcknowledgements Introduction Translator’s Note The Structure of the Disquisitions Mathematical Disquisitions, Concerning Astronomical Controversies and Novelties Letter of Dedication Poem and Letter to the Reader Disquisitions 1-44 Approvals and Two Laudatory Poems Notes to the Translation Works Cited Index

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Book SynopsisSetting Aside All Authority is an important account and analysis of seventeenth-century scientific arguments against the Copernican system. Christopher M. Graney challenges the long-standing ideas that opponents of the heliocentric ideas of Copernicus and Galileo were primarily motivated by religion or devotion to an outdated intellectual tradition, and that they were in continual retreat in the face of telescopic discoveries. Graney calls on newly translated works by anti-Copernican writers of the time to demonstrate that science, not religion, played an important, and arguably predominant, role in the opposition to the Copernican system. Anti-Copernicans, building on the work of the Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe, were in fact able to build an increasingly strong scientific case against the heliocentric system at least through the middle of the seventeenth century, several decades after the advent of the telescope. The scientific case reached its apogee, Graney arguesTrade Review"The most exciting history of science book so far this century, Graney’s brilliant portrait of Riccioli and his science—amiable but punchy, rigorous but accessible—ought to stimulate a complete revision of what we thought we knew about the Copernican Revolution. Rarely have scientific analysis, historical scholarship, and writerly flair come together with such force." —Dennis Danielson, author of Paradise Lost and the Cosmological Revolution“Christopher Graney’s recent monograph is best described by one word: scientific. It is a book about knowledge, process, and context. If only more history was like this.” —Paragon"Graney's book is a first-class addition to the literature on the history of astronomy in the seventeenth century and an absolute must read for anyone claiming serious interest in the topic." —The Renaissance Mathematicus blog“Christopher Graney relates this story of the testing of a profoundly important scientific theory in a uniquely engaging style. This accessible presentation of science and history makes this book ideal for undergraduates and recommended for academic libraries.” —Catholic Library World“Though Riccioli was one of the most important and widely-known astronomers in the Society of Jesus of the seventeenth century, he has received relatively little attention from historians of science. . . . Ultimately, he [Graney] has managed a rare feat: taking his own expertise and passion for physics and applying them to sources and contents rarely encountered in the college classroom.” —Journal of Jesuit Studies“[A] valuable contribution to the current debate about the science and religion conflict thesis. . . . Graney’s analysis of New Amalgest, aided by his (and Christina Graney’s) careful reading and translation of Riccioli’s difficult Latin prose, stunningly disproves Riccioli’s critics. . . . Graney’s writing is also clear and succinct and is accompanied by some effective illustrations and diagrams, all helping to make the book accessible and enjoyable for undergraduate students of all levels.” —European History Quarterly“Graney’s lucid account of Riccioli’s arguments in their historical context complemented by ample helpful diagrams will inform and entertain specialist and nonspecialist alike. A scientist turned energetic historian, Graney offers compelling grounds for a complete revision of what we thought we knew about the Copernican Revolution." —The Historian“Graney’s deep knowledge of the era’s astronomical debates partly derives from his own translations of writings by Riccioli and others from their original Latin, which highlight some of the technical discussions among astronomers at the time. The Latin and English translations of these writings are included as appendices, making Setting Aside All Authority a valuable read for scholars and armchair historians alike.” —Earth Magazine“Christopher M. Graney’s Setting Aside All Authority makes a fine contribution to the history of science and especially the history of astronomy. The case Graney presents for the rationality of denying Copernicanism, as late as the mid seventeenth century, is cogent, and he presents a good deal of novel historical material that urges a reevaluation of a major figure—Riccioli. The book will interest not only historians but also philosophers of science, and scientists in the relevant specialties (astronomy, physics) together with their students at both the undergraduate and graduate level.” —Peter Barker, University of Oklahoma“Graney’s snapshot of anti-Copernican science proves false the anachronistic claim that religion and science have always been enemies in an uncomplicated sense, and he invites those who think they know the truth of Galileo’s travails and secular martyrdom to rethink.” – The Journal of Religion“Setting Aside All Authority is a fascinating book that outlines the strength of opposing arguments at the time of gravity problem’s emergence and the scientific limitations of all sides. It makes the victory of heliocentrism far more scientifically interesting than the conventional history suggests.” – America Magazine

