Popular astronomy and space Books

Book SynopsisDo a little armchair time travel, rub elbows with a four-dimensional intelligent life form, or stretch your mind to the furthest corner of an uncharted universe. With this astonishing guidebook, Surfing Through Hyperspace, you need not be a mathematician or an astrophysicist to explore the all-but-fathomable concepts of hyperspace and higher-dimensional geometry.No subject in mathematics has intrigued both children and adults as much as the idea of a fourth dimension. Philosophers and parapsychologists have meditated on this mysterious space that no-one can point to but may be all around us. Yet this extra dimension has a very real, practical value to mathematicians and physicists who use it everyday in their calculations. In the tradition of Flatland, and with an infectious enthusiasm, Clifford Pickover tackles the problems inherent in our 3-D brains trying to visualize a 4-D world, muses on the religious implications of the existence of higher-dimensional consciousness, and urges allTrade Review"Pickover alternates expositions of math, physics and geometry with episodes of instructional science fiction while showing interested amateurs the mathematical and physical properties of higher spatial dimensions."--Publishers Weekly "Is there, asks Clifford Pickover, more to our Universe than forwards, sidewards, and up? Before I knew it, I was well and truly infected. After explaining how his book would cover all the usual stuff about higher dimensions--their unimaginability, their weird properties, and how physicists think they may hold the key to understanding the Universe--Pickover sprung his trap: 'I want to know if humankind's gods could exist in the fourth dimension'....I read the book in two sittings. I'm still under its influence, which is all the more perplexing considering how abstract and unworldly higher dimensions are."--Robert Mathews, New Scientist "Mark my words: within a few months, you too will come across others in the grip of infection by this amazing book."--New Scientist "Extraordinary book."--Daily Telegraph (UK) "In recent years, Pickover has taken up the helm once worn by Isaac Asimov as the most compelling popular explainer of cutting-edge scientific ideas."--"In Pittsburgh" "Pickover alternates expositions of math, physics and geometry with episodes of instructional science fiction while showing interested amateurs the mathematical and physical properties of higher spatial dimensions."--Publishers Weekly "Is there, asks Clifford Pickover, more to our Universe than forwards, sidewards, and up? Before I knew it, I was well and truly infected. After explaining how his book would cover all the usual stuff about higher dimensions--their unimaginability, their weird properties, and how physicists think they may hold the key to understanding the Universe--Pickover sprung his trap: 'I want to know if humankind's gods could exist in the fourth dimension'....I read the book in two sittings. I'm still under its influence, which is all the more perplexing considering how abstract and unworldly higher dimensions are."--Robert Mathews, New Scientist "Mark my words: within a few months, you too will come across others in the grip of infection by this amazing book."--New Scientist "Extraordinary book."--Daily Telegraph (UK) "In recent years, Pickover has taken up the helm once worn by Isaac Asimov as the most compelling popular explainer of cutting-edge scientific ideas."--"In Pittsburgh"Table of ContentsPreface Introduction 1: Degrees of Freedom 2: The Divinity of Higher Dimensions 3: Satan and Perpendicular Worlds 4: Hyperspheres and Tesseracts 5: Mirror Worlds 6: The Gods of Hyperspace Concluding Remarks Appendix A: Mind-Bending Four Dimensional Puzzles Appendix B: Higher Dimensions in Science Fiction Appendix C: Banchoff Klein Bottle Appendix D: Quaternions Appendix E: Four-Dimensional Mazes Appendix F: Smorgasbord for Computer Junkies Appendix G: Evolution of Four-Dimensional Beings Appendix H: Challenging Questions for Further Thought Appendix I: Hyperspace Titles Notes Further Readings About the Author Addendum Index

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Book SynopsisEugene Cernan is a unique American who came of age as an astronaut during the most exciting and dangerous decade of spaceflight. His career spanned the entire Gemini and Apollo programs, from being the first person to spacewalk all the way around our world to commanding Apollo XVII, man's last mission to the moon. This book tells his story.Trade ReviewThis is an exciting, insider's take on what it was like to become one of the first humans in space. Publishers Weekly Eugene Cernan offers unique insight...[he's] experienced it all African Sun Times A fascinating book...Cernan pulls few punches. Charlotte Observer Refreshingly told...written as though it's been days since he went to space, not decades. St. Petersburg Times [with] thrilling highlights, this is a book not just about space flight but also about the often brutal competition that went on between the US and the Soviet Union. Washington Times With the feel of a story recalled among friends, this is an appealingly down to earth account from the last man to walk on the moon. No advanced physics, no scientific mumbo-jumbo. Just a thoroughly engrossing recollection of Cernan's crucial role in the conquest of space. I loved the book. Ron Howard, Director, Apollo 13 I know the American people will learn a great deal from this book. I hope they learn a lot more about astronaut Gene Cernan, my friend, a man of courage and dedication. President George Bush "

