Popular astronomy and space Books

Book SynopsisA brand-new edition of this bestselling Gem, featuring individual charts for all 88 constellations, a star atlas of the entire sky and details of the brightest stars and objects of interest which can be seen with the naked eye, binoculars and small telescopes.

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Book SynopsisPhilip''s Stargazing is the perfect practical guide for both budding and experienced astronomers.If you buy just one guide...you won''t do better than this. - BBC Sky at Night MagazineI will continue to enjoy ''Philip''s Stargazing'' as the months go by. - Helen Sharman, AstronautVery useful indeed. - Chris Lintott, Sky at Night presenterPhilip''s Stargazing is essential for all those who enjoy exploring the night sky, with up-to-date monthly star charts, moon calendars and viewing tips, as well as the best dark-sky sites to visit and astronomy festivals through the year. In 2026 there is a 90% solar eclipse with the next total eclipse not due until 2090. Compiled by experts and specially designed for easy use, Stargazing 2026 is a comprehensive companion for both seasoned and novice astronomers.* Fully updated colour star chart for each month of the year* Viewing recommendations and practical advice including a 90% Solar Eclipse in August 26 * Top constellation, target object, topic and picture for each month* Daily Moon Phase Calendar, highlighting special lunar events throughout the year * Planet Watch for ideal viewing days in 2026* The best places to experience Dark Skies * The latest on Star Festival, Star Parties and astronomy-themed days out* Expert advice from internationally renowned astronomer professor Nigel Henbest * Special article by equipment expert Robin Scagell on the best first telescopes* Tips for using your smartphone to navigate the skies* Complete calendar of major astronomical events * Top 20 Sky Sights of 2026* Jargon Buster, explaining common or confusing terms * Clear Explanations of the planets'' movements, solar and lunar eclipses, meteors and comets

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Book Synopsis* Spacecraft missions to nearby planets* The Library of ancient Alexandria* The human brain* Egyptian hieroglyphics* The origin of life* The death of the sun* The evolution of galaxies* The origins of matter, suns and worldsThe story of fifteen billion years of cosmic evolution transforming matter and life into consciousness, of how science and civilisation grew up together, and of the forces and individuals who helped shape modern science. A story told with Carl Sagan''s remarkable ability to make scientific ideas both comprehensible and exciting.Trade ReviewThis book made me fall in love with physics, which - as I always hated science at school - is no mean feat. It looks at everything from ancient Egypt to the possibility of alien life. Pop science at its best -- Matt Haig** 'Enticing, imaginative, readable, iridescent * The New York TIMES *

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Book SynopsisA brilliant introductory guide to exploring the night sky, from the astronomers of the Royal Observatory Greenwich.Offering complete advice from the ground up, Stargazing is the perfect manual for beginners to astronomy introducing the world of telescopes, planets, stars, dark skies and celestial maps.Discover how to tackle light pollution, how to stargaze with just your eyes, and what equipment is best for beginners.Astronomy experts Radmila Topalovic and Tom Kerss explain the best ways to plan your stargazing experience and the key things to look out for on specific dates throughout the year.With seasonal star charts, constellation charts and facts about our Solar System, Stargazing is packed of useful information and guidance for both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.Bridging the gap between human curiosity and the need for scientific expertise, Stargazing allows a complete novice to understand our place in the cosmos and enjoy the beautiful and extraordinary wonders of the niTrade Review‘A perfect book for anyone looking to start a new hobby or simply have a better understanding of our Universe.’- Firetrench ‘This accessible and well-presented book would make an ideal gift for any beginner to astronomy – recommended.’ Journal of the British Astronomical Association

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Book SynopsisThis book features stunning imagery captured by the Hubble Space Telescope and explains how Hubble has advanced our understanding of the universe and our creation.Trade Review“Along with his clear description of the Hubble Space Telescope’s setbacks and successes, Jim Bell has compiled an exquisite collection of stunning photographs of the universe. Have many long looks— your tax dollars at work— an astronomer’s catalog of the cosmos.” —Bill Nye, CEO, The Planetary Society“Along with his clear description of the Hubble Space Telescope’s setbacks and successes, Jim Bell has compiled an exquisite collection of stunning photographs of the universe. Have many long looks— your tax dollars at work— an astronomer’s catalog of the cosmos.” —Bill Nye, CEO, The Planetary Society "You can’t flip through this stunning collection of Hubble images without pausing often to shake your head in awe. The accompanying text that Contributing Editor Jim Bell wrote is equally enriching. Altogether, this coffee-table book is a riveting celebration of the venerable space telescope’s 30th anniversary." —Sky & Telescope

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Book SynopsisSeeing a total solar eclipse ('totality' - when the sun is fully obscured by the moon) is a bucket-list event, generating a sense of wonder and even an 'end-of-the-world' sensation. New from Bradt, Solar Eclipses 2024-2027 is the only guide to cover the world's next three total solar eclipses, arguably Nature's most incredible spectacle. Written by an eclipse expert, this guide offers potential eclipse-tourists and eclipse-chasers alike everything they need to understand, prepare for and travel to each eclipse. Each eclipse will be remarkable in its own right. The 2024 totality will be visible in 15 US states, six Canadian provinces and parts of Mexico. The events offer US residents a second bite at the cherry, after many people regretted not travelling a short distance into the 2017 eclipse zone. The 2026 event is Europe's first totality since 1999 and will be visible in Greenland, Iceland and Spain. The 2027 eclipse (visible from Spain, Gibraltar, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Somalia) will be the longest until 2168. Chapters explain the climatology of each eclipse track, chart the sky during totality, and advise precisely where and when to see it - with detailed information on duration, altitude and timings for various locations. Such travel advice is critical, because the best eclipse-viewing locations tend to be in relatively remote places that either require careful planning or advance booking on specialist tours, which have limited capacity. A complementary chapter helps the beginner understand eclipse science, the types of solar eclipse and great historical eclipses. Another details other minor eclipses during 2024-2027 plus the annular eclipses due in 2023 and 2028, when the moon obscures all but the outer ring of the sun. Another chapter provides advice on how to prepare for and photograph solar eclipses. Throw in a schedule of eclipses through to 2050, and listings for tour operators specialising in eclipse tourism and the result is the most detailed eclipse guide around - perfect for everyone from beginners to experts via anyone who wants an excuse to travel somewhere different.Table of ContentsChapter 1 Total Solar Eclipses Explanations, Eclipses in history, types of solar eclipse (types of eclipses) Chapter 2 Solar eclipse across central and North America in April 2024 Where it goes, The climatology of the eclipse track, chart of the Sky during totality, Lunar Limb profile Chapter 3 Solar eclipse in 2026 across Spain Where it goes, The climatology of the eclipse track , chart of the Sky during totality, Lunar Limb profile Chapter 4 Solar eclipse in 2027 across Spain and North Africa Where it goes, The climatology of the eclipse track , chart of the Sky during totality, Lunar Limb profile Chapter 5 Annular and partial eclipses Listing other minor eclipses in the time period Including "Bonus annular eclipses of 2023 and 2028 " Chapter 6 Planning, Preparation and Photography Health and Safety, What to take, Photography Chapter 7 Conclusion Appendices Further information, Books, Internet, Maps, etc. 1 map of eclipses from 2024 until 2050 List of tour operators. No index

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Book SynopsisAn insight into NASA's Gemini spacecraft, the precursor to Apollo and the key to the Moon NASA's Gemini space flight programme followed on from the pioneering Mercury missions which put the first US astronauts into space.Table of ContentsPublished to mark the 50th anniversary of the first mission of the Gemini programme in 1965 Explanations of the spacecraft's systems - Titan II rocket launch vehicle, guidance an navigation, environmental control, reaction control and propulsion, re-entry and Earth landing, communications and electrical power. Techniques and accomplishments of the programme - controlled rendezvous and docking, use of a docked rocket to achieve extreme altitude, spacewalking, controlled re-entry, long-duration flight, mission control. The many 'firsts' accomplished during Gemini missions - first US two-man spacecraft, first US spacewalk, first manoeuvre in a manned spacecraft, first in-flight computer, first in-flight radar, first rendezvous, first docking, first controlled re-entry, first fuel cells for electrical power, firsts optical navigation in space. A wealth of artwork, photography and illustrations from the NASA archives.

