Popular astronomy and space Books

Book SynopsisThe last of the five naked-eye planets discovered in ancient times, Mercury has long been an elusive, enigmatic world. As seen from the Earth, it never emerges far from the Sun, and astronomers in the telescopic era found it challenging to work out such basic data as its rotation period, the inclination of its axis, and whether or not it possessed an atmosphere. In this up-to-date and beautifully illustrated volume, William Sheehan brings our understanding of the planet into clear focus. He deftly traces the history from the earliest observations right up to the most recent explorations using radar and spacecraft. The planet has been surveyed in great detail, revealing vast volcanic plains, water-ice deposits in craters near the poles, and a remarkable core having the highest iron content of any body of the Solar System. A fascinating world in its own right, Mercury also holds important clues for scientists attempting to better understand the origin and evolution of the Earth.

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Book SynopsisMars is a small world with a big reputation. This mysterious planet - with volcanoes that dwarf Mount Everest, a canyon system that would stretch fully across the USA and curious landscapes that may support life - has fascinated us for centuries. In the most up-to-date account available of the elusive `Red Planet', Stephen James O'Meara follows our longstanding love affair with this bewildering world, from the musings of humanity's first stargazers, to the imaginings of science-fiction writers and film-makers, to the latest images and discoveries from orbiting spacecraft and robotic rovers. The book also reviews plans for piloted missions to Mars, and what it will take for those missions to succeed.Trade Review"Presenting the red planet in both fact as well as the many fictions in which it has been featured, and including some of the most up-to-date discoveries from the information collected by the Curiosity rover, this forthcoming book should be of interest to both dedicated astronomers as well as the simply martially curious alike."-- "Well-Read Naturalist"Table of Contents1 Communion with Mars 2 The `Miniature of Our Earth' 3 Romancing Mars 4 The First Emissaries to Mars 5 Lifting the Curse at Mars 6 Scouting Out Humanity's Next Home 7 Mars: Our Home Away from Home? 8 The Lilliputian Moons of Mars 9 Observing Mars Appendix I: Mars Oppositions, 2020-35 Appendix II: Mars Fact Sheet Appendix III: Mars Missions References Bibliography Acknowledgements Photo Acknowledgements Index

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Book SynopsisGrounded in historical studies of asteroids from the nineteenth century, Asteroids is a fully up to date view of these remarkable objects. Without resorting to any technical plots or mathematics, the author shows that asteroids are not just rocks in space, but key to understanding the life and death on Earth of both animals and humans. From space missions to the asteroids’ starring role in literature and film, Clifford J. Cunningham precisely and entertainingly looks at the place asteroids have in our solar system and how they affect our daily lives.Trade Review"This quintessential guide to asteroids, filled with informative photographs and other illustrations, is a must-read for those interested in the evolution of our solar system and the astrogeology of our planet." * Booklist *"Cunningham provides a concise and accessible overview of asteroids, how they were first discovered (Ceres in 1801, now reclassified as a dwarf planet), where they come from, how they might impact Earth and other celestial objects, and an outlook on future missions to study them. The book is rounded out with an interesting chapter on asteroids in popular culture (the film Armageddon is one such example) and some more forward-thinking approaches to asteroids (like their potential as mining sites). Cunningham finally provides an appendix suggesting ways that the reader, be they a science student or a science enthusiast, could engage with asteroids, from doing field trips to craters, to using telescope data, or even collecting stamps!" * Nature Astronomy *"Asteroids is an insightful read, providing an overview of the field in an engaging format that is testament to both the skill and authority of the author." * BBC Sky at Night *“We have conscripted asteroids into video games and transformed them into exotic landscapes through space exploration. At first we didn’t know what to call them, and then we named them after ancient gods, close relatives, and the Beatles. Here Cunningham, the expert on asteroid history, conducts us from a time only a little more than two centuries ago, when no one knew asteroids exist, to now, when many know the dinosaurs were done in by one asteroid and wonder whether another might have our name on it. Cunningham has mined the asteroid belt to tell us the whole story of these small but compelling worlds—where they are, what they are, and what they mean for us.” -- E. C. Krupp, director, Griffith Observatory“The most engaging book that I have ever read on asteroids. The book covers every major topic and should be on the shelf of every person interested in asteroids.” -- Thomas Burbine, visiting lecturer of astronomy, Mount Holyoke College, author of "Asteroids: Astronomical and Geological Bodies"

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Book SynopsisThe space race was perhaps the greatest technological contest of the 20th century. It was a thrilling era of innovation, discovery and exploration, as astronauts and cosmonauts were launched on space missions of increasing length, complexity and danger. The Greatest Adventure traces the events of this extraordinary period, describing the initial string of Soviet achievements: the first satellite in orbit; the first animal, man and woman in space; the first spacewalk; as well as the ultimate US victory in the race to land on the moon. The book then takes the reader on a journey through the following decades of space exploration to the present time, detailing the many successes, tragedies, risks and rewards of space exploration.Trade Review‘A fresh, crisp, and insightful chronicle. Burgess wings the reader through humankind’s initial, sometimes faltering, journeys into outer space; and our first footprints on another world. But these were just the start. Strap in! From these beginnings mankind personally touches the Kosmos in its Greatest Adventure.’ – Charles D. Walker, engineer, corporate executive, and first commercial industry astronaut on Space Shuttle missions STS-41D, STS-51D, and STS-61B