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Book SynopsisExplores the history of the Big Bang concept. From the earliest creation myths, through Hershel's realization that the Milky Way was one of many galaxies, to the debates about Black Holes, this title looks at the origins of the universe and the many theories that led to the acceptance of the Big Bang.

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Book SynopsisAn excellent reference. This book has to be on the shelf of every space buff. --James Lovell, Commander, Apollo 13. Get the inside story on outer space from three-time shuttle astronaut R. Mike Mullane.Table of ContentsSpace Physics. Space Shuttle Pre-Mission and Launch Operations. Space Shuttle Orbit Operations. Life in Space. Space Physiology. Space Shuttle Reentry and Landing. Challenger. Astronaut Facts. The Future. Index.

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

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Book SynopsisThis special collector’s edition of The Art of NASA adds 32 pages of new material, a presentation case, a new cover, a paper model of the Lunar Module, four postcards, and a rolled poster. ​

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

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Book SynopsisWhat happened to the space age?

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Book Synopsis'Extremely authoritative. The best book I have read on space travel since Arthur C. Clarke's classic, The Promise of Space.' Marcus ChownIn an era of rapidly developing technology and renewed ambition, the twenty-first century has ushered in an exciting new age of space flight. But what has brought us to this point in our exploration of the universe? And what does the future of space travel hold? From the amazing technology that has enabled us to look beyond the clouds to the possibilities of space tourism, 10 Short Lessons in Space Travel takes a timely look at the essential lessons learned from our voyages into outer space.About the series: The Pocket Einstein series is a collection of essential pocket-sized guides for anyone looking to understand a little more about some of the most relevant science that affects us all in the twenty-first century. Broken down into ten simple lessons and written by leading experts in their field, discover the ten most important takeaways from those areas of science we should all know more about.Trade ReviewA nice, easily digestible read to making your own giant leap into the future. -- Nicholas Booth, co-author of The Search for Life on Mars: The Greatest Scientific Detective Story of All TimeCompact, informative and entertaining – essential reading for any budding astronaut. -- Giles Sparrow, author of Hubble: Window on the UniverseSoon space travel will open itself up to paying members of the public. Parsons' guide is essential reading for would-be astronauts young and old. -- Colin Stuart, author of How to Live in Space

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Book SynopsisThe development of science has been an ideological struggle that lasted over three millennia. At and after the times of the Babylonian Empire, however, the pace of scientific evolution was painfully slow. This situation changed after Copernicus kick-started the Scientific Revolution with his heliocentric theory. Newton’s law of universal gravitation transformed natural philosophy, previously focused on mythology and abstract philosophical thinking, into an orderly and rational physical science. Einstein’s redefinition of space and time revealed a new and central principle of the Universe, paving the way for the huge amounts of energy held deep inside physical matter to be released. To this day, many of the our known physical theories represent an accumulation of changing knowledge over the long course of scientific history. But what kind of changes did the scientists see? What questions did they address? What methods did they use? What difficulties did they encounter? And what kind of persecution might they have faced on the road to discovering these beautiful, sometimes almost mystical, ideas? This book’s purpose is to investigate these questions. It leads the reader through the stories behind major scientific advancements and their theories, as well as explaining associated examples and hypotheses. Over the course of the journey, readers will come to understand the way scientists explore nature and how scientific theories are applied to natural phenomena and every-day technology.Table of Contents Prologue: Our Universe.- Ancient Wisdom and Natural Philosophers.- The Heyday of Greek Astronomy.- The Tumultuous Astronomical Revolution.- The Well-Ordered Newtonian Mechanics.- Special Relativity: Fusing Space and Time.- General Relativity: Describing A Curved Spacetime.- The Course of Scientific Development: Evolution of Thought Across a Millennium.- Further Reading