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Book SynopsisExplore the night skies with this beautiful illustrated monthly guide to the stars and planets.This large-format almanac allows you to step outside and track the planets, locate the Milky Way, recognise the constellations of the zodiac and watch meteor showers.Stargazers' Almanac 2024 is a beautiful month-by-month guide to the night skies. It's designed specifically for naked-eye astronomy -- no telescope required! -- making it ideal for beginners, children and backyard astronomers. It is a perennially popular Christmas gift -- and one which lasts the whole year round. Each monthly chart features two views of the night sky, looking north and south, and a visual guide to the phases of the moon and the movements of the planets.Stargazers' Almanac 2024 also features:-- Advice on how to navigate the night sky-- Overhead reference map of the sky-- Reference plan of constellations-- Glossary of constellations and Latin names-- Glossary of brightness of stars-- Guide to the signs of the zodiac and how they relate to the stars-- Loop and eyelet for easy wall hanging; presented in a sturdy cardboard gift envelope -- no shrink wrap!The Stargazers' Almanac is suitable for astronomy enthusiasts throughout the Northern Hemisphere's temperate (non-tropical) latitudes and itis printed on sustainably sourced FSC paper using plant-based inks which reduces chemical emissions and makes it easier to recycle.Trade Review'A very good, very useful Almanac.'-- Sir Patrick Moore'This Almanac will show you the wonders of the night sky, a sight that is becoming ever more precious with light pollution often masking our view.'-- Bill Bryson'Suitable for all levels of skywatcher.'-- Popular Astronomy'A Christmas gift for anyone with the slightest interest in what is going on "up there".'-- The Observatory Magazine'This calendar has a place in the study or library as a reminder of what's up in the sky, and has popular appeal especially for newcomers to astronomy.'-- Journal of the British Astronomical Association'With this in hand you should be able to explore the night sky and sort out Andromeda from Perseus … I really felt that with this in my hand I could find my way around the sky as I never have before … this is a really valuable asset to the amateur astronomer and a good gift for anyone with even the slightest interest in the stars.'-- Popularscience.co.ukTable of ContentsThe ConstellationsHow to use this GuideJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecemberThe man who stirred up the Milky WayVoyagers into the voidStars and insectsStars overhead

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Book SynopsisNAMED A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR BY THE ECONOMIST, OBSERVER, NEW SCIENTIST, BBC FOCUS, INDEPENDENT AND WASHINGTON POST ''A rollicking tour of the wildest physics. . . Like an animated discussion with your favourite quirky and brilliant professor'' Leah Crane, New Scientist''Weird science, explained beautifully'' - John ScalziWe know the universe had a beginning. But what happens at the end of the story?With lively wit and wry humour, astrophysicist Katie Mack takes us on a mind-bending tour through each of the cosmos'' possible finales: the Big Crunch, Heat Death, Vacuum Decay, the Big Rip and the Bounce. Guiding us through major concepts in quantum mechanics, cosmology, string theory and much more, she describes how small tweaks to our incomplete understanding of reality can result in starkly different futures. Our universe could collapse in upon itself, or rip itself apart, or even - in the next five minutes - succumb to an inescapable expanding bubble of doom.This captivating story of cosmic escapism examines a mesmerizing yet unfamiliar physics landscape while sharing the excitement a leading astrophysicist feels when thinking about the universe and our place in it. Amid stellar explosions and bouncing universes, Mack shows that even though we puny humans have no chance of changing how it all ends, we can at least begin to understand it.The End of Everything is a wildly fun, surprisingly upbeat ride to the farthest reaches of all that we know.Trade ReviewKatie Mack is a great scientist, a passionate inquirer of nature, a great companion in this exploration, full of wit and lightness. I have learned from her plenty of things I did not know. And I have found myself staring out of the window, meditating about the end of it all -- Carlo Rovelli * Observer Books of the Year *Witty, clear and upbeat -- Bill Clinton * Guardian *An engrossing and often funny tour of all the ways our cosmos might come to a close. Mack's enjoyment of physics stands out - and is contagious. She describes primordial black holes as "awfully cute in a terrifying theoretical kind of way", antimatter as "matter's annihilation-happy evil twin" and the universe as "frickin' weird". All true, and Mack's explanations are entertaining and informative * New Scientist Books of the Year *Mack's humour and eclectic references (from Shakespeare to 'Battlestar Galactica') carry the book along. Even through discussions of cutting-edge science, the general reader is never bewildered * The Economist Books of the Year *An enthusiastic celebration of the fact that we exist at all, here, right now, and are able to wonder about such stuff. . . By introducing concepts such as entropy and heat death with metaphors of unscrambling eggs or your coffee going cold, she takes the reader from the cosmos to the kitchen, and Mack's true skill is to do all this without a whiff of condescension or self-importance. . . while dealing with many of the same mind-bending cosmic conundrums, she succeeds brilliantly where Hawking failed * Sydney Morning Herald *Tremendous... makes me laugh the kind of laugh that puts doom in perspective. How useful! I feel weirdly lulled when I read about all the many ravishing ways the universe might, and will, end -- Johanna Hedva * White Review *In which everything ends, or doesn't, with bangs and whimpers. Like many good serious books, it's also funny -- Sarah BakewellA rollicking tour of the wildest physics. . . Like an animated discussion with your favourite quirky and brilliant professor. What stands out most is Mack's pure enjoyment of physics, and it is contagious. . . If you need a moment to be distracted from everyday life and journey to the deep cosmic future, I highly recommend it -- Leah Crane * New Scientist *Mack is brilliant, and my neighbour's six-year-old daughter loves her. I love her. . . The cosiest way to read The End of Everything, her fast-paced book about universal death, is as a murder mystery. In the middle of the carpet is our butchered universe. How did it die? Squashed ('The Big Crunch')? Boiled ('Heat Death')? Eviscerated ('The Big Rip')? Burst apart from every pore ('Vacuum Decay')? To one side, almost dancing with excitement, is Inspector Mack. . . -- Alexander Masters * The Spectator *One of the most popular voices on science. . . Katie Mack achieves two improbable feats. First, she writes about the end of the universe with a jauntiness that makes it not actually that depressing. And second, she takes concepts in cosmology, string theory and quantum mechanics and makes them accessible -- Tim Lewis * Observer *Exactly the sort of book I would have given to myself at 14, 24, 34 and honestly pretty much every age after. Weird science, explained beautifully -- John ScalziJoyous, beautiful and strange. . . filled with brilliant moments where you just have to stop and stare out of the window for a while -- Robin InceEverything dies, even the universe. But will it be a peaceful fading-away, or a dramatic cataclysm? Scientists don't know for sure, but Katie Mack provides an expert and entertaining guide to the possibilities. Who knew a book about the end of the universe could communicate so much passion for science? -- Sean Carroll, author of Something Deeply HiddenThis book teaches you that the universe could end at any moment, but is so good that you will be rooting for it not to-at least, not until you finish the book. Katie Mack's witty, lucid prose is endlessly delightful -- Alexandra Petri, author of Nothing Is Wrong and Here Is WhyAn engrossing, elegant timeline of the cosmos. . . Mack sprinkles in delightful esoterica along the way, while providing a guide to some of the most plausible scenarios about the end of the universe * New York Times *Mack is a great science communicator and I suspected I was going to like this book as soon as I saw her name. I am pleased to say it does not disappoint * BBC Sky at Night *Mack creates an accessible, easy-to-digest guide to how the universe might end, speaking in a casual way that feels like sitting down for coffee with a good friend - one who can break down the physics of destruction into bite-sized delights * Discover *Excellent, far-reaching... the perfect antidote to the malaise of mundane worries * Science *I found it helpful -- not reassuring, certainly, but mind-expanding -- to be reminded of our place in a vast cosmos. -- James Gleick, The New York Times Book ReviewHaving a great time enjoying The End of Everything. A mind blowing book. I got mine on Kindle as I need to underline particularly mind boggling ideas. Why not join me? -- Eric Idle

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Book SynopsisThe definitive book on the James Webb Space Telescope, including its most stunning images to date, written by space expert Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock.Despite the huge advances in space technology in recent decades, much of the universe still remains a source of mystery, often provoking more questions than answers. Keen to follow on from the findings of the Hubble telescope, NASA successfully launched the James Webb Space Telescope in December 2021 to study every phase of the history of our universe.The first stunningly clear images of the very depths of the universe using Webb’s groundbreaking infrared technology were released in July 2022, forever changing the way we see and understand the origins of our existence. From the never-before-seen bright stars surrounding the cosmic cliffs of the Carina Nebula to the intricate details of dying stars to the first detection of a crucial carbon molecule which forms the foundations of life as we know it, Webb continues to amaze and inform us in equal measure.Bringing her passion as well as her expert knowledge of space and Webb in particular, Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock demystifies these stunning pictures and breaks down the essential science behind each image, explaining what we’re seeing and learning from the world’s most powerful space telescope.