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Book SynopsisThe most distant planets in our solar system, Uranus and Neptune were unknown by the ancients – Uranus was discovered in the 1780s and Neptune only in the 1840s. Our discovery and observation of both planets has been hampered by their sheer distance from Earth: there has only been one close encounter, Voyager 2 in the late 1980s. The Voyager mission revealed many enticing details about the planets and their moons, but also left many more questions unanswered. This book is an informative and accessible introduction to Uranus, Neptune and their moons. It takes the reader on a journey from discovery to the most recent observations made from space- and ground-based telescopes, and will appeal to amateur and professional astronomers alike.

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Book SynopsisNow available in paperback, this beautifully illustrated volume ranges across the entire history of Jupiter studies, from the naked-eye observations of the Babylonians and the Greeks, through the telescopic discoveries of Galileo and T.E.R. Phillips, to the explosion of information received from space probes. It brings our understanding of Jupiter right up to date and includes preliminary findings from the Juno space probe, while also providing valuable practical information for those who wish to make their own observations of the planet. Introducing planetary science in an accessible and engaging way, Jupiter will appeal to those who wish to have a better understanding of this magnificent planet and its unique place in the solar system.Trade Review'The scope of this book is very wide-ranging, including chapters on ancient observations of Jupiter, the origin and structure of the planet, features in its atmosphere, its satellites and the Shoemaker-Levy 9 impacts. It also features results from spacecraft – including some initial results from the current Juno mission . . . well written and easy to follow. It is also well illustrated, with numerous colour and blackand-white illustrations. There are a number of spacecraft images, plus amateur images and drawings . . . I enjoyed reading the book and it provides a good overview of the Jovian system for a general reader.' – Journal of the British Astronomical Association; 'In this superbly researched and illustrated guide to the giant planet, the authors have trawled through centuries of humanity's archives for documentation of Jupiter, looking for engaging ways to explain what astronomers know about the planet, and how they found out . . . the illustrations are exceptional, reproducing one archive gem after another . . . reading this comprehensive primer on Jupiter – and on planetary astronomy itself – is as enlightening as it is thoroughly enjoyable.' – BBC Sky at Night Magazine; 'The gas giant planet Jupiter, with its red spot and ever-changing meteorology, has fascinated human curiosity since as far back as records exist thousands of years ago. William Sheehan and Thomas Hockey add to the Kosmos series of books exploring our Solar System and beyond by looking not only at the historical and cultural context of Jupiter’s continued significance but also by exploring its parts, from its atmosphere and weather patterns, to its rings and moons. They present the knowledge accumulated from the earliest observations by Galileo to the Juno mission’s latest discoveries' – Nature Astronomy; 'a glossy coffee-table title, packed with more than 100 images and illustrations. The opening chapters do a good job in tackling the birth of the solar system and all the Jovian planets; describing how they formed; before delving into Jupiter itself, layer by layer, from atmosphere to core . . . Sheehan and Hockey’s language is clear . . . the book is well-paced . . . a useful and practical planetary-science primer', – Physics World; 'For more about the largest planet in our solar system, check out the beautiful hardcover book Jupiter by William Sheehan and Thomas Hockey, from the Kosmos series. We handpick reading recommendations we think you may like' – Curiosity.com; 'This book is especially strong on a survey of amateur observations of Jupiter, and for that reason alone it is a useful addition to the literature.', Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage

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Book SynopsisPress pause, step outside, and look up. There is so much to gain by simply watching the clouds go by. This take-anywhere guide invites you to tap into the calming power of nature through the contemplative practice of cloud-spotting. Discover different types of clouds, unique sky phenomena, and the many benefits that come from slowing down long enough to notice them. The petite 4 x 6” trim makes this book perfect for adventurers and nature-lovers (toss it in a backpack and bring it on your next trek!), while new and experienced meditators will appreciate the simple approach to mindfulness. Filled with remarkable tidbits and soothing practices, CLOUD-SPOTTING reminds us that the wonders of nature abound if we just take the time to look.

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Book SynopsisSunsets serve as daily reminders that breathtaking beauty exists in this world-we just have to notice it. In a portable trim, Sunset Seeking invites nature-lovers, mindfulness practitioners, and pop science enthusiasts to seek out sunsets and view them with intention. Learn what makes sunsets colorful and the atmospheric factors that influence them; discover folklore about the sun and its power from different places and times; and consider how the sun's cycle affects our well-being. With a deeper understanding of sunsets comes a deeper appreciation-let this pocket guide illuminate the wonders of this daily phenomenon.

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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 SynopsisThe Solar System – so what is it?We've all learned the basics at school but how much can you remember? Expert astronomers and co-presenters of The Sky at Night Chris North and Paul Abel take a fascinating guided tour of our Solar System and explain its wonders.They look at all the major players, including our more familiar neighbours – the Sun, the planets and their moons – the occasional visitors to our planet – asteroids, meteors and comets – as well as distant stars and what might be beyond our Solar System – Earth Mark II? Chris and Paul recount the history of how everything came about and the myths that once shaped astronomy. They explain the latest science and discoveries, and reveal how any amateur astronomer can view and interpret the Solar System.

