Popular astronomy and space Books

Book SynopsisOver 50 years ago, astronomers launched the world's first orbiting telescope. This allowed them to gaze further into outer space and examine anything that appears in the sky above our heads, from comets and planets to galaxy clusters and stars. Since then, almost 100 space telescopes have been launched from Earth and are orbiting our planet, with 26 still active and relaying information back to us.As a result of these space-based instruments, such as NASA's iconic Hubble Space Telescope, we know much more about the universe than we did half a century ago. But why is Hubble, orbiting just 540 kilometres above the Earth, so much more effective than a ground-based telescope? How can a glorified camera tell us not only what distant objects look like, but their detailed chemical composition and three-dimensional structure as well? In Eyes in the Sky, science writer Andrew May takes us on a journey into space to answer these questions and more. Looking at the development of revolutionary instruments, such as Hubble and the James Webb Space Telescope, May explores how such technology has helped us understand the evolution of the Universe.

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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 SynopsisFully illustrated with 400 of the most striking and up-to-date astronomical images and covering all the major constellations and landmarks of the night sky, The Stargazer's Handbook reveals the treasures of the cosmos - what they are, where they are, and how to see them, including month-by-month guides to the changing hemispheres and tips and guides on the best stargazing equipment. This new compact edition is perfect for browsing at home or accompanying you out at night under the stars. Filled with stunning photography, this book is all you need to start discovering the universe.

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Book Synopsis A beautifully presented, practical gift guide to 50 sights in the skies above us. Explained with fascinating, easy-to-understand commentary from astrophysicist and science communicator, Sarah Barker, and illustrated throughout with captivating drawings by Maria Nilsson, each guide helps you locate an incredible sight. The book is divided into three main sections – and whether you use the naked eye, a telescope, or fall into a black hole of online research, you’ll discover the limitless wonder of the skies – from otherworldly phenomena on Earth like sun dogs, to planets, moons, stars, lunar craters and galaxy clusters. Naked Eye: Learn how navigators travelled in the past by finding the North Star; say hello to our astronauts and learn how to spot the International Space Station; see a red supergiant star (Betelgeuse); and find out more about solar eclipses. Further Afield: Find out more about the next closest galaxy, Andromeda; learn about the discovery of Saturn’s ‘ears’ (or rings!); spot an alien storm that’s as big as the Earth; and track ‘Little Green Men’ and ice volcanoes. Far, Far Away: Learn how baby stars are created by the Pillars of Creation; marvel at the Hubble Deep Field; and unearth the brightest things in our universe, quasars. The book also includes advice on ideal conditions for observing the stars, telescopes and binoculars, and navigating the skies. With extra tips and a rundown of useful tools, you’ll find everything you need to get out there and look up!Trade Review'We’re considering making this our space bible' * How it Works 5-star review *

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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 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 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 SynopsisApril 13, 1970. Astronauts Jim Lovell, Fred Haise and Jack Swigert are hurtling towards the moon in the Apollo 13 spacecraft, when an explosion rocks the ship. The cockpit grows dim, the air grows thin, and the instrument lights wink out. Moments later, the astronauts are forced to abandon the main ship for the tiny lunar module, designed to keep two men alive for just two days. But there are three men aboard and they are four days from home. As the action shifts from the disabled ship to the frantic engineers at Mission Control to Lovell''s anxious family, APOLLO 13 brilliantly recreates the harrowing, heroic mission in all its drama and glory.This gripping story of human endurance is the basis for Ron Howard''s classic film starring Tom Hanks and Kevin Bacon.

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Book Synopsis Identify the stars in the night sky with 50 Constellations for Stargazing, a celestial addition to our On-the-Go Amusements line!Whether setting out to stargaze or trying to identify the sparkling shape you noticed overhead, keep this useful little tin at hand whenever you look to the stars. Each card features an illustration of a constellation on one side and quick facts about it on the other, including the months in which it is visible in the Northern Hemisphere.

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Book SynopsisA "companion to Welcome to the Universe, a ... bestseller that was inspired by the ... introductory astronomy course for non-science majors that Neil deGrasse Tyson, Michael A. Strauss, and J. Richard Gott taught together at Princeton. [It] features more than one hundred problems and exercises used in the original course"--Amazon.com.Trade Review"This book provides a very valuable resource for anyone who wants to acquire a reasonably quantitative understanding of introductory astronomy. The questions cover a broad range of interesting topics, and the solutions are thorough and often enlightening, providing additional insights into the subject matter."—Alex Filippenko, University of California, Berkeley"The difference between a good astronomy course and a great astronomy course is great problems. This book is a gold mine of great problems for introductory astronomy, problems that can be solved with high school algebra and run the gamut from earth-smashing asteroids to neutron stars, black holes, the fate of the universe, and the search for life on other worlds. It will be a valuable resource for anyone teaching introductory astronomy and an exhilarating challenge for students who want to sharpen their wits against the cosmos."—David Weinberg, Ohio State University"A fantastic asset. The hardest part of teaching introductory astronomy courses is writing engaging, informative problems at the appropriate level. This book provides a treasure trove of wonderfully instructive material that is much better than anything else out there. I will be using Tyson, Strauss, and Gott for a long time to come."—James H. Applegate, Columbia University"A marvelous compendium. This companion book demonstrates in a playful manner how, with no more than high school algebra, we can obtain a deeper appreciation of the properties of the infinitely large and small, and deepen our conversation with the cosmos."—Trinh X. Thuan, University of Virginia"A wonderful collection of introductory problems that convey the wonders of the universe and fundamental concepts in astronomy through specific examples and numbers. A fantastic resource for the classroom and aspiring astronomers."—Abraham Loeb, Harvard University"Microorganisms on Europa, colliding black holes, cosmic inflation, and much more are covered in this expansive and thoughtfully selected collection of exciting problems in astrophysics—even a two-dimensional Tardis appears! Both students and experienced astronomers should come away enriched through study of these problems and the techniques presented to crack them."—W. Niel Brandt, Pennsylvania State University

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Book SynopsisMailer''s superb account, written as it was happening, of the first attempt to land men on the moon''Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed.''A Fire on the Moon tells the scarcely credible story of the Apollo 11 mission. It is suffused with Mailer''s obsession both with the astronauts themselves and with his own anxieties and terrors about the extremity of what they were trying to achieve. Mailer is both admiring and appalled and the result is a book which is both a gripping narrative and a brilliant depiction of the now-forgotten technical issues and uncertainties around the mission. A Fire on the Moon is also a matchless portrait of an America caught in a morass of introspection and misery, torn apart by the war in Vietnam. But for one, extraordinary week in the summer of 1969 all eyes were on the fates of three men in a rocket, travelling a quarter of a million miles away from Earth.With an introduction by Geoff Dy