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Book SynopsisPhilip's Stargazing is the perfect practical guide for both budding and experienced astronomers."If you buy just one guide...you won't do better than this." - BBC Sky at Night MagazineWhether you're a seasoned astronomer or just starting out, this handy fact-packed gem is the only book you'll need. Compiled by experts and specially designed for easy and daily use, Stargazing 2024 acts as a handily illustrated and comprehensive companion. Including the top astronomical places to visit, star festivals and the latest on star parties in Britain and Ireland, the new 2024 edition is totally up-to-date for exploring the wonder of the night skies, month-by-month and day-by-day.· 12 updated sky charts for year-round astronomical discovery· Month-to-Month information. Daily Moon Phase Calendar, highlighting special lunar events throughout the year· Planet Watch for ideal viewing days in 2024· The best places to experience Dark Skies, along with the latest on Star Festivals and Star Parties· Top places to visit for astronomical insights· Expert advice and insight throughout from internationally renowned Prof Nigel Henbest· Special article on the use of filters for astro-photography by expert Robin Scagell· Complete calendar of major astronomical events, including the Top 20 Sky Sights of 2024· Jargon Buster, explaining common or confusing terms· The planets' movements explained from solar and lunar eclipses to meteor showers and comets"I will continue to enjoy 'Philip's Stargazing' as the months go by." - Helen Sharman, Astronaut"Very useful indeed." - Chris Lintott, Sky at Night presenter

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Book SynopsisEvery night, above our heads, a drama of epic proportions is playing out. Diamond planets, zombie stars, black holes heavier than a billion Suns. The cast of characters is extraordinary, and each one has its own incredible story to tell.We once thought of our Earth as unique, but we have now discovered thousands of alien planets, and that's barely a fraction of the worlds that are out there. And there are more stars in the Universe than grains of sand on every planet in the Solar System. But amid all this vastness, the Milky Way Galaxy, our Sun and the Earth are home to the only known life in the Universe at least for now.With a foreword from Professor Brian Cox, and access to all the latest stunning NASA photography, Andrew Cohen takes readers on a voyage of discovery, via the probes and telescopes exploring the outer reaches of our galaxy, revealing how it was formed and how it will inevitably be destroyed by the enigmatic black hole at its heart. And beyond our galaxy, the expandinTrade Review‘Wonderful in every sense’ Guardian ‘I wish Brian Cox had been my physics teacher’ The Times ‘Undeniably beautiful’ Daily Mail ‘Engaging and elucidating’ Metro ‘[The Universe] looks spectacular and the science is mind-boggling’ Telegraph Praise for The Planets by Andrew Cohen and Professor Brian Cox: ‘So staggering you go whoa!’ every few seconds … Cox is the Attenborough of the Solar System’ Guardian ‘Spectacular. [Cox’s] ability to convey maximum information in a clear and minimalist style is so softly winning and persuasive’ Sunday Times ‘Professor Brian Cox continues to boggle our minds’ Daily Mail ‘It was life affirming, it was perspective shifting. It was beautifully made’ Fearne Cotton, The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show, Radio 2 ‘Amazing work’ Emma Barnett, Adrian Chiles, Radio 5 Live ‘Starry-eyed Brian Cox is the only man for this job’ The Times ‘Wow’ Evening Standard ‘The professor makes us marvel at life on Earth’ iNews ‘Excellent … a blend of enjoyable, accessible science and dreamlike wonder’ The Times ‘Brian Cox breathes life into science again … breath-taking’ Guardian ‘Fascinating … Good science’ Observer ‘Extraordinary – at its best magically fascinating and full of vast, weird drama’ Radio Times Praise for Professor Brian Cox: ‘Cox’s romantic, lyrical approach to astrophysics all adds up to an experience that feels less like homework and more like having a story told to you. A really good story, too’ Guardian ‘He bridges the gap between our childish sense of wonder and a rather more professional grasp of the scale of things’ Independent ‘If you didn’t utter a wow watching the TV, you will while reading the book’ The Times ‘Engaging, ambitious and creative’ Guardian

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Book SynopsisEvery night, above our heads, a drama of epic proportions is playing out. Diamond planets, zombie stars, black holes heavier than a billion Suns. The cast of characters is extraordinary, and each one has its own incredible story to tell.We once thought of our Earth as unique, but we have now discovered thousands of alien planets, and that's barely a fraction of the worlds that are out there. And there are more stars in the Universe than grains of sand on every planet in the Solar System. But amid all this vastness, the Milky Way Galaxy, our Sun and the Earth are home to the only known life in the Universe at least for now.With a foreword from Professor Brian Cox, and access to all the latest stunning NASA photography, Andrew Cohen takes readers on a voyage of discovery, via the probes and telescopes exploring the outer reaches of our galaxy, revealing how it was formed and how it will inevitably be destroyed by the enigmatic black hole at its heart. And beyond our galaxy, the expandinTrade Review‘Wonderful in every sense’ Guardian ‘I wish Brian Cox had been my physics teacher’ The Times ‘Undeniably beautiful’ Daily Mail ‘Engaging and elucidating’ Metro ‘[The Universe] looks spectacular and the science is mind-boggling’ Telegraph Praise for The Planets by Andrew Cohen and Professor Brian Cox: ‘So staggering you go whoa!’ every few seconds … Cox is the Attenborough of the Solar System’ Guardian ‘Spectacular. [Cox’s] ability to convey maximum information in a clear and minimalist style is so softly winning and persuasive’ Sunday Times ‘Professor Brian Cox continues to boggle our minds’ Daily Mail ‘It was life affirming, it was perspective shifting. It was beautifully made’ Fearne Cotton, The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show, Radio 2 ‘Amazing work’ Emma Barnett, Adrian Chiles, Radio 5 Live ‘Starry-eyed Brian Cox is the only man for this job’ The Times ‘Wow’ Evening Standard ‘The professor makes us marvel at life on Earth’ iNews ‘Excellent … a blend of enjoyable, accessible science and dreamlike wonder’ The Times ‘Brian Cox breathes life into science again … breath-taking’ Guardian ‘Fascinating … Good science’ Observer ‘Extraordinary – at its best magically fascinating and full of vast, weird drama’ Radio Times Praise for Professor Brian Cox: ‘Cox’s romantic, lyrical approach to astrophysics all adds up to an experience that feels less like homework and more like having a story told to you. A really good story, too’ Guardian ‘He bridges the gap between our childish sense of wonder and a rather more professional grasp of the scale of things’ Independent ‘If you didn’t utter a wow watching the TV, you will while reading the book’ The Times ‘Engaging, ambitious and creative’ Guardian

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

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Book Synopsis“Any backyard astronomer or space enthusiast would be delighted to have this visual journey on their shelf.” —The Strategist, The Year’s Most Giftable Coffee-Table BooksA Barnes & Noble Best Gift Book of 2022 A Publishers Weekly Holiday Gift Guide 2022 selection6 orbiters, 140 missions, 355 astronauts, 500,000,000 miles—all in one rich and beautiful photographic journeyThe Space Shuttle tells the story of NASA’s amazing Space Shuttle program and its 140 space flights (135 missions, plus five Approach and Landing Tests) in a uniquely designed and covetable way. Long before the James Webb Telescope rekindled our fascination with astronomy and our place in the cosmos, the Space Shuttle began to capture the world’s attention with its first mission (a test launch) on April 12, 1981 and continued to do so until its final mission on July 8, 2011. The program’s six orbiter vehicles are Enterprise, Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, Atlantis, and Endeavour. Each mission has its own fascinating story, and The Space Shuttle retells these stories, in chronological order, through incredible photos taken by NASA photojournalists, fine art photographers, and the astronauts themselves. Each image is accompanied by a short text that includes quick facts such as crew members, launch date, and landing date, as well as a short overview of highlights and purpose. For example, STS-78’s mission was to study circadian rhythms in space; STS-41G’s mission was to take photographs in-flight, seen in the IMAX movie The Dream Is Alive; and famously, the first untethered space walk, taken by astronaut Bruce McCandless on STS-41B using a self-propelled backpack unit (called a Man Maneuvering Unit [MMU]), allowed astronauts to capture satellites for retrieval and repair and for the planned construction of what became the International Space Station (ISS). Prior to this mission, astronauts were attached to the shuttle with safety lines. The photo of McCandless floating above Earth’s surface is one of the most celebrated and famous space photographs ever. These are just a few of the 140 stories Miller tells in this beautiful volume.Trade Review“‘Sumptuous’ is an adjective too often used to describe beautifully produced books, so, though that word does in fact describe The Space Shuttle, let’s instead call it ‘stellar. . . .’ [T]he reader leaves this book with a deep sense of awe about the program itself and what it accomplished in helping us to better understand what is above us.” —Air MailTable of ContentsContents Preface Introduction CHAPTER 1 Approach and Landing Tests ALT-12 (Free Flight 1) to ALT-16 (Free Flight 5) CHAPTER 2 First Launch—The Challenger Tragedy STS-1 (Mission 1) to STS-51L (Mission 25) CHAPTER 3 New Beginnings—Hubble Deployment STS-26 (Mission 26) to STS-61 (Mission 59) CHAPTER 4 Shuttle-Mir Missions—John Glenn’s Return to Space STS-60 (Mission 60) to STS-95 (Mission 92) CHAPTER 5 The International Space Station Construction Begins—The Columbia Tragedy STS-88 (Mission 93) to STS-107 (Mission 113) CHAPTER 6 A Second Return to Flight—The Final Mission STS-114 (Mission 114) to STS-135 (Mission 135) Afterword Glossary Acknowledgments Index

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Book SynopsisAs the world becomes more uncertain and life more stressful – with most of us spending the day indoors, staring at a screen -- getting outside and connecting with nature is an easy and affordable way boost our mental and physical health.   In this new, collectable series, you will be encouraged to embrace nature and all its wonders. Learn to recognise different bees, clouds, constellations, butterflies, wild flowers, seashells, trees, mushrooms, birds and more. Sometimes it feels like we need to take ourselves far, far away to ‘retreat’ locations, but actually, when you look, there are many opportunities to experience nature on our doorstep, and these books will encourage you to do just that.   Beautifully designed, the ‘Guide for the Curious’ series of books are small enough to slip into your pocket the next time you venture outside, and are the perfect antidote to endless doomscrolling.  