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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 SynopsisIn September 1969, several months after the Apollo 11 lunar landing, President Richard M. Nixon established the Space Task Force to chart NASA’s path for the decades to come. This imaginative vision was shattered less than six months later when, on January 13, 1970, NASA Administrator Dr. Thomas Paine announced that, owing to funding cuts, only the reusable Space Shuttle could be afforded -- there would be no space station, no return to the Moon, and no missions to Mars. This is a story never before told about the missions and technologies that NASA had begun to plan but never fully realized. The book is a companion to the author’s previous two works on the Space Shuttle. Whereas the first two books showed how the Space Shuttle flew in space and what the program accomplished, this book explains what more the Space Shuttle could have achieved and how the space transportation system could have further matured if circumstances had been otherwise. A final chapter also discusses how some of these plans might be resurrected in future programs. Table of ContentsChapter 1: Space Shuttle 101.- Chapter 2: Making the most of the External Tank.- Chapter 3: Boosting the boosters.- Chapter 4: Improving performance.- Chapter 5: Outposts for the development of space.- Chapter 6: Orbital hopping.- Chapter 7: Unflown satellite servicing capabilities.- Chapter 8: In-space assembly: a potential not fully exploited.- Chapter 9: Factories in space.- Chapter 10: The unfulfilled potential of the External Tank.- Chapter 11: Space Shuttle freighter.- Chapter 12: The quest for a worthy successor.- Chapter 13: An impossible schedule.- Chapter 14: Space Shuttle and Skylab: a missed opportunity.- Chapter 15: Unflown science.- Chapter 16: Space Shuttle in Uniform: A lost collaboration.- Chapter 17: Too high a dream?.

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Book SynopsisThis is the story of Bernie Mills, Chris Christiansen, Paul Wild and Ron Bracewell, members of a team of radio astronomers that would lead Australia, and the world, into this new field of research. Each of the four is remembered for his remarkable work: Mills for the development the cross type instrument that now bears his name; Christiansen for the application of rotational synthesis techniques; Wild for the masterful joining of observations and theory to elicit the nature of the solar atmosphere; Bracewell for his contribution to imaging theory. As well, these Four Pillars are remembered for creating a remarkable environment for scientific discovery and for influencing the careers of future generations. Their pursuit of basic science helped pave the way for technological developments in areas ranging from Wi-Fi to sonar to medical imaging to air navigation, and for underpinning the foundations of modern cosmology and astrophysics.Trade Review“The book tells a highly readable story of four scientists/engineers who contributed to the development and high international standing of radio astronomy in Australia. … The book is abundantly filled with original photos and illustrations. I can recommend it to all radio astronomers that are old enough to have personally known the Four Pillars. It will be a good read to anyone with an interest in the development of science in post-war Australia … .” (Jacob W. M. Baars, The Radio Science Bulletin, Issue 365, June, 2018)“Four Pillars of Radio Astronomy: Mills, Christiansen, Wild, Bracewell, by R. H. Frater, W. M Goss, and H. W. Wendt, provides a fascinating window on the remarkable development of Australian radio astronomy in the decade following World War II. … The book is short, concise, entertaining, and very well illustrated.” (James Moran, Physics Today, Vol. 71 (09), 2017)Table of ContentsIntroduction.- The Early Years.- Pawsey – Grand old man of Radio Astronomy.- The Rebirth of Fleurs - Christiansen.- The Radioheliograph and Beyond - Wild.- The One Mile Cross - Mills.- A Transformed World - Bracewell.- Discussion.- Conclusions.

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Book SynopsisHow to predict and calculate the positions of stars, planets, the sun, the moon, and satellites using a personal computer and high school mathematics.Our knowledge of the universe is expanding rapidly, as space probes launched decades ago begin to send information back to earth. There has never been a better time to learn about how planets, stars, and satellites move through the heavens. This book is for amateur astronomers who want to move beyond pictures of constellations in star guides and solve the mysteries of a starry night. It is a book for readers who have wondered, for example, where Saturn will appear in the night sky, when the sun will rise and set, or how long the space station will be over their location. In Celestial Calculations, J. L. Lawrence shows readers how to find the answers to these and other astronomy questions with only a personal computer and high school math. Using an easy-to-follow step-by-step approach, Lawrence explains what calculati

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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 Synopsis Capture your brilliant ideas and everyday reflections in these notebooks featuring photographs from the archives of NASA.Explore the wonders of the cosmos with this set of three notebooks (two lined, one gridded), each cover emblazoned with an astonishing full-color image of star fields and adorned with glittering foil stars. Note-taking or journaling will inspire reflection and big ideas as you contemplate the vastness and beauty of the universe.SPACE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS: Show your love for all things space-related with this stunning notebook set! Official photographs from the archives of NASA decorate the covers, featuring otherworldly images of the celestial bodies of deep space. PRACTICAL JOURNALS: The infinitely expanding universe has always inspired creativity, deep thinking, and exploration. These slender, saddle-stitched notebooks are easy to slip into a backpack on adventures or keep by the bedside to jot down ideas and dreams. GREAT

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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 SynopsisAcross human cultures and history, we have looked up to the heavens and discovered the constellations, from Auriga to Cassiopeia and Cygnus to Lyra. Each cluster of stars has its own story, both mythic and scientific. With The Deck of Stars, you can learn about both. With 50 cards, this deck teaches you about the science behind each constellation, the lore that accompanies them, and how to spot these patterns of stars in the night sky. Space is full of magic, and these illustrated cards captures it in a beautiful box.