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Book SynopsisMichael Swanson’s online discussions with literally thousands of NexStar owners made it clear that there was a desperate need for a book such as this – one that provides a complete, detailed guide to buying, using and maintaining NexStar telescopes. Although this book is highly comprehensive, it is suitable for beginners – there is a chapter on "Astronomy Basics" – and experts alike.Celestron’s NexStar telescopes were introduced in 1999, beginning with their first computer controlled "go to" model, a 5-inch. More models appeared in quick succession, and Celestron’s new range made it one of the two dominant manufacturers of affordable "go to" telescopes. Trade ReviewFrom the reviews of the first edition: “Swanson includes thorough, model-specific descriptions of the all the telescope functions, care and maintenance, accessories, and numerous advanced topics. You’ll find advice on how to fine-tune your alignment so that a new target will fall within the eyepiece’s field of view every time you slew. I used to be pleased if that happened two or three times in a night. … I was surprised by the difference these small improvements made in the pleasure of my observing experience. … true advantage comes from its friendly approach and sound advice based on the personal experiences of the author and other avid NexStar users.” (Sky & Telescope, December, 2004)Table of ContentsChapter 1 - Introduction.- Chapter 2 - Astronomy Basics.- Chapter 3 - Overview of Celestron's Alt-Az Computerized Telescopes.- Chapter 4 - Alignment.- Chapter 5 - NexStar and StarSense Hand Control Operation.- Chapter 6 - SkyPortal Operation.- Chapter 7 - Connecting a PC, Mac, Tablet, or Smartphone to Your 'Scope.- Chapter 8- Expanding Your Horizons - Choosing Objects to View.- Chapter 9 - accessories for Your Telescope.- Chapter 10 - Firmware Updates.- Chapter 11.- Collimation, Maintenance, Care, and Cleaning.- Chapter 12 - Tips, Solutions, and Troubleshooting Common problems.- Appendix A - Internet Resources.- Appendix B - Glossary.- Index.

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Book SynopsisNow is the time to fly to space! New technological developments, commercialisation of spaceflight and advances in space medicine have made human space travel more attainable than ever before.This entertaining but nevertheless authoritative book gives a practical introduction to space travel from a number of viewpoints: How spacecraft are built, how to steer and navigate them, instructions for a comfortable everyday life in space and a guide to remain healthy and strong in weightlessness. The Spacefarer's Handbook is full of advice, tips and anecdotes to prepare the reader for their own trip to space. At the same time, it does not lose the scientific perspective on spaceflight. The authors, a physicist and a space medicine specialist, explain the underlying concepts rigorously and include recent research findings. From the operating principles of rocket engines, via bone loss in weightlessness to the methane lakes of Titan, this book contains everything aspiring spacefarers need to know! It also serves as a very good resource, beyond general space enthusiasts, for science fiction readers & writers who are looking for a better foundation in space flight."Highly recommended for everyone who wants to fly to space and all passengers of our mothership Earth!"Hans Schlegel, ESA AstronautTrade Review“This book is intended as a general introduction to space travel for anyone contemplating such an adventure. Each chapter provides a general summary of the main topics that any non-professional astronaut might want to learn more about. … this is a well-written, useful — and sometimes light-hearted — introduction for anyone who wants to know more about humanity’s efforts to leave planet Earth.” (Peter Bond, The Observatory, Vol. 141 (1284), October, 2021)“Their book is presented in a breezy, refreshing style, and is an acceptable read even for knowledgeable people. … The book also has some interesting anecdotes.” (‪John Silvester, Spaceflight, Vol. 63, August, 2021)“If you have a question about going into space, and surviving once you’re there, then this book needs to be on your shelf as soon as possible.” (Stuart Atkinson, Popular Astronomy, popastro.com, July-August 2021)“I can’t remember when a book exceeded my expectations quite as much as this one did. … the book has an affordable, far from academic-level price tag – so it’s highly recommended for anyone with an interest in the finer points of human spaceflight.” (Popular Science, popsciencebooks.blogspot.com, May 5, 2021)Table of Contents1. How to Become a Spacefarer.- 2. Building Spacecraft.- 3. How to Fly a Spacecraft.- 4. Daily Life in Space.- 5. Space Medicine.- 6. Exploration and Colonisation.

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