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Book Synopsis View your favorite constellations anytime, anywhere with the Tiny Planetarium! Bring the mystery and wonder of the night sky to your office or home with this charming miniature constellation projector! This kit includes: a 3 star projector with a disk including 12 Hellenistic constellations a 48-page illustrated mini book about the mythology and lore behind each constellation

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Book SynopsisThe inspirational autobiography of Britain’s beloved astronaut Tim Peake, the #1 bestselling author of Hello, is this Planet Earth? and Ask an AstronautAs heard on BBC Radio 4 Desert Island Discs__________________'What surprised me was how entirely serene I felt. I was weightless, no forces exerting themselves on my body. To my left was the Space Station. Below me, gradually going into shadow, was the Earth. And over my right shoulder was the universe.'In fascinating and personal detail, and drawing on exclusive diaries and audio recordings from his mission, astronaut Tim Peake takes readers closer than ever before to experience what life in space is really like: the sights, the smells, the fear, the sacrifice, the exhilaration and the deep and abiding wonder of the view.Warm, inspiring and often funny, Tim also charts his surprising road to becoming an astronaut, from a shy and unassuming boy from Chichester who had a passion for flight, to a young British Army officer, Apache helicopter pilot, flight instructor and test pilot who served around the world. Tim's extensive eighteen-year career in the Army included the command of a platoon of soldiers in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, deployment in Bosnia, and operations in Afghanistan.Full of life lessons for readers of all ages, Limitless is the story of how ordinary can become extraordinary.__________________'For someone who has literally been out of this world Tim's an incredibly down to earth guy and I think you'll be amazed at some of the things he has done ... it's so inspiring to know that even going into space didn't change him as much as being a parent did.' JOE WICKS'Tim is one of our nation's good guys - and his story is a testament to his courage, kindness and a never-give-up spirit.' BEAR GRYLLS'Full of courage, camaraderie and daring escapades, this reads like a Boys' Own adventure' MIRROR'A fantastic book' PIERS MORGAN'Fasten your seatbelt for an exhilarating read ... His accounts of blasting into orbit at 25 times the speed of sound and floating, weightless, around the space station are enthralling.' EXPRESSBestseller in the UK, Sunday Times, October 2020Trade ReviewHis accounts of blasting into orbit at 25 times the speed of sound and floating, weightless, around the space station are enthralling. Fasten your seatbelt for an exhilarating read. * Daily Express *It's awesome! -- Jason FoxFor someone who has literally been out of this world Tim's an incredibly down to earth guy and I think you'll be amazed at some of the things he has done ... it's so inspiring to know that even going into space didn't change him as much as being a parent did. -- Joe WicksTim is one of our nation's good guys - and his story is a testament to his courage, kindness and a never give up spirit. -- Bear GryllsWarm, entertaining and sprinkled with a touch of stardust, this book is definitely a must-read for anybody who's dreamed of the stars. To infinity and beyond! -- Roaring Bookworm (blog)

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Book SynopsisPhilip's Stargazing is the perfect practical guide to the night sky in 2023 for both budding and experienced astronomers."If you buy just one guide...you won't do better than this" BBC Sky at Night MagazineWhether you're a seasoned astronomer or just starting out, Philip's Stargazing 2023 is the only book you'll need. Compiled by experts and specially designed for easy and daily use, Stargazing 2023 acts as a handily illustrated and comprehensive companion. Now including the top astronomical places to visit, star festivals and the latest on star parties in Britain and Ireland, the new 2023 edition is totally up-to-date for exploring the wonder of the night skies, month-by-month and day-by-day.· 12 updated sky charts for year-round astronomical discovery · Month-to-Month information· Daily Moon Phase Calendar, highlighting special lunar events throughout the year · Planet Watch for ideal viewing days in 2023 · The best places to experience Dark Skies, along with the latest on Star Festivals and Star Partie · Top places to visit for astronomical insights · Expert advice and insight throughout from internationally renowned Prof Nigel Henbest · The latest on electronic telescopes from expert Robin Scagell · Complete calendar of major astronomical events, including the Top 20 Sky Sights of 2023· Jargon Buster, explaining common or confusing terms · The planets' movements explained from solar and lunar eclipses to meteor showers and comeI will continue to enjoy 'Philip's Stargazing' as the months go by - Helen Sharman, AstronautVery useful indeed - Chris Lintott, Sky at Night presenter

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Book SynopsisFrom the Northern Lights to whirling coastal birds, and sunken villages to the annual deer rut, the UK is home to some of the world's finest natural spectacles. With this guide and a little luck, you too can experience the magic of seeing something truly extraordinary. Start planning your spectacular year with the help of this practical guide to the UK’s most magical natural phenomena. This guide shows you when and where to go, and how to maximise your chances of a sighting, as well as explaining why these amazing spectacles occur in the first place. Sections cover: - Space: meteor showers, eclipses and supermoons, Northern Lights - Weather: hidden currents, mountain waves, named winds - Tides: tidal bores, tidal races, low tide walks - Land: autumn colours, wildflower displays, rutting deer - Rivers and lakes: salmon runs, sunken villages, waterfall wonders - Coast: wheeling waterbirds, seabird cities, seal pups Each spectacle is graded according to how easy it is to spot, and the author gives expert tips on achieving the best sighting. Scientific insights describe the astronomical, meteorological and ecological causes of events, which are brought to life through the stories of the people who know them best, from the glider pilots who ride mountain waves to the King’s Guides who help people navigate the dangerous sands of Morecombe Bay. This is your starting point for some truly phenomenal adventures.Table of ContentsIntroduction Space 1 Meteor showers 2 Eclipses and supermoons 3 Northern Lights Weather 4 Hidden currents 5 Mountain waves 6 Named winds Tides 7 Tidal bores 8 Tidal races 9 Low tide walks Land 10 Autumn colours 11 Wildflower displays 12 Rutting deer Rivers and lakes 13 Salmon runs 14 Sunken villages 15 Waterfall wonders Coast 16 Whirling waterbirds 17 Seabird cities 18 Seal pups Spectacle sighting record Index Further reading Acknowledgements Credits

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Book SynopsisProfessor Brian Cox is back with another insightful and mind-blowing exploration of space. This time he shows us our universe as we've never seen it before.Trade ReviewPraise for Professor Brian Cox’s previous books: ‘If you didn’t utter a wow watching the TV, you will while reading the book.’The Times ‘Engaging, ambitious and creative’Guardian ‘In this book of the acclaimed BBC2 TV series, Professor Cox shows us the cosmos as we have never seen it before – a place full of the most bizarre and powerful natural phenomena.’Sunday Express ‘Will entertain and delight … what a priceless gift that would be.’Independent on Sunday

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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 Synopsis'Clear and compact ... It's hard to fault as a brief, easily digestible introduction to some of the biggest questions in the Universe' Giles Sparrow, BBC Four's The Sky at Night, Best astronomy and space books of 2019: 5/5All the matter and light we can see in the universe makes up a trivial 5 per cent of everything. The rest is hidden. This could be the biggest puzzle that science has ever faced.Since the 1970s, astronomers have been aware that galaxies have far too little matter in them to account for the way they spin around: they should fly apart, but something concealed holds them together. That 'something' is dark matter - invisible material in five times the quantity of the familiar stuff of stars and planets.By the 1990s we also knew that the expansion of the universe was accelerating. Something, named dark energy, is pushing it to expand faster and faster. Across the universe, this requires enough energy that the equivalent mass would be nearly fourteen times greater than all the visible material in existence.Brian Clegg explains this major conundrum in modern science and looks at how scientists are beginning to find solutions to it.Trade ReviewClear and compact ... It's hard to fault as a brief, easily digestible introduction to some of the biggest questions in the Universe -- Giles Sparrow, BBC Sky at Night * Best astronomy and space books of 2019: 5/5 *