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Book SynopsisThe Case of Galileo presents the scientific, philosophical, and theological factors that impacted Galileo’s trial, all set within the historical progression of Galileo’s writing and personal interactions with his contemporaries.Trade Review“This book is an excellent account of the trial and condemnation of Galileo by the Inquisition in 1633. It is a simplified and streamlined version adapted from the erudite book on the topic for which Fantoli is well known and highly respected among scholars. But like the erudite book, this one is well balanced with respect to the contrasts of science vs. religion, Galileo vs. the Catholic Church, history vs. philosophy, and factual detail vs. contemporary relevance.” —Maurice A. Finocchiaro, University of Nevada Las Vegas"Annibale Fantoli has justly earned an international reputation as the outstanding expert on the condemnation of Galileo by the Catholic Church for heresy in 1633, after the publication of his work promoting the concept of terrestrial motions. Among the significant factors Fantoli has explored are differences on philosophical, religious, and political issues among factions within the Church. Yet, for centuries the Catholic Church maintained that contradiction of the validity of certain passages in Scripture was unacceptable, if not heretical. However, as Fantoli notes in The Case of Galileo, the Church slowly began to modify its official stance in the centuries after Galileo. The most significant on the issue of the condemnation of Galileo occurred with a speech by Pope John Paul II several decades ago, in which he celebrated Galileo's achievements and acknowledged the need to further study the errors made by the Church. As Fantoli rightly states, that has not yet been done, and issues on relationships between faith and science may continue to remain significant. This book is an important contribution to discussion of those issues." —Wilbur Applebaum, Illinois Institute of Technology“For readers with a desire to uncover more than the familiar, but inaccurate, narrative of the Galileo case as one of science versus faith, Fantoli thoroughly examines the exact issues Galileo, his allies, and his critics confronted.” —U.S. Catholic“George Coyne has beautifully rendered into English Annibale Fantoli’s original Italian text.” —Fellowship of Catholic Scholars Quarterly“Using original documents, Annibale Fantoli masterfully reconstructs the events in Italy and Catholic Europe at the beginning of the seventeenth century that led to the confrontation between the church and Galileo, a devout Catholic. . . . His book gives a highly-nuanced reading of the cultural and academic environment of the time, including the interwoven issue of the relationship between theology and the newly emerging modern concept of science as a separate academic discipline.” —New Catholic Books and Media“Fantoli provides a simplified version of his scholarly Galileo: For Copernicanism and for the Church . . . for the general reader. . . . Fantoli’s analysis of the ‘burdensome inheritance of the Galileo affair’ is more extensive than his earlier work and pertinent to the continuing struggle between science and religion. The excellence of the prose is a product of the author’s ideas and the translator’s skill.” —Choice“Fantoli, already well-published on Galileo (1564-1642), traces both the complexities of Galileo’s dealings with and condemnation by the Catholic Church of his day, and the successes and failures of more recent papal efforts to finally move beyond what for most people today remains a notorious case of religion attempting to stifle scientific progress. . . . Though books on the Galileo case are extraordinarily abundant, this volume merits attention both by historians and by anyone concerned with how papal bureaucracy may be functional and/or dysfunctional.” —Theological Studies “Annibale Fantoli is the distinguished author of Galileo: For Copernicanism and for the Church (Notre Dame, 1994), and this new book is a revised and abridged edition for the general public. It is one of the best accounts of the life and achievements of Galileo, and it is excellently translated by George V. Coyne, who played a major role in the rehabilitation of Galileo in recent years.” —The Catholic Historical Review“The Case of Galileo offers an accessible overview of the controversy in its time. Written for a popular audience, and based on a more scholarly earlier book (Galileo For Copernicanism and for the Church), Fantoli’s overview of the evidence here will offer interested readers a useful point of entry into the early modern controversy.” —Comitatus“Fantoli’s account is thorough and suitable for those without specific expertise in the history of science . . . [and] his conclusions offer larger lessons. While the Inquisition no longer exists, the Catholic Church’s intransigence on issues such as birth control, for which its official doctrine runs counter to the practices of millions who consider themselves to be Catholic, suggests, for Fantoli, that the Catholic Church must embark on greater dialogue with the whole of contemporary religious and secular thought in order to avoid the same failings that it created in 1616 and 1633.” —European Historical Quarterly