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Book SynopsisThe clearest, most accessible guide to observing the night sky.Introducing the Handbook of Stars and Planets - the perfect beginner''s guide to the night sky!With a highly visual introduction that explains the basic concepts of astronomy and gives advice on the best methods and equipment for observation, including binoculars and telescopes, exploring the cosmos and more has never been easier or more accessible. Each of the planets in the Solar System is described and illustrated in detail, with images taken from space probes as well as from the ground, showing them as you can expect to see them.More than 160 star charts were made especially for this book by the Royal Greenwich Observatory. There is a separate detailed chart for each of the 88 constellations, adding up to a complete atlas of the sky. The text for each constellation reveals its history and mythology and lists notable stars, galaxies, nebulae, and other objects. Alongside the constella

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Book Synopsis110 times wider than Earth; 15 million degrees at its core; an atmosphere so huge that Earth is actually within it: come and meet the star of our solar systemLight takes eight minutes to reach Earth from the surface of the Sun. But its journey within the Sun takes hundreds of thousands of years. What is going on in there? What are light and heat? How does the Sun produce them and how on earth did scientists discover this? In this astonishing and enlightening adventure, you''ll travel millions of miles from inside the Sun to its surface and to Earth, where the light at the end of its journey is allowing you to read right now. You''ll discover how the Sun works (including what it sounds like), the latest research in solar physics and how a solar storm could threaten everything we know. And you''ll meet the groundbreaking scientists, including the author, who pieced this extraordinary story together.Trade ReviewThis is a fabulous introduction to our home star, written with an insight and an enthusiasm that makes it very approachable... there's far more to the Sun than you might suspect -- Helen Czerski, author of 'The Storm in a Teacup'Wonderful...makes you simply gaze out of the window pondering for a while. The future of solar science is bright, and Lucie Green an inspiring guide -- Lewis Dartnell * Daily Telegraph *This book takes a fascinating look at a literally brilliant subject... one of the most enjoyable books about science you could hope to find -- Paul Sutherland * Book of the Month - BBC Sky at Night Magazine *Thrilling ... Lucie Green's huge enthusiasm for the Sun is apparent throughout -- Pippa Goldschmidt * Spectator *Green, a solar physicist at University College London, is an engaging and careful companion. She is clearly enamoured of her subject and keen to acknowledge those who have gone before her ... Reading this book confirms what I felt as a student: that truly understanding the Sun is as much about philosophy as it is about physics -- Anjana Ahuja * Financial Times *Green's enthusiasm for her subject is infectious ... [a] fine book -- Marcus Chown * Times Higher Education *The author's passionate enthusiasm for her subject shines through on every page ... an outstanding and eminently readable book which conveys a remarkably comprehensive and wide-ranging account of our nearest star -- Iain Nicholson * Astronomy Now *Professor Green has been studying the sun for 20 years and her passion for her 'favourite star' burns from every page -- Jane Shilling * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisWritten by the former chief historian of NASA, here is the first in-depth, fully illustrated history of space exploration.Trade Review'A richly illustrated chronicle of space exploration … captures the awe-inspiring side of space' - Nature'A very easy to read and fact-packed overview of how space exploration was launched by imagination, nurtured by science, and built by technological drive and innovation' - Magonia Review of Books'An informed and informative read that never talks down to its readers … a clean, uncluttered design' - BBC Sky at NightTable of Contents1. Laying the Foundations for Space Exploration • 2. WWII Paves the Way for Space Exploration • 3. Making Space Exploration Real • 4. The Space Age Dawns • 5. The Race to the Moon • 6. New Nations/New Missions • 7. Spaceplanes and Orbital Stations • 8. The Lure of the Red Planet • 9. Beyond Mars • 10. Transterrestrial Expectations

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Book SynopsisA jawdropping book of photographs that transports the reader into space aboard the Rosetta probe.Trade Review'An extraordinary book' - Black & White Photography'Bringing us ever closer to these distant worlds' - Financial Times'A raft of truly otherworldly photographs … Testament to a hugely ambitious and pioneering scientific feat, Comet is an extraordinary book that transports the reader deep into the cosmos' - Outdoor PhotographyTable of ContentsIntroduction • 1. Launching • 2. First Earth Flyby • 3. Mars Flyby • 4. Second Earth Flyby • 5. Asteroid Stein Flyby • 6. Third Earth Flyby • 7. Asteroid Lutetia Flyby 8. Entering Deep Space Hibernation • 9. Exiting Deep Space Hibernation • 10. Rendezvous Manouevre • 11. Arrival at Comet • 12. Philae Landing • 13. Nominal Mission End