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Book SynopsisExplore the night skies with this beautiful illustrated monthly guide to the stars and planets.This large-format almanac allows you to step outside and track the planets, locate the Milky Way, recognise the constellations of the zodiac and watch meteor showers.Stargazers' Almanac 2023 is a beautiful month-by-month guide to the night skies. It's designed specifically for naked-eye astronomy -- no telescope required! -- making it ideal for beginners, children and backyard astronomers. It is a perennially popular Christmas gift -- and one which lasts the whole year round.Each monthly chart features two views of the night sky, looking north and south, and a visual guide to the phases of the moon and the movements of the planets.Stargazers' Almanac 2023 also features:-- Advice on how to navigate the night sky-- Overhead reference map of the sky-- Reference plan of constellations-- Glossary of constellations and Latin names-- Glossary of brightness of stars-- Guide to the signs of the zodiac and how they relate to the stars-- Loop and eyelet for easy wall hanging; presented in a sturdy cardboard gift envelope-- Printed on sustainably sourced FSC paper using plant-based inks which reduces chemical emissions and makes this almanac easier to recycleSuitable for astronomy enthusiasts throughout the Northern Hemisphere's temperate (non-tropical) latitudes.Trade Review'A very good, very useful Almanac.'-- Sir Patrick Moore'This Almanac will show you the wonders of the night sky, a sight that is becoming ever more precious with light pollution often masking our view.'-- Bill Bryson'This calendar has a place in the study or library as a reminder of what's up in the sky, and has popular appeal especially for newcomers to astronomy.'-- Journal of the British Astronomical Association'Practical, nice to look at and suitable for all levels of skywatcher, I recommend the Stargazers' Almanac.'-- Popular Astronomy'Now a regular player on the night-sky-watching scene, the Stargazers' Almanac is in good time to be selected as a Christmas gift for anyone with the slightest interest in what is going on "up there"… a very worthwhile publication.'-- The Observatory MagazineTable of ContentsThe ConstellationsHow to use this GuideJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecemberThe man who stirred up the Milky WayVoyagers into the voidStars and insectsStars overhead

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Book SynopsisVenus draws a beautiful pentagram around Earth every eight years. Jupiter's two largest moons draw a perfect four-fold flower. The Planets grandly play out the slow Music of the Spheres. Is there a secret structure hidden in the Solar System? Packed with great illustrations and serious research from many sources, this internationally bestselling little book by cosmologist John Martineau will instantly retune your cosmological circuits to the extraordinary and primary patterns behind Life, the Universe and Everything. WOODEN BOOKS are small but packed with information. "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.Trade Review"This book will dazzle you" - Fortean Times "Another beautiful release from Wooden Books. This one may be small in size, but it is immense in scope. Charting the intricate patterns and relationships formed by the dance of our neighbouring planets around the solar system, Martineau discovers some genuinely mind expanding mathematical and geometrical coincidences." (Fortean Times)

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Book SynopsisPaul Davies'' The Eerie Silence: Searching For Ourselves in the Universe is an engaging and lucid guide to the ''Fermi Paradox'' - why isn''t the universe teeming with alien life? If aliens ever contact us, it will be the single most significant event in human history. And Paul Davies will be responsible for saying something back. For fifty years the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence has been scanning the skies. Now Davies, head of SETI''s Post-Detection Task Group, with ''a rare talent for making physics mind-bogglingly vivid and exciting'' (Times Higher Education), explores what the mysterious silence it has encountered could mean. Here he looks at exciting new ways to make contact with extra-terrestrial life. He considers what form advanced alien intelligence is likely to take if it exists. And more importantly, what exactly it would mean if it didn''t - how extraordinary it would be if we were alone, to be human and here inTrade ReviewIn an area more given to fabulation than fact, [Paul Davies'] level-headedness is positively refreshing. If you ever start worrying about why no one is talking to us, this is the book to calm you down -- David Papineau * Observer *Davies is the most engaging of writers -- Clive Cookson * FT *An immensely readable investigation of the SETI enterprise -- Michael Hanlon * New Scientist *A magnificent cosmic tour d'horizon of what we know, and what we might yet encounter out there, in the apparent emptiness of deep space -- Christoper Hart * Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisPacked with striking photography, Eyewitness Universe explores the incredible celestial bodies in our Solar System.Become an eyewitness to outer space and beyond, in this picture-led reference guide that will take you on a visual tour of the Universe. Children will be mesmerised by how past, present, and future space exploration has helped our understanding of the Sun, our Solar System, rocky planets, gas giants, and explosive stars.This beautifully illustrated guide for kids aged 9+ gives an insight into far-off galaxies and out-of-this-world objects captured by powerful space telescopes. Striking photographs and detailed illustrations help you learn the secrets of pulsars and black holes, and how they are created by dead stars.Throughout the pages of this newly-revised book on fossils, you can expect to find: - A fresh new look; new photographs, updated information, and a new eyewitness feature.- Amazing facts, updated diagr

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

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Book Synopsis THE ORIGINAL & SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING ALMANAC Reconnect with the seasons in Britain and Ireland with this month-by-month guide to the world around us - including key dates, tide tables and garden tasks; constellations and moon phases; sunrises, folk songs, seasonal recipes plus a 'bun of the month'; and - because 2023 will be a good year for planet spotting - the solar system and the zodiac.The Almanac: A Seasonal Guide to 2023 gives you the tools and inspiration you need to celebrate, mark and appreciate each month of the year in your own particular way. Divided into the 12 months, a set of tables each month gives it the feel and weight of a traditional almanac, providing practical information that gives access to the outdoors and the seasons, perfect for expeditions, meteor-spotting nights and beach holidays. There are also features on each month's unique nature, with this instalment following the swirling micro world of the garden pond through the year.You will find yourself referring to The Almanac all year long, revisiting it again and again, and looking forward to the next edition as the year draws to a close.This year's edition is illustrated by artist Whooli Chen.The geographical scope of The Almanac is Britain and IrelandPRAISE FOR THE ALMANAC:'Lia Leendertz's classic almanac never fails to delight' - The Herald'It's a perfect Christmas present' - Allan Jenkins, The Observer'The perfect companion to the seasons' - India Knight'Indispensable' - Sir Bob Geldof'This book is your bible' - The Independent'I love this gem of a book' - Cerys Matthews

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Book Synopsis'VISIONARY' Stephen GreenblattHarvard's top astronomer takes us inside the mind-blowing story of the first interstellar visitor to our solar system In late 2017, scientists at a Hawaiian observatory glimpsed a strange object soaring through our inner solar system. Astrophysicist Avi Loeb conclusively showed it was not an asteroid; it was moving too fast along a strange orbit, and leaving no trail of gas or debris in its wake. There was only one conceivable explanation: the object was a piece of advanced technology created by a distant alien civilization. In Extraterrestrial, Loeb takes readers inside the thrilling story of the first interstellar visitor to be spotted in our solar system. He outlines his theory and its profound implications: for science, for religion, and for the future of our planet. A mind-bending journey through the furthest reaches of science, space-time, and the human imagination, Extraterrestrial challenges readers to aim for the stars-and to think critically about what's out there, no matter how strange it seems.Trade ReviewI have a lot of time for Loeb. He has a joy in conjecture and an omnivorous spirit of inquiry that are more reminiscent of 20th-century thinkers such as Freeman Dyson or Carl Sagan than most of his peers. His readiness to stake his reputation on such an unconventional hypothesis is a mark of uncommon bravery . . . [Carl] Sagan would have liked this book -- Oliver Moody * The Times *Compelling . . . The book is not so much a claim for one object as an argument for a more open-minded approach to science - a combination of humility and wonder * New Statesman *An astronomical Sherlock Holmes . . . You don't have to share his conviction to be impressed by the breadth of his argument * Washington Post *In this passionately argued, visionary book, astrophysicist Avi Loeb urges us to abandon the arrogant fantasy that we are the only sentient life form in the universe. The clues are fascinating, and still more are Loeb's arguments for what they might reveal to us about our own brilliant, blinkered, and quite possibly doomed civilization -- STEPHEN GREENBLATT, Pulitzer prize-winning author of THE SWERVEA serious scientist makes a serious argument for the hypothesis that our solar system was visited by an object from an extraterrestrial civilization. Is the hypothesis right? Who knows. But let's try to find out! -- ERIC MASKIN, Nobel laureate in EconomicsIt's good to be sceptical of audacious ideas. But it's also important to be open to audacious possibilities. Loeb's sumptuously written book will provoke you to think about the possibility of intelligent life elsewhere in the universe in new and stimulating ways -- SEAN CARROLLAn exciting and eloquent case that we might have seen a sign of intelligent life near Earth - and that we should search further. World-renowned scientist and innovative thinker, Avi Loeb opens your mind to some of the most important questions facing us as humans: scientific curiosity is key to our future success -- ANNE WOJCICKI, CEO and co-founder, 23andMeA provocative and thrilling account of the search for extraterrestrial intelligence . . . Professor Loeb asks us to think big and to expect the unexpected -- ALAN LIGHTMAN, author of EINSTEIN'S DREAMSOne of the more imaginative and articulate scientists around . . . half memoir, half soaring monologue * New Yorker *A persuasive scientific argument about 'Oumuamua's otherworldly origins, and delves into why his peers have been so hostile to the idea of life outside of Earth * New York Magazine *In publishing his theory, Loeb has certainly risked (and suffered) ridicule . . . Still, it's thrilling to imagine the possibilities * New Yorker *Have aliens ever been to our solar system? A quick trawl of the internet will reveal any number of people who think that they have, but when the suggestion comes from a distinguished Harvard astrophysicist, maybe it's time to sit up and take notice -- 4-star review * Mail on Sunday *He may or may not be right about 'Oumuamua. But that hardly seems to make much difference to what is ultimately the main thesis of his book . . . Mr Loeb is surely correct that scientists studying the vastness of the cosmos should entertain risky ideas more often, for the universe is undoubtedly more wild and unexpected than any extremes conjured by the human imagination. * The Economist *Fascinating and very accessible . . . certainly very well worth a read * Church of England Newspaper *