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Book SynopsisAre we alone in the universe? It is a captivating question, but one that historically eluded proper scientific investigation. The new discipline of astrobiology changes the game, introducing rigor to the quest for extraterrestrial life. Life in the Cosmos surveys the field, showing how cutting-edge research is closing in on the answers “out there.”Trade ReviewThe new go-to for astrobiology. Life in the Cosmos is a quantitative and encyclopedic tour de force for all topics related to the origin of life on Earth and life’s existence beyond. -- Sara Seager, author of The Smallest Lights in the UniverseAn instant classic. Lingam and Loeb’s brilliant Life in the Cosmos is a momentous scientific achievement. To anyone looking to dig deep into the exciting prospect of discovering extraterrestrial life, I say: Make space on your bookshelf. -- Michael J. Russell, University of TurinA book of sweeping vision. Lingam and Loeb offer detailed and insightful analysis of the challenges we face as we investigate the universal distribution of this unusual material we call life. A helpful and fascinating read. -- Charles Cockell, author of Astrobiology: Understanding Life in the UniverseAre we alone in the universe? Lingam and Loeb provide expert guidance to the many dimensions of this fundamental question—and, just maybe, how to answer it. -- Andrew H. Knoll, author of A Brief History of Earth: Four Billion Years in Eight ChaptersA remarkable and modern survey of how to search for life in the universe, from two of the boldest, most innovative thinkers in the field today. Impressively detailed, this book takes into account what we know about life on Earth to consider what we don’t know about life elsewhere. -- Jason Wright, Director, Penn State Extraterrestrial Intelligence CenterThis book discusses everything you ever wanted to know about life in the cosmos. Lingam and Loeb are the best guides for this truly breathtaking journey, providing masterful and comprehensive answers for everyone, from the scholar to the amateur stargazer. -- Dimitar Sasselov, author of The Life of Super-Earths: How the Hunt for Alien Worlds and Artificial Cells Will Revolutionize Life on Our PlanetThe search for intelligent alien life continues to motivate and inspire generations of scientists and the public alike…The authors separate themselves from other treatments of similar topics by focusing on ‘extraterrestrial technological intelligences’ rather than alien life more generally. * Nature Astronomy *Boldly goes where few academic books have gone before by seriously and open-mindedly considering the possibility of extraterrestrial technological intelligence on par with or far beyond humans…Chock-full of interesting topics and insights…A stellar achievement that deserves the undivided attention of readers who are ready to take a deep dive into astrobiology. * Inquisitive Biologist *An excellent primer on life on earth, from the very beginnings…Both incredibly wide-ranging and constantly fascinating. * Complete Review *

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Book SynopsisSince 1961, our country has launched men and women into the hostile vacuum of space. For the adventures on which they were about to embark, astronauts, associates and designers commemorated each mission by creating a unique insignia that the crew could wear with pride on their spacesuits. Space Mission Art collects every one of these iconic designs, plus sticker sheets, to celebrate the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Skylab and Space Shuttle programs. They are presented in full colour and glorious detail alongside the stories behind their design. There are also crew photos, mission facts and trivia that reveal the human face of space exploration, capturing the comedy, tragedy, bravery and beauty of these extraordinary adventures into the unknown.