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Book SynopsisDiscover the fascinating and cutting-edge science behind the greatest question of all: is there life beyond Earth? For millennia, we have looked up at the stars and wondered whether we are alone in the universe. In the last few years, scientists have made huge strides towards answering that question. In The Aliens are Coming!, comedian and bestselling science writer Ben Miller takes us on a fantastic voyage of discovery, from the beginnings of life on earth to the very latest search for alien intelligence. What soon becomes clear is that the hunt for extra-terrestrials is also an exploration of what we actually mean by life. What do you need to kickstart life? How did the teeming energy of the Big Bang end up as frogs, trees and quantity surveyors? How can evolution provide clues about alien life? What might it look like? (Probably not green and sexy, sadly.) As our probes and manned missions venture out into the solar system, and our telescopesTrade ReviewA lively, thoughtful look at a scientific frontier that captures our imagination while posing a serious moral question about our responsibilities as citizens of the universe * Kirkus *Miller covers a lot of ground with humor and insight . . . Pop science readers will have fun with this energetic look at the hunt for alien life * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisThe Herschel 400 is a list of 400 galaxies, nebulae and star clusters, picked from over 2,500 deep-sky objects discovered and catalogued by the great eighteenth-century astronomer Sir William Herschel and his sister Caroline. It comprises 231 galaxies, 107 open clusters, 33 globular clusters, 20 planetary nebulae, 2 halves of a single planetary nebula and 7 bright nebulae. In this guide Steve O''Meara takes the observer through the list, season by season, month by month, night by night, object by object. He works through the objects in a carefully planned and methodical way, taking in some of the most dramatic non-Messier galaxies, nebulae and star clusters in the night sky. Ideal for astronomers who have tackled the Messier objects, this richly illustrated guide will help the amateur astronomer hone their observing skills.Trade Review'O'Meara takes a list of admittedly faint objects and injects new life into them. Right or wrong, many amateur astronomers won't consider you a top-level observer until you've completed the Herschel 400. Don't do it for them, however. Pick up this book, set up your telescope, and do it for yourself. It's a lot of fun.' Michael Bakich, Astronomy.com'This book is a great way of pushing beyond the popular Messier catalogue to broaden your viewing horizons.' Paul Money, Sky at Night'[This book] is a far better guide to the Herschel objects than the one available from the AL. It is well presented … to be recommended to observers looking for an organized project with medium-sized telescopes after completing the Messier list.' Owen Brazell, The Observatory'The Herschel 400 Observing Guide is a very good book, whose main strength is its instructions for locating objects. Even if you are not interested in seeing all of the Herschel 400 objects, I recommend it as a good mid-range guide to the deep sky.' Lee Macdonald, Journal of the British Astronomical Association'This book is very nicely produced … The layout is very well thought out … [O'Meara] works through the objects in a carefully planned and methodical way, ensuring that the minimum of telescope time is employed in locating objects and in moving from one object to the next.' Alex Crowther, Astronomy and Space'A good resource for anyone wishing to explore the deep sky.' Astronomy NowTable of ContentsPreface; Introduction; Part I. Winter: 1. January; 2. February; 3. March; Part II. Spring: 4. April; 5. May; 6. June; Part III. Summer: 7. July; 8. August; 9. September; Part IV. Fall: 10. October; 11. November; 12. December; Appendix A. Herschel 400 observing list; Appendix B. Herschel 400 checklist; Appendix C. Photo credits; Index.

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Book SynopsisA rip-roaring tour of the cosmos with the Bad Astronomer, bringing you up close and personal with the universe like never before

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Book SynopsisThe Soviets were great pioneers of the race to space in the Cold War era. It was a source of great pride, and this book charts that story with the Soviet people at the heart of that innovation.

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Book SynopsisTake a tour of the universe with this awe-inspiring collection of photographs from the archives of NASA, featuring spectacular views of Earth from above, our solar system, and deep space. Featuring a preface by everyone's favorite 'Science Guy' Bill Nye, Earth and Space is an unparalleled journey through the cosmos, offering up-close views of our remarkable cosmos. More than 100 astonishing images of Earth from above (first captured by the Apollo program), the phenomena of our solar system, and the celestial bodies of deep space will captivate readers and photography lovers with an interest in science, astronomy, and the great beyond. Each extraordinary photograph gleaned from the archives of the legendary space agency is paired with explanatory text that contextualizes its place in the cosmic ballet of planets, stars, dust, and matter—from Earth's limb to solar flares, the Jellyfish Nebula to Pandora's Cluster. Anyone

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Book SynopsisThe revealing backstory of spaceflight before the establishment of NASA.NASA''s history is a familiar story, culminating with the agency successfully landing men on the moon in 1969, but its prehistory is an important and rarely told tale. Breaking the Chains of Gravity looks at the evolving roots of America''s space program--the scientific advances, the personalities, and the rivalries between the various arms of the United States military.America''s space agency drew together some of the best minds the non-Soviet world had to offer. The National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics and the U.S. Air Force, meanwhile, brought rocket technology into the world of manned flight. The road to NASA and successful spaceflight was paved by fascinating stories and characters. At the end of World War II, Wernher von Braun escaped Nazi Germany and came to America where he began developing missiles for the United States Army. Ten years after he createdTrade ReviewTeitel explores the fascinating history of one of the most crucial space flight innovations that made the Apollo moon landings possible. * How it Works *Teitel delivers on detail, such as the exploits of supersonic-flight pioneer Chuck Yeager. * Nature *A really compulsive story, excellently and engagingly told, effortlessly carries the burden of fact and detail with as much deceptive ease as a Redstone Rocket. * Adventures in Historyland *Breaking the Chains of Gravity tells the story of how we began to explore the cosmos – the lessons we had to learn the hard way – and shows why space exploration even today remains anything but routine. * Bobak Ferdowsi, Flight Director, Mars Science Laboratory *Teitel … illuminates the foundations of American spaceflight with this exceptional and detailed ‘prehistory’ of the field … fascinating new territory, filled with a galaxy of lively characters. * Publisher's Weekly *Table of ContentsPreface Chapter 1: Hobby Rocketeers Chapter 2: The Rocket Loophole Chapter 3: The Turning Tide of War Chapter 4: Escape and Surrender Chapter 5: Nazi Rockets in New Mexico Chapter 6: Rockets Meet Airplanes Chapter 7: A New War, a New Missile, and a New Leader Chapter 8: Higher and Faster Chapter 9: Edging into Hypersonics Chapter 10: The Floating Astronaut Chapter 11: Space Becomes an Option Chapter 12: The First Satellite Race Chapter 13: One Little Ball’s Big Impact Chapter 14: The Fight to Control Space Epilogue: America Finds Its Footing in Space Glossary of People Glossary of Places and Organizations Glossary of Rockets Selected Notes Bibliography Acknowledgments Index

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Book Synopsis'A deft, frequently dramatic tour'Nature'A wonderfully clear and readable book . . . Gives a splendid overview of our Sun's planetary system, including its history and exploration'Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell*We have the impression that the solar system is perfectly regular like a clock, or a planetarium instrument. On a short timescale it is. But, seen in a longer perspective, the planets, and their satellites, have exciting lives, full of events - for example, did you know that Saturn's moon, Titan, boasts lakes which contain liquid methane surrounded by soaring hills and valleys, exactly as the earth did before life evolved on our fragile planet? Or that Mercury is the shyest planet? Or, that Mars' biggest volcano is 100 times the size of Earth's, or that its biggest canyon is 10 times the depth of the Grand Canyon, or that it wasn't always red, but blue? The culmination of a lifetime of astronomy and wonder, Paul Murdin's enchanting new book reveals everything you ever wanted to know about the planets, their satellites, and our place in the solar system.