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Book SynopsisA wonderful novel and perfect book club choice, The Right Stuff is a wildly vivid and entertaining chronicle of America's early space programme.WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY US ASTRONAUT SCOTT KELLY‘What is it,’ asks Tom Wolfe, ‘that makes a man willing to sit on top of an enormous Roman Candle…and wait for someone to light the fuse?’ Arrogance? Stupidity? Courage? Or, simply, that quality we call 'the right stuff'?A monument to the men who battled to beat the Russians into space, The Right Stuff is a voyage into the mythology of the American space programme, and a dizzying dive into the sweat, fear, beauty and danger of being on the white-hot edge of history in the making.‘Tom Wolfe at his very best… Learned, cheeky, risky, touching, tough, compassionate, nostalgic, worshipful, jingoistic...The Right Stuff is superb’ New York Times Book ReviewTrade ReviewTom Wolfe’, article: ‘You only had to look at him… or read such books as The Bonfire of the Vanities and The Right Stuff to know that Tom Wolfe was like no other -- John Pye * The Scotsman *The hero you couldn’t hope to emulate’, article: ‘Journalism, it is said, is the first draft of history. Nobody exemplifies the dictum better than Wolfe, the cultural observer and social critic par excellence -- Mick Brown * Daily Telegraph *Effortlessly, elegantly, Tom Wolfe bestrode both fiction and non-fiction… a style at once objective, subjective, and hallucinatory -- Andy Martin * Independent *[Tom Wolfe’s] gleeful use of punctuation and italics, along with entertaining asides and neologisms that often quickly cemented themselves into the English lexicon, helped Wolfe stand out from other journalists * Guardian *[Wolfe] made literature fun and bores don’t like fun -- Freddy Gray * The Catholic Herald *

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Book SynopsisINSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER One of TIME and Oprah Daily''s Most Anticipated Books of 2025. Natalie Portman''s Book Club Pick for March. ''Amanda''s story underscores the lasting power of speaking your truth, building a movement, and never losing sight of your dreams'' Melinda French GatesA brave and imaginative memoir by the Nobel Peace Prize nominee Amanda Nguyen, detailing her healing journey and ground-breaking activism in the aftermath of her rape at Harvard.At a Harvard fraternity party in 2013, the trajectory of Amanda Nguyen''s life was changed forever when she was raped.The American-born child of Vietnamese refugees, Nguyen had long dreamed of attending Harvard, and it had become a place of refuge from a childhood filled with turmoil and trauma. Determined to not let her rape derail the life she''d worked so hard to create, she opted for her rape kit to be filed under Jane Doe, knowing that an active court case tied to her name could hurt her odds of working for NASA after graduation, a goal she''d been working toward for years.But she was shocked to learn this choice meant she had only six months to take action before the state of Massachusetts destroyed her kit, rendering any future legal action impossible. Nguyen knew then that she had two options: surrender to a law that effectively silenced survivors of sexual assault, or fight for a change.A deeply affecting memoir of grief, survival, and hope, Saving Five details Nguyen''s winding journey of recovery and action, which ultimately led her to create the Sexual Assault Survivors'' Bill of Rights, one of the only unanimously passed laws in the history of the United States. Both a tribute to resilience and a lesson on healing, Saving Five is an inspirational story for the ages.

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Book Synopsis''The nation''s go-to woman for all things space... her joy for the subject is boundless'' – The GuardianTake a new look at the world around you.What is a planet? Is there life on Mars? What makes Earth so special?Questions about our Solar System have fascinated us for centuries. Based on the latest scientific research, The Story of the Solar System will help you see the planets around us in a whole new light. Using colourful and easy-to-follow infographics, each planet becomes a character with a story of its own to tell, from Jupiter the King of the Solar System to ice oddity Uranus and outlier planet-but-not-a-planet Pluto.As space scientist Maggie Aderin-Pocock shows us, the story of Earth is best understood as part of its larger family, and The Story of the Solar System will bring that family to life.

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Book SynopsisWill we ever truly understand the universe? This is the story of the technologies that allow us to look up, to learn and to discover our place in the cosmos.'An electrifying new history of the universe' HANNAH FRY, author of Rutherford and Fry's Complete Guide to Absolutely EverythingWe are part of an incredible chain of events stretching 13.8 billion years into the past and even further into the future. But what does that future hold? And how do scientists study the entire universe?The Universe in a Box is Andrew Pontzen's tribute to simulations - the remarkable computer codes that, over the last century, have allowed us to understand the distant past and far future of the universe. It reframes what we think we know about galaxies, black holes and matter itself.And it reveals the stories of the pioneering scientists who unlocked the mysteries of space, from redshift to improbable dark materials that pass, ghostlike, through solid rock.Illuminating, provocative and bold, this is the perfect book for anyone curious about the cosmos.Trade ReviewA truly excellent exposition of a fascinating, little-understood, and very important scientific activity. I was enlightened, amazed, and profoundly impressed. I've seldom seen a book (and this is an age of really good writing about science for the general public) so clear, so vivid -- Philip Pullman, author of His Dark MaterialsA good writer - given the complexity of the subject, the book bounces along with an admirably light touch * The Times *An electrifying new history of the universe and how it all fits together, and of the human effort to unlock its mysteries -- Hannah Fry, author of Rutherford and Fry’s Complete Guide to Absolutely EverythingPontzen has the ability to weave hard science and dense theory into a gripping narrative... makes the complicated comprehensible * New Scientist *One thing this book does brilliantly, is keeping complex topics grounded * BBC Sky at Night Magazine *Elegantly written... Exhilarating, candid reports from cosmology's front lines * Wall Street Journal *Forget telescopes and microscopes, Pontzen's laboratory sits inside his computer and it is quickly becoming the most important tool in science -- Jim Al-Khalili, author of The Joy of ScienceI'm stunned at how easily comprehensible Pontzen makes mind-bendingly difficult ideas. Concepts which rest on mathematics that I couldn't grasp with years of study become poetic in his hands -- Timandra Harkness, author of Big DataOur understanding of 'cosmic origins' - the emergence of stars, galaxies and our entire expanding universe - has burgeoned thanks to more powerful telescopes and computers. Andrew Pontzen gives a vivid perspective on what it's like to be a scientist trying to 'model' the universe. This fascinating book, written with clarity and zest, deserves wide readership -- Martin Rees, author of Just Six NumbersA joyride through the history of cosmic simulations, taking in weather forecasting and climate models, the mysteries of dark matter, dark energy and black holes, quantum mechanics, multiverses and artificial intelligence - all between the covers of a single book! -- Ananyo Bhattacharya, author of The Man from the Future

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Book SynopsisLet Lonely Planet take you further than ever before with the world's first and only travel guide to the Universe. Developed with the latest data from NASA, we take you from our home on Earth and out into the far reaches of the solar system, then into our neighbouring stars and planetary systems, and finally into the rest of our galaxy and the Universe. This fascinating journey will help you explore space as you would the world with a Lonely Planet guide. Unique to these pages are wonderful comparisons of Earth with the other worlds of our solar system and even those exoplanets orbiting other stars. You'll discover as much as we know about our celestial neighbourhood, and our place in it. In addition to planets and moons, get to know our Sun, explore the asteroid belt and the Kuiper Belt, and learn what lays beyond, in interstellar space. Outside our solar system, travel to some of the notable neighbouring stars, stellar systems and exoplanets we've discovered. You'll understand how we search for planets where life might exist and the stars they orbit. Finally, discover the edge of the observable Universe. Get to know the structure of the Milky Way as well as an orientation to neighbouring galaxies like the Andromeda Galaxy which is visible from Earth. Then explore other galactic formations and learn about galactic clusters and superclusters. By the end of the book, you'll have a sense for the structure of the entire Universe as well as some of the big questions we still have as we ponder our place in it. About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world's number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we've printed over 145 million guidebooks and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You'll also find our content online, on mobile, video and in 14 languages, 12 international magazines, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more.