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Book SynopsisAstrophysics is often –with some justification – regarded as incomprehensible without the use of higher mathematics. Consequently, many amateur astronomers miss out on some of the most fascinating aspects of the subject. Astrophysics Is Easy! cuts through the difficult mathematics and explains the basics of astrophysics in accessible terms. Using nothing more than plain arithmetic and simple examples, the workings of the universe are outlined in a straightforward yet detailed and easy-to-grasp manner. Following on the success of the first and second editions, this fully updated third edition covers the significant changes in astrophysics theories and research that have occurred in the last five years, including new material on: exomoons, exocomets and exoasteroids; Special and General Relativity; gravitational waves, their origins and detection; telescope optics; black hole astrophysics; and more. For each topic under discussion, an observing list is included so that observers can actually see for themselves the concepts presented – stars of the spectral sequence, nebulae, galaxies, even black holes. The book also features in-text, nonmathematical questions and end-of-chapter problems – all with their accompanying solutions – to help readers discuss and digest the material.Table of ContentsCh 1. Tools of the trade1. New Section - Telescope Basics a. Basic formulae to explain magnification, resolution, field-of-view, light-grasp, etc.. b. Use of internet for star-maps, planetariums, etc.. 2. Distancesa. The Nearest Stars To Us3. Brightness and Luminosity4. Magnitudesa. The Brightest Stars5. Coloura. Coloured Stars6. Size and Massa. The Biggest Stars7. Star Constituents8. Spectra and Spectroscopy9. Stellar Classificationa. The Spectral Sequence10. The Hertzsprung-Russell diagram11. The H-R diagram and Stellar Radius12. The H-R diagram and Stellar Luminosity13. The H-R diagram and Stellar MassCh 2. The Solar System 1 The Scientific Method 2 Early Historyi. The Ancient Greeksii. Copernicusiii. Tychoiv. Keplerv. Galileovi. Newton3 The Motions of the Planetsb. Kepler’s Three Lawsc. Newton & Gravityd. Newton’s Laws of Motione. Newton’s Law Of Gravitational Attractionf. The Tides2. New Section - The Greenhouse Effect3. Observing the PlanetsCh 3. The Interstellar Medium1. Introduction2. Nebulæ3. Emission Nebulæa. Brightest Emission Nebulæ4. Dark Nebulæa. Famous Dark Nebulæ5. Reflection Nebulæa. Brightest Reflection Nebulae6. Molecular Clouds7. Protostars8. The Jeans CriterionCh 4. Star Birth1. The Birth of a Star2. Pre-Main Sequence Evolution and the Effect of Mass3. Mass Loss and Mass Gain a. T Tauri Starsb. Discs and Winds4. Clusters and Groups of Starsa. Galactic Star Clustersi. Bright Star Clusters5. Stellar Associations and Streamsa. Bright Stellar Associations and Streams6. Star Formation TriggersCh 5. The Sun and Stars1. The Sun – The Nearest Stara. From the Core to the Surfaceb. The Proton-Proton Chainc. Energy Transport from the Core to the Surfaced. New Section – Sunspotse. New Section – The Solar Cycle2. Binary Stars and Stellar Mass3. Binary Starsa. Visual Binary Stars4. The Masses of Orbiting Stars5. Lifetimes of Main-Sequence Stars6. Red Giant Starsa. Bright Red Giant Stars7. Helium Burning and the Helium Flasha. Helium Burningb. The Helium Flash8. Star Clusters, Red Giants and the H-R Diagram9. Post Main-Sequence Star clusters: The Globular Clusters.a. Bright Globular Clustersb. New Section – Are Globulars galaxy corpses?10. Pulsating Starsa. Why do Stars Pulsate?b. Cepheid Variables and the Period-Luminosity Relationc. Cepheid’s: Temperature and Massd. RR Lyrae and Long-Period Variable Starse. Bright Cepheid Variablesf. Bright RR Lyrae VariablesCh 6. The Death of Stars1. The Asymptotic Giant Branch2. Dredge-Ups3. Mass Loss and Stellar Winds4. Infrared Stars5. The End Of An AGB Star’s Lifea. Bright Carbon Stars6. Planetary Nebulaea. Bright Planetary Nebulae7. White Dwarf Starsa. Electron Degeneracyb. The Chandrasekhar Limitc. New Section – Is the Chandrasekhar Limit correct?d. White Dwarf Evolutione. White Dwarf Originsf. Bright White Dwarfs8. High Mass Stars and Nuclear Burninga. Bright Supergiant Stars9. Iron, Supernovæ and the Formation of the Elementsa. Supernovæ Remnantsb. Supernovæ Typesc. New Section - Hypernovae10. The End Result of High Mass Star Evolution: Neutron Stars, Pulsars, and Black Holesa. Neutron Starsb. PulsarsNEW Chapter - Special Relativity a. The Speed of Lightb. The Lorentz Equations.c. Paradox’s. NEW Chapter - General Relativitya. Warped Space and Timeb. Why is Gravity so weak?c. General relativity in the solar system.d. Gravitational Wavese. 2018 – First contactNEW Chapter – Black Holes a. The Singularityb. Time Travelc. Kerr Black Holesd. Rotating and non-symmetrical Black Holese. Imaging the Event HorizonCh 7. Exoplanets 2. A new sciencea. Methods of Detectionb. Bright Exoplanetsc. New Section – Exo-moons, exo-comets, exo-asteroidsCh 8. Galaxies1. Introduction2. Galaxy Types3. Galaxy Structure4. Stellar Populations5. Hubble Classification of Galaxies6. New section - Other types of galaxy classification7. Observing Galaxiesa. Spiral Galaxiesb. Barred Spiral Galaxiesc. Elliptical Galaxiesd. Lenticular Galaxiese. Irregular GalaxiesCh 9. Active Galaxies1. The Active Galactic Zoo2. The structure and evolution of AGN’sa. Brightest Active GalaxiesCh 10. Cosmology 1 Gravitational Lensing2 Redshift, Distance and the Hubble Law3 Quasar Redshift Problem4 Clusters of Galaxiesa. Groups and Clusters of Galaxies5 The Beginning of the Universe6 The End of the Universe7 Other Cosmologies8 Amateur Observational Cosmology?New Chapter – the Speculative Universea. Beyond the Multiverseb. Infinite Universec. Inflation, then the Big Bang.d. Filamentary nature of Dark Matter.e. MOND – The elephant in the roomf. Endnote