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Book SynopsisESCAPE FROM EARTH is the untold story of the engineers, dreamers and rebels who started the American space programme. In particular, it is the story of Frank Malina, founder of what became Nasa's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the scientist who cracked the, as he called it, problem of escape from the Earth by rocket. It's a wild ride. Jack Parsons, Malina's chemistry-expert research partner, was a bed-hopping occultist with delusions of grandeur. We get all the horrible details: drug parties and sex magic, cameos by Aleister Crowley and L Ron Hubbard, and an ill-fated attempt to start a mail-order religion. Armed with hitherto unpublished letters, journals, and documents from the Malina family archives, Fraser MacDonald reveals what we didn't know. Jack Parsons betrayed Frank Malina to the FBI, cooperating fully in their investigation of Malina for un-American activities. The Jet Propulsion Lab's second director secretly denounced Frank as a Communist. Frank's research group had close ties to the spy network of the infamous Rosenbergs - the only Americans executed during the Red Scare. This is a story of soaring ideals entangled in the most human of complications: infidelity and divorce, betrayal and treason.Trade ReviewExcellent ... has raised a crucially influential American pioneer rocketeer from obscurity to the recognition he deserves...MacDonald's access to Malina's family archives and freedom of information FBI files adds intimate details to this scholarly and colourful work * Spectator *Riveting ... MacDonald has vastly enriched the overarching story - and in ways transformed it * Times Literary Supplement *Meticulously researched yet immensely readable ... I have never before seen anyone express with such clarity the contradiction at the heart of the space age ... It is refreshing to read an account of these events that is so nuanced, seamlessly melding the personal and the scientific. This expert history offers insights into the early space age with dazzlingly beautiful writing and a keen eye for irony * Times Higher Education *Absorbing and stimulating ... a superb book which sheds new light on the conflicts of the mid-20th century * Scotsman *A compelling saga of secrecy, activism, betrayal ... superb, illuminating * Herald *A tangled, fascinating story that is a mixture of science, politics and soap opera ... an extraordinary, important yet neglected slice of space history * Literary Review *Fascinating ... a superb book * Yorkshire Post *Excellent ... MacDonald tells this whole grubby story superbly * Strong Words *Frank Malina, one of the most talented pioneers of American rocket science, flirted with communism and pacifism, and then gave it all up-rocketry included-to become a painter. History has in consequence all but erased his memory-except that now, thanks to Fraser MacDonald's fascination with his story and a dogged determination to write this riveting and important book, his legacy has been revived, and will surely long endure. * Simon Winchester, New York Times bestselling author of Exactly: How Precision Engineers Created the Modern World *Exquisitely researched, thoughtfully written, Escape from Earth is a fascinating exploration of an endlessly intriguing and remarkable subject. Fraser MacDonald has not only brought to life Frank Malina, he has captured perfectly the political and scientific contradictions of the dawn of the Space Age. * Henry Hemming, author of The Ingenious Mr Pyke and Agents of Influence *A fascinating history of America's ascent into space that literally rewrites our understanding of the rocket age; a story that mixes sex, Nazis, Communists, the FBI, and rockets and along the way reminds us how complicated and untidy even celebrated history can be. Escape from Earth is an instant addition to the rocketry canon, right there with Operation Paperclip and Hidden Figures. * Garrett Graff, bestselling author of Raven Rock *Escape from Earth is a fascinating story about the arms race, the space race and the cold war. Fraser MacDonald has restored to their rightful place in history a cast of characters airbrushed out of the story because of their political convictions. This book has the rare quality of being both a well-told tale and throughly researched. * McKenzie Wark, author of The Beach Beneath the Street *

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Book SynopsisHaving escaped domestic servitude in Germany by teaching herself to sing, and established a career in England, Caroline Herschel learned astronomy while helping her brother William, then Astronomer Royal.Soon making scientific discoveries in her own right, she swept to international scientific and popular fame. She was awarded a salary by George III in 1787 - the first woman in Britain to make her living from science.But, as a woman in a male-dominated world, Herschel's great success was achieved despite constant frustration of her ambitions. Drawing on original sources - including Herschel's diaries and her fiery letters - Claire Brock tells the story of a woman determined to win independence and satisfy her astronomical ambition.

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Book SynopsisMars is back. Suddenly everyone - from Elon Musk to Ridley Scott to Donald Trump - is talking about going to the Red Planet.When the Apollo astronauts walked on the Moon in 1969, many people imagined Mars would be next. However NASA's Viking 1, which landed in 1976, was just a robot. The much-anticipated crewed mission failed to materialise, defeated by a combination of technological and political challenges.Four decades after Viking and almost half a century after Apollo technology has improved beyond recognition - as has politics. As private ventures like SpaceX seize centre stage from NASA, Mars has undergone a seismic shift - it's become the prime destination for future human expansion and colonisation.But what's it really like on Mars, and why should anyone want to go there? How do you get there and what are the risks? Astrophysicist and science writer Andrew May answers these questions and more, as he traces the history of our fascination with the Red Planet.