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Book SynopsisBoldly go where no man has gone before and discover the real science behind the cyborgs, starships, aliens, and antimatter of the Star Trek galaxy.Star Trek is one of the highest-grossing media franchises of all time. It has changed our cultural landscape in so many ways since it first aired in 1966. The franchise has generated billions of dollars in revenue, leading to a wide range of spin-off games, novels, toys, and comics. Star Trek is noted for its social science, too, with its progressive civil rights stances and its celebration of future diversity that began with The Original Series, one of television's first multiracial casts. The Science of Star Trek explores one of the greatest science-fiction universes ever created and showcases the visionary tech that inspired and influenced the real-world science of today. The perfect Star Trek gift for fans of the franchise, this book addresses many unanswered, burning questions, including: What can Star Trek tell us about aliens in our Milky Way? How has Star Trek influenced space culture? What can Star Trek tell us about planet hunting? What Star Trek machines came true? When will we boldly go? Learn more about one of our favorite modern epics with The Science of Star Trek!

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Book SynopsisPreviously published as A History of the Universe in 21 Stars.'A delight and triumph ... A thing of beauty ... Truly, truly magical' talkRADIOLook up on a clear evening, and you'll see thousands of stars shining in the night sky, each telling a story of their own. With star maps to help easily identify key celestial bodies, astronomer Giles Sparrow takes 21 stars (and three imposters) to look at what each pinprick of light can tell us about the birth, life and death of our universe.From red giants to supernovae and from stellar cities to our own Sun, The History of Our Universe in 21 Stars shows how the lights we see in the sky can help us unravel the mysteries of the cosmos.Trade Review'A delight and a triumph ... A thing of beauty ... Truly, truly magical' -- Mark Dolan * talkRADIO *Table of ContentsPolaris • Mizar • 61 Cygni • Aldebaran • Alcyone/The Pleiades • The Trapezium • T Tauri • The Sun • Proxima Centauri • Tau Ceti • Algol • Mira • Sirius A and B • RS Ophiuchi • Betelgeuse • Eta Carinae • The Crab Pulsar • Cygnus X-1 • Omega Centauri • Delta Cephei • Andromeda Nebula • S2 • 3C 48 • Supernova 1944D.

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'A book that will make the night sky your lifelong passion. An invitation to immerse yourself in the nature around you and the universe beyond.' - Professor Brian CoxThe Secret World of Stargazing is the ultimate astronomy book to set you on your epic journey around the cosmos - it's a simple guide to the skies and makes stargazing fun, easy and enjoyable for all - absolutely no equipment is required! Adrian West, AKA the internet sensation VirtualAstro, will take you through the seasons, showing you exactly what you can spot in the sky throughout the year, whether you're in your back garden or sitting on an exotic beach somewhere! While you're learning how to spot constellations, meteors and comets, you will be switching off your busy mind, sitting still in nature and paying attention to the small details that make up the big picture of life. You'll finish reading this beautiful book and come away with a sense of grounding, connection, knowledge and a whole new appreciation of the sky above and the world outside your own - it will soothe your soul.'An excellent, readable, bright guide to the night sky.' - Dara O'Briain'A superb introduction to astronomy.' - Chris Packham

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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 SynopsisTrade ReviewAndy Saunders' remastered images are so clear and real that they are the next best thing to being there. . . They are an exact representation of what I remember from my journey to the Moon on Apollo 16. These photos reveal very precisely what the Moon was really like -- Charlie Duke, Apollo 16The images Andy Saunders has produced from the 50 year old original film are just incredible. I have personally checked the images in the book, and if you want to know what it was really like on the Apollo missions, then this is for you. The photographs capture the pioneering era I took part in perfectly, and the techniques Andy has used have brought out such fantastic detail from that old original film we took back in the 60s. Maintaining an accurate record of these historic moments is such important work not just now, after half a century, but also for future generations -- Walter Cunningham, Apollo 7Truly epic . . . Some of the scenes you'll recognize; they're among the most iconic photos ever taken. But others you will not have seen before; and certainly not in the detail that Andy has rendered them. They have a crispness and depth that makes you want to reach out and touch them -- Jonathan Amos * BBC Online *NASA's Moon missions as you've never seen them before - remastered for a new century * Guardian *Andy Saunders is a go-to guy for restoring photographs that seem beyond hope. His new book, Apollo Remastered, reveals what happened when this British imaging specialist turned his hand to humanity's ultimate adventure. However much you think you know the Apollo images, never have they been seen quite like this... * National Geographic *In his breathtaking new book, science writer Andy Saunders shares remastered images of the first missions to the Moon, giving the most accurate view ever of these historic journeys. The results are astounding, and according to the astronauts who were actually there, they're closer to reality than anything that's gone before. * Irish Independent *Apollo Remastered by Andy Saunders is a wonder - the reproduction of the photographs taken over 50 years ago is truly amazing. His expert enhancement reveals astonishing detail. There are so many images I'd never seen before and it's a book to come back to again and again. It's also so much more than a collection of the most amazing photos, there's masses of information and context - a wonderful history of all the Apollo missions. Magnificent. -- Paul Franklin - Oscar Winning VFX Specialist, InterstellarSeeing historians like Andy Saunders produce such cutting-edge results is incredible. . . Not only has Andy done a remarkable job bringing more details to light, but his incredible work has also created a lot of public excitement -- Dr Brian Odom, acting NASA Chief HistorianAfter five decades, it's very rare that something comes along from Apollo that genuinely surprises me... but this is truly special. It changes everything, in an instant -- Mark McCaughrean, Senior Advisor for Science and Exploration, European Space AgencyJaw-dropping remastered NASA photos * CBS News *Andy Saunders' remastered images leave me stunned. They give me chills. This is as close as any of us will get to joining the Apollo astronauts on their historic missions to the moon-and it's a lot closer than we ever thought possible. This book, like all of his work, is much more than a thrill to behold; it's a profound contribution to our understanding of humanity's exploration of the heavens -- Jeff Shesol, author of Mercury RisingEven though I worked for NASA for 40 years, I can only view the work Andy does in digital restoration of analog imagery as innovative, creative, and a gift to the world. The precision, the detail, and the validity of his work on the old film from early human spaceflight is breathtaking to me - such incredibly valuable results and contributions to these historic events -- Jim Lewis, Command Recovery Pilot, Liberty Bell 7Andy Saunders' remarkable digital imaging skills are rewriting space history. Saunders is doing for Project Apollo what the James Webb Space Telescope has done for astronomy: bringing our greatest adventure into sharp and arresting focus -- George Leopold, author of The Supersonic Life & Times Of Gus GrissomAndy Saunders' Apollo Remastered is utterly superb. Beyond beautiful -- it will take your breath away. Why did we go to the Moon? This explains everything... -- Dallas CampbellA peerless photographic masterpiece - almost as audacious as Apollo itself. If you only buy one Apollo book before the decade is out make sure it's this one! A total treasure to pore over for a lifetime -- Dr Chris Riley - BAFTA nominated writer, filmmaker and co-producer of In The Shadow Of The MoonI can already say with total confidence that this will go down in history as one of the greatest books about the Apollo missions ever published. Andy is a wizard, and has brought the missions' images to life in a whole new way. -- Stuart Atkinson, author of A Cat’s Guide to the Night SkyAndy Saunders has created the highest quality Apollo photographs ever produced. So much thought has gone into the design and production - they are genuinely breathtaking new visions of one of humankind's greatest endeavors. * Digital Camera World Magazine *A masterpiece -- Tim PeakeRelive the wonder of the first humans on the Moon, now gloriously remastered and collected together in this gorgeous new book. The restored detail is astonishing, thanks to the wizardry of photo restorer Andy Saunders, who makes us feel like we are right there with them * IFLS *A wonderful volume on the whole Apollo program. As a geologist who worked closely with the astronauts and taught them how to photograph the Moon during the Apollo missions, I was amazed at the detail and clarity of these remastered versions Andy has produced, 50 years later. Also impressive is the research to produce such an accurate record. The information along with each photograph helps tell the story of the program in such an immersive way. He really has done a great deal for the legacy of the Apollo program -- Dr Farouk El-BazA handsome volume. . . The digitally restored images in Apollo Remastered bring NASA's moon voyages to life as never before -- Simon Ings * New Scientist, Best Books of the Year *In Mission Control, imagination pieced together grainy television images, crew voice reports and the flight plan, to portray mission events. Now, for the first time, APOLLO REMASTERED brings the glory of Apollo and the explorers into sharp focus. 50 years later, I can finally look over the shoulder of Mike Collins and Al Bean and see what they saw. I become part of the experience, as if I were a member of the crew. -- Gene Kranz, Apollo Flight DirectorApollo Remastered is a fine collection of remastered photographs that depicts the real essence of the Apollo program. It brought back many memories of my time during the missions - an incredible book that will surely be enjoyed for many generations to come -- Jim Lovell, Apollo 13 CommanderUsing cutting edge enhancement techniques, Andy Saunders has created the highest quality Apollo photographs ever produced. He's also produced the first ever clear image of the first man on the Moon, Neil Armstrong. It's not surprising that his new book, Apollo Remastered has become a Sunday Times bestseller; showcasing photographs that are literally out of this world * ITV News *