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Book SynopsisIn less than a century, the accepted picture of the universe transformed from a stagnant place, comprised entirely of our own Milky Way galaxy, to a realm inhabited by billions of individual galaxies, hurtling away from one another. In this title, the author describes his principal observations and conclusions.Trade Review"This enduring work is the closest we can get to Edwin Hubble’s personal thoughts as he broke open the boundaries of the universe in the early twentieth century. In this compelling summary of his historic observations of myriad galaxies swiftly moving outward in space-time, we see both his awe—and his doubts—over the new and surprising cosmos he had revealed. A true classic of scientific literature."—Marcia Bartusiak, MIT, author of The Day We Found the Universe -- Marcia Bartusiak

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“Launius skilfully integrates diferent aspects and perspectives and explains the complexities of the moon race, its roots, and outcomes in an exceptionally readable and easily understandable form, which makes the book a fascinating read not only for historians but also for a broad audience interested in space history.” – Darina Volf, Minerva“By giving Soviets equal time in the portrayal of the space race, Launius makes a real contribution to our understanding of the forces that motivated Americans to reach for the Moon.”—Howard McCurdy, American University“An important, short book that is not simply a chronology of the Moon Race but a meditation on the reasons for the success of Apollo and an exploration of its legacy.”— Asif Siddiqi, Fordham University"Twelve people, all Americans, walked on the lunar surface between 1969 and 1972. In this concise but authoritative account, Roger Launius tells us how the U.S. beat the Soviet Union to the Moon, and reflects on the lasting significance of that remarkable success."—John M. Logsdon, author of John F. Kennedy and the Race to the Moon“Roger Launius’s keen analysis penetrates the stale metanarrative that for the past five decades has dominated—and, in key respects, misled—our understanding of the American and Soviet space programs. More than a great read, it is a must read for anyone interested in the fascinating but overly mythologized story of the Moon race.”—James R. Hansen, author of the New York Times Bestseller First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong

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Book SynopsisA unique, wide-ranging examination of asteroid exploration and our future in spaceTrade Review“A fascinating and at times surprising read, packed with useful information and benefitting from Elvis’s personal accounts throughout. . . . Written in an engaging and entertaining style, readers will find it hard to put down.”—BBC Sky at Night“Elvis gives us a lot of food for thought. It’s not what I expected but a whole lot more and is highly recommended.”—Kevin J Kilburn, Astronomy NowCHOICE Outstanding Academic Title 2022“Martin Elvis gives a fascinating survey of all the reasons why asteroids are interesting. He’s not only an expert, but a fluent and entertaining writer.”—Martin Rees, author of On the Future and Just Six Numbers“A lively and engaging writer, Martin Elvis shows us why it will take much more than drilling equipment and spaceships to mine asteroids—and to do it the right way.”—Frank White, author of The Overview Effect: Space Exploration and Human Evolution“A delightful trip around the solar system’s most dangerous and useful objects, leftovers from the beginning, causes of mass extinctions, and a chance for space trillionaires. Well done!”—John Mather, author of The Very First Light; Nobel Prize laureate (physics), 2006“A lively, comprehensive vision of future knowledge, technologies and wealth creation in our solar system. A great read for lovers of astronomy and astronautics, long-term investors, and venture capitalists with nerves of steel.”—Sir Philip Campbell, editor-in-chief, Springer Nature“Asteroids is a unique and compelling read, exploring the science of asteroids, space travel, and astronomy, and providing a fascinating study of the practical and financial benefits of asteroid research.”—Gregory J. Gbur, author of Falling Felines and Fundamental Physics