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Book SynopsisIn this enthralling cosmic journey through space and time, astrophysicist Jillian Scudder locates our home planet within its own 'family tree'. Our parent the Earth and its sibling planets in our solar system formed within the same gas cloud. Without our grandparent the Sun, we would not exist, and the Sun in turn relies on the Milky Way as its home. The Milky Way rests in a larger web of galaxies that traces its origins right back to tiny fluctuations in the very early universe.Following these cosmic connections, we discover the many ties that bind us to our universe. Based around readers' questions from the author's popular blog 'Astroquizzical', the book provides a quirky guide to how things work in the universe and why things are the way they are, from shooting stars on Earth, to black holes, to entire galaxies.For anyone interested in the 'big picture' of how the cosmos functions and how it is all connected, Jillian Scudder is the perfect guide.Trade ReviewA wonderful jaunt through the universe at every scale, and a great way to fill in every gap in knowledge you have about astronomy. -- Zach Weinersmith, creator of SMBC, and co-author of the NYT bestselling book, Soonish.Astroquizzical from Dr Jillian Scudder is a superb astronomy book, written with a distinctive tone which is both pragmatic and poetic at the same time. It's perfectly attuned to the kind of awestruck curiosity we feel whilst taking in the majesty of a clear, starlit night sky. This book intelligently decodes those profound astronomical topics without swamping us in confusion. It also explains the intriguing importance of many astro and space exploration matters we might have underestimated or never even considered before. Dr Scudder's book brings the perfect blend of fact and fascination to help us feel a greater sense of our place within the clockwork of the universe. Astroquizzical is a most informative and highly engaging astronomy book. -- Jon CulshawScudder's mission is to provide the lay reader with a thorough grounding in the basics of astronomical knowledge. ... The writing is fluid and direct with the subject material brought vibrantly to life. ... For astro novices this book ... will bring a welcome depth to their appreciation of the night sky and the wonders it holds. -- BBC Sky at Night magazinegenuinely entertaining ... well-written ... fascinating ... quirky ... an excellent balance of enthusiasm and facts ... a good balance of illustrations ... Scudder is particularly good at explaining how the stunning colour images are multi-layered black and white images from different coloured filters. This is the kind of book that would be excellent to get either a teenage reader or an adult with limited exposure to astronomy interested in the field. It reads well and gives basic details without being patronising. It's a cosmic journey that I enjoyed. -- popularscience.co.ukScudder is an astrophysicist who studies star formation in very distant galaxies but takes time out to passionately engage in outreach, getting into schools and the community as often as she can. This, her first introductory book on astronomy, benefits from that outreach. ... The narrative form that Scudder employs is an imaginary cosmic journey that begins on our home planet and takes us in seven steps to the furthest galaxies. This simple format has been tried countless times before by big-name astronomers. What's different here is an intense level of engagement between writer and reader. Vivid storytelling explains the physics without equations. ... Her aim is to get people to think issues through for themselves, and that works. The clarity of Scudder's writing is impressive. -- Simon Mitton, Times Higher Education[Jillian Scudder's] excellent debut book is all about making complex concepts, if not exactly easy to understand, then at least a little easier to grasp. ... In her enthralling cosmic journey through space and time, astrophysicist Jillian Scudder discusses our home planet's place in the universe. ... The result is a highly readable primer for a basic understanding of phenomena such as shooting stars, black holes, galaxies and the origins of the universe. Beyond the flawless presentation of known facts and current thinking, Scudder explores further by positing counterfactuals and thought experiments. ... The real triumph of Scudder's Astroquizzical is that it brings high-altitude, notionally abstract ideas to the general reader, presented in an entertaining and accessible way. For those more familiar with the universe it will also help to fill some of the knowledge gaps created by advancements in current thinking. In short, it should be required reading for every engineer and technologist. -- Engineering & Technology magazineAstroquizzical approaches astronomy at a unique angle. It begins by stating that we are all distantly related to the stars; everything we're made of can be traced back to when they explode. By making this comparison at the start of the book, you instantly become intrigued and involved and from then on, the author ¬- Jillian Scudder - does a fine job of covering a variety of topics and interests in space science. The book starts at our home planet and the universe expands as the story unfolds, explaining the intricacies of our Solar System, the variety and evolution of stars, galaxies and finally the broader universe. These areas are well explained and accompanied by a series of illustrations, thought experiments and images. This is a welcome element to the book, particularly when it comes to explaining difficult concepts such as the behaviour of particles travelling at the speed of light and other more in depth, complicated topics. -- All About Space

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Book Synopsis'Filled with wonderment and awe ... Greene's eloquent memoir is equal parts escape and comfort.' Publishers WeeklyA powerful reflection on life in isolation, in pursuit of the dream of Mars.In 2013 Kate Greene moved to Mars.On NASA's first HI-SEAS simulated Mars mission in Hawaii, she lived for four months in an isolated geodesic dome with her crewmates, gaining incredible insight into human behaviour in tight quarters, as well as the nature of boredom, dreams and isolation that arise amidst the promise of scientific progress and glory.Greene draws on her experience to contemplate what makes an astronaut, the challenges of freeze-dried eggs and time-lagged correspondence, the cost of shooting for a Planet B.The result is a story of space and life, of the slippage between dreams and reality, of bodies in space, and of humanity's incredible impulse to explore. From trying out life on Mars, Greene examines what it is to live on Earth.'In her thoughtful, well-written account of the mission, Greene reflects on what this and other space missions can teach us about ourselves and life on Earth.' Physics TodayTrade ReviewGreene is a talented writer, and her words shine throughout -- Library JournalIn her thoughtful, well-written account of the mission, Greene reflects on what this and other space missions can teach us about ourselves and life on Earth. -- Physics TodayFilled with wonderment and awe ... Greene's eloquent memoir is equal parts escape and comfort. -- Publishers WeeklyLooking for a relatable isolation read after enduring so much pandemic-fueled social isolation? This may be just the book you need. Kate Greene's memoir recounts her time spent as a research participant for NASA in a Mars simulation study. Over the course of four months, Kate lived in insolation with a handful of other participants inside a geodesic dome perched along a Hawaiian volcanic slope. Kate pairs her story of simulating life on Mars with reflections on her queer identity, her brother's disability, and more. -- Book Riot