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Book SynopsisThe volcano among the most familiar and perhaps the most terrifying of all geological phenomena. However, Earth isn''t the only planet to harbour volcanoes. In fact, the Solar System, and probably the entire Universe, is littered with them. Our own Moon, which is now a dormant piece of rock, had lava flowing across its surface billions of years ago, while Mars can be credited with the largest volcano in the Solar System, Olympus Mons, which stands 25km high. While Mars''s volcanoes are long dead, volcanic activity continues in almost every other corner of the Solar System, in the most unexpected of locations. We tend to think of Earth volcanoes as erupting hot, molten lava and emitting huge, billowing clouds of incandescent ash. However, it isn''t necessarily the same across the rest of the Solar System. For a start, some volcanoes aren''t even particularly hot. Those on Pluto, for example, erupt an icy slush of substances such as water, methane, nitrogen or ammonia, that fTrade ReviewFire and Ice is an assured, essential read on everything you could hope to know about volcanoes on both our world and others. It captures the intrigue, mystery and wonder of space, and underscores just how much we have to thank volcanoes for on Earth. * New Scientist *Starkey’s excellent book is the first to examine these extra-terrestrial volcanoes of our Solar System … It’s an explosive read in more ways than one. * Forbes *In Fire and Ice, geologist and solar system maven Natalie Starkey reveals to us that Earth is not the only host for active volcanoes. You can find them in places not previously imagined, like the surfaces of other planets and their moons. And you think you’ve seen everything? Some of these volcanoes even spew ice. Read all about it in this mind-expanding book. * Neil deGrasse Tyson, Astrophysicist American Museum of Natural History *[Starkey] masterfully weaves the latest information we have about volcanoes throughout the Solar System into a broader narrative about planets and moons themselves. The result is a book about volcanoes — and so much more ... entertaining and informative. * Nature *A FANTASTIC exploration of the hidden workings of the planets, and a timely reminder of what a fascinating and dramatic place our solar system is. * Dallas Campbell, Science television presenter and author *Fire and Ice explores a unique blend of space volcanoes – from the inner workings to the outer landscapes. Natalie journeys into the weird nature of volcanism and dives into current outstanding questions that we are still exploring. * Dr Caitlin Ahrens, NASA / USRA *Natalie Starkey leads us on an incredible journey across our Solar System, revealing a wonderful variety of volcanic geology. A fascinating look at volcanoes and the space science that enables us to study them. * Rebecca Williams, Volcanologist *Starkey takes readers on NASA’s expeditions, onto islands, and between tectonic plates undersea with vivid, immersive descriptions. The result is a thoroughly accessible look at a lesser-known part of the universe. * Publisher's Weekly *Table of ContentsPreface Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Destruction Chapter 3: Making a Magma Chapter 4: Construction Chapter 5: Creating a Life-giving World Chapter 6: Peering In Chapter 7: Warming Up Chapter 8: Cooling Off Chapter 9: Fiery Moons Chapter 10: Fiery Planets Chapter 11: Ice Worlds Chapter 12: What Next? Acknowledgements Index

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Book SynopsisFrom the Big Bang to the Gaia Mission, this is a very personal history of the universe through the author's favourite 100 stars.Astronomer Florian Freistetter has chosen 100 stars that have almost nothing in common. Some are bright and famous, some shine so feebly you need a huge telescope. There are big stars, small stars, nearby stars and faraway stars. Some died a while ago, others have not even yet come into being. Collectively they tell the story of the whole world, according to Freistetter. There is Algol, for example, the Demon Star, whose strange behaviour has long caused people sleepless nights. And Gamma Draconis, from which we know that the earth rotates around its own axis. There is also the star sequence 61 Cygni, which revealed the size of the cosmos to us.Then there are certain stars used by astronomers to search for extra-terrestrial life, to explore interstellar space travel, or to explain why the dinosaurs became extinct.In 100 short, fascinating and entertaining chapters, Freistetter not only reveals the past and future of the cosmos, but also the story of the people who have tried to understand the world in which we live.Trade Review'An ingenious basic course in astronomy' * Die Welt *Delightful ... an excellent diversion for people of all levels of astronomical knowledge * BBC Sky at Night Magazine *Our cosmic narrative is told in a very different, inventive manner by the Austrian writer and astronomer Florian Freistetter, who examines it through the device of providing short portraits of his hundred favourite stars. It's the classic trick of focusing on the particular to tell a wider story, and here it is done beautifully * Times Literary Supplement *

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Book SynopsisThis is an unusual and practical guide to the sky as we see it -- with the naked eye. The author, an experienced teacher, leads the reader from the stars as seen from Earth, through observation of the Sun, Moon and various planets, to a deeper understanding of the Copernican revolution, comets and meteors, and to the sky of the Southern Hemisphere.The text includes mythological and historical aspects of the subject and has numerous exercises for the student. The final chapter is a unique collection of poetry related to the stars from ancient India to modern times. Appendices include future astronomical events, technical data, materials and publications, and a comprehensive glossary of astronomical terms.Trade Review'An excellent introduction to the sky for the general public. The basic material is factually accurate, and the inclusion of descriptions of famous astronomers gives the book a special charm.'-- Irwin Shapiro, Director, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics'It's an owners manual for the sky.'-- E. C. Krupp, Director, Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles'With remarkable clarity and deft organisation, Norman Davidson leads us far along a path toward a renewed knowledge and intimacy with the stars and planets … an invaluable resource for teachers. I commend it heartily.'-- Arthur Zajonc, Professor of Physics, Amherst CollegeTable of ContentsIntroductionThe Stars — IThe Stars — IIThe SunThe MoonEclipsesThe PlanetsThe Copernican RevolutionComets and MeteorsThe Southern Hemisphere SkyThe Stars in PoetryAppendices: Astronomical Events * Technical Data * Astronomical Symbols * much more …

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Book Synopsis'It is rare to read something that so closely mixes science fiction with reality, but Space 2069 does just that ... [It's] an intelligent portrait of where we may be in the next half-century. - BBC Sky at NightNearing half a century since the last Apollo mission, mankind has yet to return to the Moon, but that is about to change. With NASA's Artemis program scheduled for this decade, astronomer David Whitehouse takes a timely look at what the next 50 years of space exploration have in store.The thirteenth man and the first woman to walk on the Moon will be the first to explore the lunar south pole - the prime site for a future Moon base thanks to its near-perpetual sunlight and the presence of nearby ice.The first crewed mission to Mars will briefly orbit the red planet in 2039, preparing the way for a future landing mission. Surviving the round trip will be the greatest challenge any astronaut has yet faced.In the 2050s, a lander will descend to the frozen surface of Jupiter's moon Europa and attempt to drill down to its subsurface ocean in search of life.Based on real-world information, up-to-date scientific findings and a healthy dose of realism, Space 2069 is a mind-expanding tour of humanity's future in space over the next 50 years.Trade ReviewIt is rare to read something that so closely mixes science fiction with reality, but Space 2069 does just that ... [It] packs a sizeable punch ... an intelligent portrait of where we may be in the next half-century. * BBC Sky at Night *Rich, topical and informative * Physics World *[A] skilful history of space exploration ... A realist, Whitehouse emphasizes that, without a major breakthrough in rocket technology, travel to Mars will test the limits of human endurance and willingness to bear the expense. His forecast for 2069 is a struggling 18-man international base on Mars. China will have its own. A fine overview of the past and future of human space exploration. * Kirkus Reviews (starred review) *

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