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Book SynopsisOn October 1, 1958, the world’s first civilian space agency opened for business as an emergency response to the Soviet Union’s launch of Sputnik a year earlier. Within a decade, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, universally known as NASA, had evolved from modest research teams experimenting with small converted rockets into one of the greatest technological and managerial enterprises ever known, capable of sending people to the Moon aboard gigantic rockets and of dispatching robot explorers to Venus, Mars, and worlds far beyond. In spite of occasional, tragic setbacks in NASA’s history, the Apollo lunar landing project remains a byword for American ingenuity; the winged space shuttles spearheaded the International Space Station and a dazzling array of astronomical satellites and robotic landers, and Earth observation programs have transformed our understanding of the cosmos and our home world’s fragile place within it. Throughout NASA’s 60-year history, images have played a central role. Who today is not familiar with the Hubble Space Telescope’s mesmerizing views of the universe or the pin-sharp panoramas of Mars from NASA’s surface rovers? And who could forget the photographs of the first men walking on the Moon? Researched with the collaboration of NASA, this collection gathers more than 400 historic photographs and rare concept renderings, scanned and remastered using the latest technology and reproduced in extra-large size. Texts by science and technology journalist Piers Bizony, former NASA chief historian Roger Launius, and best-selling Apollo historian Andrew Chaikin—and an extensive mission checklist documenting the key human and robotic missions—round out this comprehensive exploration of NASA, from its earliest days to its current development of new space systems for the future. The NASA Archives is more than just a fascinating pictorial history of the U.S. space program. It is also a profound meditation on why we choose to explore space and how we will carry on this grandest of all adventures in the years to come.Trade Review“We came all this way to explore the Moon, and the most important thing we discovered was the Earth.” * Bill Anders, Apollo 8 astronaut *“The book is exquisite—a tour-de-force and an important chronicle, not to mention a beautiful arts piece.” * Dr. John Grunsfeld *“Even dedicated space enthusiasts may be startled by what they see on these pages… The documentary photography on display here is tangible, gorgeous, startling, almost overwhelming. It simply leaves no room for disbelief.” * American Scientist *“This beautiful book will inspire the astronaut in all of us.” * Los Angeles Times *

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Book SynopsisAstronomy, especially naked-eye astronomy, is a wonderful way for children and young people to engage with the world and universe around them. Many children quickly become fascinated with stars, planets and comets, learning skills that also help them develop generally.This book is a perfect introduction to astronomy for any child, whether or not they have a telescope. It explains the visible constellations and then explores the sun, moon, planets, comets and meteorites. Colour illustrations and diagrams at every stage help children relate what they are reading to what they can see in the sky.Suitable for budding astronomers in both the northern and southern hemispheres, and in polar, temperate or tropical latitudes (i.e., everywhere), this is an ideal introduction the wonders of stargazing.Trade Review'From the rotation of the Earth to a constellation map to an image illustrating the spring equinox, the images help this book truly stand out… Students will appreciate this book for both its simplicity and depth, and so will more than a few adults. Reach for the stars, and add this one to nonfiction collections.'-- School Library Journal'It is a clearly illustrated excellent introduction to the night sky... Beautifully coloured, clear diagrams are there for each topic and included are some stunning photographs of particular phenomena.'-- New View'Expressed in clear language, it is accessible to an older child or any beginner and is a valuable resource for teachers, parents or any enthusiast... The author and Floris Books are to be congratulated on such a first-rate introduction.'-- New View'This book is very readable as well as being interesting. It is a book to read and re-read many times and it would be an invaluable guide for anyone who wished to find out more about astronomy.'-- Home Education Advisory Service Bulletin, Spring 2014'The production, appearance, and layout of the book are superb. Stand-alone boxes on various topics complement the main narrative and most chapters have an additional summary box.'-- The Observatory magazine