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Book SynopsisMany ancient, even prehistoric, monuments and temples around the world show an amazingly sophisticated understanding of the heavens. They reflect this sacred knowledge in celestial alignments – to the eternal cycles of the sun, moon, stars and planets. The ceremonies performed at sites such as Stonehenge in England or Teotihuacan in Mexico are now lost to us. But the time-worn stones and structures remain, and archaeoastronomers (experts in ancient astronomy) have studied how their sightlines relate to astronomical phenomena such as midwinter or midsummer sunrise or the rising of the Pleiades star cluster. Within, Ken Taylor dives into the fantastical: The principles of astronomy – the seasons, the solstices and equinoxes, the rising and setting of stars, the “lunar standstills” Solar alignments – the language of light and shadow, and the life-giving shows of the sun Lunar alignments – the drama of the eclipse and the mysterious energies of the night Alignments to stars and planets – reaching out to the immensity of the cosmos In exploring such connections, in words, superb photographs and clear explanatory artworks, Celestial Geometry opens a whole universe of mystery and wonder, and a window on the inner life of ancient civilizations.Trade Review'This book is subtitled, ‘Understanding the Astronomical Meanings of Ancient Sites’, and that is exactly what it does. There have been many attempts to rationalise and find a reason for the truly remarkable structures worldwide made by our forefathers. The author uses the comparatively recent science of ‘archaeoastronomy’ and sticks to what we know and can prove concerning such iconic sites as Stonehenge and Avebury in England, Chichen Itza in Mexico, Carnac in France, The Pyramids in Egypt, Hovenweep in the USA and the truly astonishing array of ancient standing stones predating the Pyramids at Callanish on the Western Isles of Scotland. Many of the other sites (and there are many) will be unknown to the reader, yet they are there and they fulfil exactly the same function. Our ancestors attempted to recreate heaven here on earth (as above so below) and show just how powerful the appeal of the heavens was. This is irrespective of whether it is the sun, the moon or indeed the stars and how many of the structures follow, track and frequently predict the way in which these celestial bodies move through the sky. This is a beautifully presented book with full colour plates and printed on high quality glossy paper that deals with a remarkable era in human development. It sets out its message in a readily accessible form and is well worth the purchase price'- Phenomena MagazineWhether digging down or dipping in, this stunningly illustrated book offers an unprejudiced, congenial and revelatory journey into the realms of archaeological astronomy. Chariots of the Gods this is not, so don’t be put off by the title. The informed and lucid narrative, suiting both young and old, casual and academic, eases you through the required principles of astronomy - the solstices and equinoxes, ‘lunar standstills’, the rising and setting stars. Then, suitable armed, you get to explore over 50 archaeological sites through spectacular photographs, floor plans and diagrams. It’s a fascinating collection that invites you to ponder the curiosity and creativity behind the structures that are seemingly aligned with the movements of the Sun, Moon, planets and stars.This isn’t however your usual celestial geometry fare. Yes, we have Stonehenge’s Darren stones, as well as the pyramids of Egypt, Machu Picchu’s temples, Easter Island and Chichen Itza’s nine-tiered Kukulcan marvel. But this book delves deeper. This lesser-known ancient, even prehistoric, megalithic structures, sacred sites and artefacts are also subject to Ken Taylor’s scrutiny. Spanning Europe, North and Central American, India, Australia, Indonesia and China, Taylor’s research unearths an amalgam of art, history, astronomy and mythology from star charts and tomb paintings. All reveal humankind’s fascination with the heavens, whether past, present or future. Is there a connection? That’s for you to decide. One thing’s for sure, I want to connect with my credit card and get visiting.-BBC Sky at Night

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Book Synopsis'Fascinating new book examines the history of Nasa's Apollo space missions' Daily Mail_______Eight key lessons to revolutionise your life with the mindset that got man to the moon.20th July 1969: Neil Armstrong becomes the first person to walk on the Moon. We all recognize this to be one of mankind's greatest achievements. Yet what did it take to make John F. Kennedy's dream a reality?In this remarkable book, Professor Richard Wiseman presents a pioneering study of the mindset that took humanity to the Moon, and shows how you can harness and use it to achieve the extraordinary in your everyday life.Combining personal interviews, mission archives and cutting-edge psychology, Wiseman embarks on the ultimate voyage through inner space. Along the way he identifies eight key principles that make up the Apollo Mindset, including how pessimism is crucial to success, and how fear and tragedy can be transformed into hope and optimism. You will discover a series of practical techniques that you can use to incorporate these winning principles into both your professional and personal life. Whether you want to start a business venture, change careers, find your perfect partner, raise a loving family, get promoted, gain a new qualification, escape the rat race, or pursue a lifelong passion, these techniques will help you to reach your own Moon.Trade ReviewWe could all do with a little more of the pioneering spirit that managed to place a man on the Moon against incredible odds. * The Big Issue *Fascinating new book examines the history of Nasa's Apollo space missions. * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisSince the earliest humans walked the earth, the vast mysteries and wonders of the night sky have fascinated and beguiled us, as we’ve struggled to understand our place in the cosmos.Even after the last century, which saw important and startling discoveries about our own planet, our solar system and the stars and galaxies beyond, there remain more questions than answers. But those questions – What is dark matter? Are we alone in the universe? Is time travel possible? – provide a fascinating insight into the vastness and infinite possibilities of space that we’re yet to determine. The sheer scale of the universe can be intimidating, but in this easily digestible book we embark on an incredible journey through all the essential astronomical discoveries, from the beliefs of ancient civilizations, through to the recent groundbreaking observations of the gravitational waves predicted by Einstein over 100 years ago. There’s never been a better time to get to grips with the universe and this essential guide to the cosmos is the perfect place to start!Trade ReviewIf you're new to the subject... or are trying to spark the astronomy bug in someone else, then this volume is an excellent place to begin your adventure * BBC Sky at Night Magazine *This book is a goldmine for anyone seeking to understand the present state of astronomical science, cosmology and how we arrived here from the earliest wonderings of our ancestors about the things they saw in the sky * Astronomy Now *

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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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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 SynopsisWhat happens when a star dies? How many asteroids are in our solar system? Can galaxies collide? What is dark energy? Astronomy in Minutes answers all these questions and more as it condenses 200 key concepts into easily digestible essays. From Trojan asteroids to stellar black holes, and from superclusters to cosmic microwave background, this book will take you on an essential tour around the universe. Beginning with the specks and constellations that we see in the night sky, and then zooming in on the objects and 'matter' beyond the naked eye, Astronomy in Minutes draws on established theories and recent research. Each essay is accompanied by an image or a clear diagram to help unravel complex ideas. Beginning with the constellations and finishing with the latest cosmological theories, this is the perfect reference guide to this fascinating subject. Contents include: The celestial sphere, Piscis Austrinus, the Earth-Moon system, Io and Ganymede, Kuiper Belt Objects, Measuring stellar properties, Nuclear fusion, Red and orange dwarfs, Open star clusters, Planetary nebulae, Supernova remnants, Cosmic expansion, Quasars and blazars, Nature of spacetime, Nucleosynthesis and the Anthropic Principle.

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Book SynopsisIndulge your curiosity with this humorous and fascinating book that demystifies the surprising myths about space. In the latest book from the Everything You Know is Wrong series, Matt Brown brings you a compendium of amazing facts about our planet, the universe, and everything in between! Thanks to popular sci-fi films and TV shows, there have been many misconceptions about the cosmos – from travelling through worm-holes to blowing up asteroids. In Everything You Know About Space is Wrong, you'll find a plethora of myths, legends and misquotes that have shaped the way you view the universe today. Think that the vacuum of space would make your blood boil and your head explode? It won't, and there have been people who have survived without wearing a suit in space. Think that astronauts float in space because there is zero-gravity? They're actually constantly falling towards the Earth. Think that the colour of space is black? It's actually predominantly green. Chock-full of facts about the cosmos, how it works (and how it doesn't!), this illuminating book will guide you through the mine of misinformation to answer such questions as whether we will meet aliens in our lifetime (SETI predicts we'll find evidence of ET by 2040!), what happens in the centre of the black hole, and why Mercury is not the hottest planet in the solar system. Discovering untruths about popular science, Everthing You Know About Space is Wrong provides a hugely entertaining insight into our universe.Trade Review'This is a bold effort.' -- How it Works * Book Review *

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Book SynopsisGiven that it includes literally everything in existence, it’s not surprising that the Universe is the source of some of the greatest mysteries in physics. How big is it? How did it begin? And, perhaps more worryingly, how will it end? Through cosmology, the study of the evolution and structure of the Universe, experts have been attempting to untangle these tricky topics for centuries. They have found the faint traces of the Big Bang and shown that our Universe is expanding at a phenomenal rate. However, while their efforts have forged our core understanding of physics and earned them a number of Nobel Prizes, there is much that eludes us still. Explore the secrets of the cosmos with astronomer Dr Greg Brown as he entertains our fascination with impossible questions in this pocket guide to everything that ever was and ever will be.