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Book SynopsisA journey guided by science that explores the universe, the earth, and the story of lifeTrade Review“Have you ever thought, I regret I never took any science courses when I was in school? If so, this could be the book for you. It explores select topics in science, but, even more importantly, also explains how scientists made their discoveries (or might have)—years ago and sometimes more recently. Written by a professor who clearly loves learning and teaching and who isn’t afraid to venture into areas beyond his expertise, this is a fun and informative work just might be your gateway to learning more about the world.”—Lisa Randall, author of Dark Matter and Dinosaurs: The Astounding Interconnectedness of the Universe“This delightful ‘short survey of science’ concludes with the author’s hope that readers find it ‘both fun and enlightening.’ I certainly did, but even more will my ten grandchildren.”—Sheldon Lee Glashow, Nobel laureate and author of The Charm of Physics“A grand tour of science, showing how various disciplines have unified together to illuminate the workings of the universe, earth, and life.”—Stephen Brusatte, author of The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs and The Rise and Reign of the Mammals“With Professor Shapiro as your guide, each page of The Unity of Science imparts knowledge with clarity and enthusiasm, making you feel as though you’re personally immersed in an engaging lecture.”—Sara Seager, author of The Smallest Lights in the Universe“In a knowledgeable but vernacular voice, Irwin Shapiro provides a bird’s eye view of the scientific elements that explain how our world started and evolved, and how we came to be.”—Margaret Galland Kivelson, University of California, Los Angeles, and University of Michigan “An inspiring vision of science as a seamless whole, with no boundaries between dinosaurs, DNA, and dark matter. Written by a renowned astrophysicist in a humble style that will appeal to science lovers and science lovers-to-be.”—Joshua Winn, author of The Little Book of Exoplanets “This is a marvelous book that highlights the value of a liberal education, written by a scholar highly respected for his multi-decade pioneering research in physics and astronomy.”—Frank H. Shu, author of The Physical Universe: An Introduction to Astronomy

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Book SynopsisThe next decade of planetary science and astrobiology holds tremendous promise. New research will expand our understanding of our solar system's origins, how planets form and evolve, under what conditions life can survive, and where to find potentially habitable environments in our solar system and beyond. Origins, Worlds, and Life: A Decadal Strategy for Planetary Science and Astrobiology 2023-2032 highlights key science questions, identifies priority missions, and presents a comprehensive research strategy that includes both planetary defense and human exploration. This report also recommends ways to support the profession as well as the technologies and infrastructure needed to carry out the science. Table of ContentsFront MatterSummary1 Introduction to Planetary Science, Astrobiology, and Planetary Defense2 Tour of the Solar System: A Transformative Decade of Exploration3 Priority Science Questions4 Question 1: Evolution of the Protoplanetary Disk5 Question 2: Accretion in the Ou

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Book SynopsisAstronomy is the field of science devoted to the study of astronomical objects, such as stars, galaxies, and nebulae. Astronomers have gathered a wealth of knowledge about the universe through hundreds of years of painstaking observations. These observations are interpreted by the use of physical and chemical laws familiar to mankind. These interpretations supply information about the nature of these astronomical objects, allowing for the deduction of their surface and interior conditions. The science associated with these interpretations is called astrophysics.An Introduction to Astronomy and Astrophysics offers a comprehensive introduction to astronomy and astrophysics, complete with illustrative examples and illuminating homework problems. Requiring a familiarity with basic physics and mathematics, this undergraduate-level textbook: Addresses key physics concepts relevant to stellar observations, including radiation, electromagnetic spectrum, photometry, continuous and discrete spectrum, and spectral lines. Describes instruments used for astronomical observations as well as how the radiation received is characterized and interpreted to determine the properties of stars. Examines the structure of stars, the basic equations that explain stars in equilibrium, and the fusion reactions occurring in stellar cores. Discusses the evolution of stars, the solar system, the dynamics of galaxies, and the fundamentals of modern cosmology. Explores the universe at high redshifts, where it is dominated by objects such as active galaxies. An Introduction to Astronomy and Astrophysics teaches students how to interpret the night sky, providing them with a critical understanding of the stars and sun, solar system, extrasolar planets, stars, and galaxies.The book is thoroughly revised to make it an essential textbook for students. The Second edition introduces the following changes: New solutions are provided at the end of all the chapters. The number of problems has increased. Major chapters have been considerably revised and new developments in this field have been introduced.

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Book SynopsisAn epic, full-color visual journey through all scales of the universeIn The Zoomable Universe, the award-winning astrobiologist Caleb Scharf and the acclaimed artist Ron Miller take us on an epic tour through all known scales of reality, from the largest possible magnitude to the smallest. Drawing on cutting-edge science, they begin at the limits of the observable universe, a scale spanning 10^27 metersabout 93 billion light-years. And they end in the subatomic realm, at 10^-35 meters, where the fabric of space-time itself confounds all known rules of physics. In between are galaxies, stars and planets, oceans and continents, plants and animals, microorganisms, atoms, and much, much more. Stops along the wayall enlivened by Scharf's sparkling prose and his original insights into the nature of our universeinclude the brilliant core of the Milky Way, the surface of a rogue planet, the back of an elephant, and a sea of jostling quarks.The Zoomable Unive

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Book Synopsis

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