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Book SynopsisCan you spot the Big Dipper in the night sky? Or Orion’s Belt? Or Cassiopeia? Even in cities, and without the aid of a telescope, these are a few of the easier constellations to find. In fact, a great deal can be seen in the night sky with the naked eye – if you know what you’re looking for. Night Sky presents 200 colour photographs of stunning nocturnal vistas all visible to the naked eye. From the majesty of the Northern Lights (Aurora borealis) as seen from Norway or Canada, and the Southern Lights (Aurora australis) as seen from Australia, to seeing the clarity of the Milky Way over an Italian forest, from witnessing a lunar eclipse in Indonesia to charting the course of the International Space Station across the Indian night, and from seeing a Geminid meteor shower in New Mexico to recognizing the Great Bear (Ursa Major) constellation over New England, the book is a feast of nocturnal delights. Where necessary, additional inset photographs indicate the formation of a constellation. Presented in a landscape format and with 200 outstanding colour photographs supported by fascinating captions, Night Sky is a stunning collection of images.Trade Review‘Not just about stars and planets and distant galaxies and the infinitude of space, Night Sky is also about the earthly landscapes from which such visions can be seen. You’ll do well to find many more arresting images than these.’ -- Marcus Berkmann * Daily Mail *Table of ContentsIntroduction Europe Supermoon rising over Glastonbury Tor, Somerset, England Aurora Borealis over Aldeyjarfoss Waterfall, Iceland Watching the Northern Lights, Jokulsarlon, Iceland Moon, Venus, Pleiades and Hyades over Kiruna, Sweden Aurora Borealis over Kirkjufell Mountain, Iceland Snow Moon, Lofoten Islands, Norway Aurora Borealis over Sommarøy Bridge, Norway Dance of the Northern Lights, Lofoten Islands, Norway Intense aurora, Lofoten Islands, Norway Road to the Northern Lights, Norway Venus and reflection over Kald Fjord, Kvaloya, Norway Milky Way above mountains, Norway Venus and crescent moon, Lapland, Finland Milky Way over Tatra mountains, Poland Milky Way, over the Carpathians, Ukraine Milky way over Lake Elton, Russia Star trails above Enisala Fortress, Dobrogea, Romania Perseid Meteors above the Beglik dam, Bulgaria Fairy chimneys at night with stars in the sky, Cappadocia, Turkey Milky Way, Mount Olympus, Greece Braies Lake, South Tyrol, Italy Orion over Colma di Sormano, Como, Italy Milky Way over Sibillini Mountains National Park, Le Marche, Italy Milky Way on summer night, Dolomites, Italy Milky way over the desert of Bardenas, Spain Night Sky over the Matterhorn, The Alps, Switzerland Orion over Ves chapel, Vosges, France Stars over Eiffel Tower, Paris, France Starry sky over Mont Blanc Range, Lac de Chesery, France/Italy/Switzerland Cassiopeia and Milky Way reflected in Garreg-ddu reservoir, Elan Valley, Wales Eclipsed Moon and Mars, Munich, Germany Geminid Meteor over Stonehenge, Wiltshire, England International Space Station over Severn Bridge, England/Wales Venus, Mars and Jupiter in conjunction, Isle of Portland, England Ursa Major over Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire, England Milky Way over St Michaels Mount, Cornwall, England Moon and Venus, St Michael’s Mount, Cornwall, England Super Blue Moon Rise, Wiltshire, England Orion and Pleiades over Martinsell Hill, Wiltshire, England The Great Bear over Avebury, Wiltshire, England Regulus, Castor, Pollux and Procyon, Isle of Skye, Scotland Moonrise on Lundy, Devon, England Fireball over Clatteringshaws Loch, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland North America Milky Way over Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Canada Aurora Borealis, Greenland Milky Way over Kathleen Lake & the St Elias Mountains, Kluane National Park, Yukon, Canada Milky Way, Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada Northern Lights over North Saskatchewan Landing school, Kyle, Canada The Milky Way over the Oxtongue Rapids, Muskoka, Canada Supermoon rising over Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 13 November 2016 Hale-Bopp Comet and Northern Lights, Alaska Stars above East Twin peak, Alaska Aurora Borealis, Fort Greely, Alaska Milky Way over Crater Lake, Oregon, USA Total solar eclipse, Ritter, Oregon, USA Baily’s beads, total solar eclipse, Ritter, Oregon People watching and photographing total solar eclipse, Madras, Oregon, USA Hale Bopp comet and Mauna Kea observatories, Hawaii Badwater Basin, Death Valley, California, USA Milky Way over Red Rock Canyon, California, USA Milky Way and Saturn, Joshua Tree National Park, California, USA Star Trails, Mono Lake, California, USA Moon ring, Arches National Park, Utah, USA Orion, Sirius and Jupiter over June Lake, California, USA Night Sky over Golden Gate Bridge, California, USA Milky Way over Canyonlands National Park, Utah, USA Geminid meteor shower over the Very Large Array radio telescope, Magdalena, New Mexico, USA Annular Eclipse over New Mexico, USA, 20 May, 2012 Crescent moon and Venus over downtown St. Louis, Missouri, USA View from Clingman’s Dome at night, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, USA Milky Way over Hunting Island, South Carolina, USA Milky Way over New Smyrna Beach, Florida, USA Milky Way over Cape Romano dome house, Florida, USA A panoramic view of the Milky Way Galaxy over Stage Harbor Lighthouse at Hardings Beach in Chatham, Massachusetts, USA South America Star Trails, Atacama, Chile Llano del Hato National Astronomical Observatory, Merida state, Venezuela Ologa, Lake