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Book SynopsisThis book is for amateur astronomers who would like to know the mythology behind the names of astronomical objects in the night sky. It covers the lore and legend behind Ptolemy’s 48 constellations, along with significant asterisms, the planets and their moons, the brightest named asteroids and dwarf planets.The revised second edition includes a host of new moons and dwarf planets discovered since 2011. In addition, it now features a new section on major asteroids and their associated myths. While still primarily focused on Greco-Roman mythology, the book now branches out to cover more recently named objects from other cultures, such as Hawaiian, Rapanui, Tongva and Inuit. To assist practical observers, the book gives the location and description of each constellation, including named stars and deep-sky objects. A host of helpful astronomy tips and techniques, as well as a brief introduction to astrophotography, are included to encourage direct observation and imaging of these mythical objects in the night sky.Trade Review“This book is a worthy addition to the literature on the names of heavenly bodies, and can be recommended.” (Robert Connon Smith, The Observatory, Vol. 141 (1282), June, 2021)Table of ContentsContents 1 An Introduction to Greco-Roman Mythology The Night Sky and Ancient Cultures Greek or Roman? The Creation of the World Astronomical Family Trees 2 The Winter Constellations Orion – The Hunter Canis Major – The Great Dog Canis Minor – The Little Dog Lepus – The Hare Scorpius – The Scorpion Taurus – The Bull The Hyades – The Daughters of Atlas The Pleiades (M45) – The Seven Sisters Auriga – The Charioteer Eridanus – The River Aries – The Ram Gemini – The Twins The Ship Argo Puppis – The Stern Pyxis – The Mariner’s Compass Vela – The Sails Carina – The Keel 3 The Legend of Jason and the Argonauts The Constellations The Legend 4 The Spring Constellations Ursa Major and Ursa Minor – The Greater Bear and the Lesser Bear Ursa Major – The Great Bear and the Big Dipper Ursa Minor Boötes – The Herdsman (or the Plowman) Virgo – The Virgin Corvus – The Crow Crater – The Cup Centaurus – The Centaur Lupus – The Wolf Leo – The Lion Hydra – The Watersnake Cancer – The Crab 5 The Summer Constellations Ophiuchus – The Serpent-Bearer Serpens (Cauda and Caput) – The Serpents Corona Borealis – The Northern Crown Corona Australis – The Southern Crown Draco – The Dragon Aquila – The Eagle Scorpius – The Scorpion Libra – The Scales Sagittarius – The Archer Lyra – The Lyre Cygnus – The Swan Ara – The Altar Hercules – The Hero Sagitta – The Arrow Equuleus – The Foal 6 The Legend of Hercules The Constellations The Legend 7 The Autumn Constellations Delphinus – The Dolphin Aquarius – The Water-Bearer Capricornus – The Sea-Goat Pisces – The Fishes Pisces Austrinus – The Southern Fish Pegasus – The Flying Horse Andromeda – The Princess Cetus – The Sea-Monster (Whale) Cassiopeia – The Queen Cepheus – The King Perseus – The Hero Triangulum – The Triangle 8 The Legend of Perseus The Constellations The Legend 9 Introductions to Other Mythologies Norse Mythology Celtic Mythology Inuit Mythology Hawaiian Mythology Rapa Nui Mythology Tongva Mythology 10 Planets and Satellites Mercury Venus Earth Earth’s Satellite – The Moon Mars Mars’ Satellites Jupiter Jupiter’s Satellites Saturn Saturn’s Satellites Uranus Uranus’ Satellites Neptune Neptune’s Satellites 11 Dwarf Planets and Asteroids The Dwarf Planets Ceres Pluto Eris Haumea Makemake Sedna Quaoar Orcus The Asteroids Vesta (4 Vesta) Pallas (2 Pallas) Ceres (1 Ceres) Iris (7 Iris) Eros (433 Eros) Hebe (6 Hebe) Juno (3 Juno) Melpomene (18 Melpomene) Eunomia (15 Eunomia) Flora (8 Flora) 12 Astrophotography Using a Compact Digital Camera or Smartphone Camera Introduction to Digital Cameras Astrophotography Using a Compact Digital Camera Astrophotography Using a Smartphone Camera Author’s Final Word Appendices Appendix A Names of the Greek and Roman Gods Appendix B Ptolemy’s Constellations Appendix C The Messier Objects Appendix D NGC/IC Objects by Constellation Appendix E The Greek Alphabet Bibliography Index

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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 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 Synopsis From the bestselling author of Physics of the Impossible, Michio Kaku''s Parallel Worlds takes us to the frontiers of scientific knowledge to explain the extraordinary nature - and future - of our universe. Imagine a future where we are not alone - where our universe is just one of countless parallel worlds, some strangely familiar, some almost unimaginable. And that, when planet earth finally runs down to a cold, dark wasteland, we will be able to escape into these new worlds and start again. Michio Kaku''s thrilling guide to the galaxy shows us how it could happen sooner than we think - and the future for intelligent life is one of endless possibilities. ''This book is absolutely impossible to put down ... if and when we do find out what the universe is, and how it was created, it''s going to be absolutely mind-blowing''   Independent on Sunday ''One of the gurus of modern physics''   

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Book SynopsisA guide to the 99% of the Universe our eyes can’t see from a dazzling new voice in popular scienceTrade Review‘Engaging…this book will be of interest to anyone wanting to know more about how we’ve learned what we know about the Universe.’ -- Chris North, BBC Sky at Night‘Matthew Bothwell’s excellent book is a compelling read. He sets the latest fascinating discoveries in their historical context, and highlights the mysteries that challenge future astronomers. The coverage is comprehensive and clear. The book stands out in a crowded field and deserves very wide readership.’ -- Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal‘Matthew Bothwell has opened a new window onto the night sky for his readers… A unique and compelling read that will open your eyes to the beautiful and multifaceted universe that scientists are exploring today.’ -- Emily Levesque, author of The Last Stargazers‘Matt’s book is an excellent introduction to how astronomers have learnt "what’s out there", particularly using radiation invisible to the human eye. He deftly conveys ideas with a cheerful and infectious enthusiasm, using humour, vivid analogies and personal anecdotes to bring our understanding of the Universe to life, without losing any scientific rigour. Highly readable, it offers an increased sense of wonder at the workings of the cosmos.’ -- Carolin Crawford, Emeritus Gresham Professor of Astronomy‘The Invisible Universe shows everything in a new light. In clear language this book takes you from the familiar to the deeply strange, from blue skies to black holes and beyond, showing how much we’ve learned and the immensity of what we have yet to understand.’ -- Ken MacLeod, author of the award-winning Fall Revolution series‘Matt Bothwell guides us through the world of astronomy and astrophysics with an engagingly written, up-to-date view of some of the key current frontiers. He opens our eyes to wavelengths beyond the light we can see. His journey includes galaxies, black holes, star formation, dust, gravitational waves, dark matter and dark energy – all with interesting historical context, accessible explanations and richly peppered with accurate analogies. A compelling read.’ -- Andrew Coates, Professor of Physics at UCL and Deputy Director (Solar System) at UCL’s Mullard Space Science Laboratory‘This book bursts with information without once becoming dull or over-complicated. Ideas are introduced at an accessible level, and unique analogies put abstract concepts and almost inconceivable quantities into a context that we can understand intuitively… Some of the core scientific content of this book may have been covered in other popular astronomy books, but rarely in such an engaging, warm, and readable way. Readers of all ages who want to gain a better understanding of the unseen Universe will find something here to enjoy.’ -- Astronomy Now‘Intriguing… In Dr Bothwell’s fascinating new book, we are taken on a cosmic journey… beautifully presented in a way that makes for compelling reading and opens up your mind to the unseen. A book that fully deserves to be on any curiously minded person’s book shelf.’ * Astronomy Ireland *‘A fascinating account that particularly stands out in the crowded field of scientific literature… Explaining difficult concepts in a digestible way, The Invisible Universe is a must-read for those seeking a straightforward route into the world of astronomy. One can’t help being attracted to Bothwell’s infectious passion for science, prompting us to stare out at the night sky and wonder what other discoveries lie hidden amongst the stars.’ -- Reaction‘A highly recommended and enjoyable read, especially if this is your first guidebook for this armchair trip… Dr. Bothwell examines each topic with the right mix of history, anecdote, analogy, science and implications… captivating.’ -- Starvind‘Matthew Bothwell has opened a new window onto the night sky for his readers, taking us on a sweeping tour of some of the most cutting-edge phenomena in the cosmos and using his knack for clear, precise, and inventive explanations to help us all see the unseen. A unique and compelling read that will open your eyes to the beautiful and multifaceted universe that scientists are exploring today.’ -- Emily Levesque, author of The Last Stargazers‘Excellent… a great read… Matthew Bothwell has a sense of wonder and joy about the concepts and ideas he is explaining. His enthusiasm and marvel are contagious… definitely the best book we have read and reviewed in 2022.’ -- Simon Cocking, Irish Tech News‘This is a beautifully articulated and informative book all about the wonders of our universe and the history behind it all. I was drawn to this book because the concept of space and all that’s in it interested me, and reading this has made me even more fascinated. It is truly a page-turner and was really hard to put down once I started reading.’ -- SMS Non-fiction Book Reviews

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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 SynopsisThis beautiful pack of 30 cards is perfect for every budding star gazer! Each card features a different constellation, planet or star to spot in the night sky, with stunning artwork on one side, and easy-to-follow guidance on the reverse. Learn how to find the North Star, understand the phases of the moon, find all the planets in our solar system, discover the science behind eclipses and explore iconic constellations include Orion, the Plough and the Great Bear. Every object is visible with the naked eye, meaning no telescopes are necessary. An introductory booklet includes a night sky map and guidance for young astronomers aged 5+. -30 cards each featuring a different star, planet or constellation to spot -Learn how to locate the North Star and all the planets in the Solar System -Explore iconic constellations including Orion, the Plough and the Great Bear -Understand the phases of the moon -Discover the science behind eclipses -Includes a night sky map -Every object is visible with the naked eye; no telescopes are necessary -Perfect for budding astronomers aged 5+

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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 SynopsisAn immersive exploration of the nightly presence that has captured our imagination for the entirety of human history.When the Moon rises between buildings or over trees, it’s not just a beautiful light: It’s an archive of human longing, fear and adventure. The Moon is more than a rock. It’s a story.” In the luminously told Still As Bright, the story of the Moon traverses time and space, rendering a range of human experiences—from the beliefs of ancient cultures to the science of Galileo’s telescopic discoveries, from the obsessions of colorful 19th century “selenographers” to the astronauts of Apollo and, now, Artemis. Still As Bright also traces Cokinos''s own lunar pilgrimage. With his backyard telescope, he explores the surface of the Moon, while rooted in places both domestic and wild, and this award-winning poet and writer rediscovers feelings of solace, love and wonder in the midst

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

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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 SynopsisVery Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring Almost everything we know about the Universe has come from studying the messages carried by light from outer space. Until only a handful of decades ago, this meant observing optical photons in the narrow visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. However, recent technological developments have now enabled us to extend this range and explore the Universe at radio, infrared, ultraviolet, X-ray, and gamma-ray wavelengths. The observations reveal a plethora of exotic phenomena such as young galaxies at the edge of the visible Universe, quasars, pulsars, colliding galaxies, and exploding stars, often at great distances. We have discovered that the Universe is expanding and that the expansion itself is accelerating. Closer to our home planet, we track killer asteroids and comets. Working closely together, observational astronomy and astrophysics have shown us how stars produce their energy, where the chemical elements come Table of ContentsList of illustrations Preface 1: The observable Universe 2: The life and death of stars 3: Big telescopes 4: The radio Universe 5: Observations from space 6: The transient Universe 7: Multi-messenger astronomy 8: A bigger picture Further Reading Index

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