Maracaibo, Venezuela Tungurahua Volcano, Colombian Andes, Ecuador Chimborazo, Ecuador Milky Way over Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru Ishinca base camp, Cordillera Blanca, Peru Milky Way over Mount Auzangate, Cordilliera Vilcanota, Peru Flyby of the International Space Station (ISS), Pedra Azul and Venda Nova do Imigrante, Espirito Santo State, Brazil Leblon Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Milky Way core rising behind Pedra Azul, Espirito Santo state, Brazil Milky Way over Jalapao State Park, Brazil Golden Tree, Cerrado Biome, Brazil Milky Way and Magellanic Clouds over Uyuni the salt flats, Bolivia Zodiacal light over Uyuni Salt farm, Bolivia Lake and Cuernos mountains, Torres del Paine, Chile Ice penitentes on a high-altitude plateau in the Andes mountains, Chile Centaurus above the European Southern Observatory’s telescope at La Silla Observatory, Chile European Southern Observatory, Chile Star trails above Very Large Telescope at Paranal Observatory, Chile Star trails over ALMA radio astronomy antennas, Chile Meteor and crescent moon over Pan de Azucar National Park, Chile Moai at moonrise, Easter Island, Chile Moonrise over Lauca National Park, Chile Milky Way over Cerro Armazones, Chile Aurora australis, Valley of the Moon, Chile Moon over Punta del Diablo, Uruguay Moonrise over the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia, Argentina Moon and Venus over Buenos Aires, Argentina Fitz Roy Massif and Glacial Lake, Patagonian Cordillera, Chile Comet McNaught over Patagonia, Argentina Four planets over the Atlantic, Buenos Aires, Argentina Lunar halo, Punta Piedras, Argentina Milky Way over Iguazu Falls at night, Argentina Scorpius over Mercedes, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina Milky Way and southern twilight, Pebble Island, Falkland Islands Australasia Milky Way framed by a Cave, Wellington, New Zealand Partial solar eclipse through bushfire smoke over Broken Bay, Sydney, Australia Venus and Jupiter in conjunction over Uluru, Australia Milky Way over Shipwreck Coast, Victoria, Australia The Pinnacles at night, Nambung National Park, Western Australia Milky Way over Uluru, Australia Comet Lovejoy over the Southern Ocean, Cape Schanck, Victoria, Australia Comet McNaught over the outback, Mildura, Victoria, Australia Night Sky above Fog, Wellington, New Zealand Milky Way and Magellanic Clouds over Wainuiomata coast, New Zealand Milky Way and Jupiter, Whangapoua Beach, New Zealand Total solar eclipse, Northern Cook Islands Moonset, Brooklyn Wind Turbine, Wellington, New Zealand Milky way over Castle Rock, Castlepoint, Wairarapa, New Zealand Moonrise over Lake Tasman, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand Milky Way and Canopus, Cape Palliser, New Zealand Aurora Australis, Wellington, New Zealand Milky Way, Cable Bay, New Zealand Aurora Australis, Queenstown, New Zealand Milky Way, Tasman Valley, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand Milky Way, Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo, New Zealand Asia, Middle East, Far East Orion, Sirius and Canopus over the Bay of Bengal from Ngapali, Myanmar Night sky over Gunung Bromo, Java, Indonesia Orion from Mount Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia Stars over Tioman Island, Malaysia The Milky Way above Lam Isu Reservoir, Kanchanaburi, Thailand Milky Way over Koh Hai Island, Thailand Orion, Sirius and Canopus over the Bay of Bengal from Ngapali, Myanmar Geminid meteor shower, Yunnan province, China Orion and Sirius rise above the Yunnan Astronomical Observatory, China Crescent Moon, Venus and Saturn, Patan, Nepal Orion rises above Himalayas, Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal Conjunction of Venus and Jupiter, Lake Namtso, Tibet, China Milky Way over Namgyal Tsemo Gompa Buddhist monastery in Leh, Ladakh, India Milky Way over Leh city in Leh Ladakh, India Milky Way over Chandratal Lake, Himachal Pradesh, India Sirius in Canis Major and Orion above Alborz Mountains, Iran Leaked rocket fuel over Alborz Mountains, Iran Milky Way over Garmeh Oasis, Dasht-e Kavir, Iran Observing Leo, Um Frouth rock arch, Wadi Rum, Jordan Milky Way, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn over Wadi Rum, Jordan Africa Milky Way over the Avenue of Baobabs, Madagascar Night Sky over Erg Chebbi, Morocco Stars of constellation Centaurus, Tassili National Park, Algeria Milky Way over Erg Chebbi, Morocco Pyramids at night, Giza, Egypt Milky Way and Large Magellanic Cloud over Mount Kilimanjaro, viewed from Amboseli, Kenya Masai Tribesman under Milky Way, Kenya Milky Way over Acacia Tree, Masai Mara, Kenya Large Magellanic Cloud over Masai Mara, Kenya Night sky over Mount Kilimanjaro, viewed from Amboseli National Park, Kenya Quiver Trees and Three Galaxies, Keetmanshoop, Namibia Milky Way over Dead Vlei, Soussvlei, Namibia Star trails, Dead Vlei, Sossusvlei, Namibia Baobab trees and Milky Way, Makgadikgadi National Park, Botswana Milky Way over the Southern African Large Telescope, Northern Cape Province, South Africa Comet McNaught Cape Town South Africa Night sky over Blyde River Canyon, Mpumalanga, South Africa Appendices A solar eclipse A Lunar month Star Charts Index

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Book Synopsis*As featured on BBC Breakfast, Radio 5Live and Steve Wright in the Afternoon on BBC Radio 2*From the Nasa astronaut who spent a record-breaking year aboard the International Space Station – what it’s like out there and what it’s like now, back here. Enter Scott Kelly's fascinating world and dare to think of your own a little differently.As soon as you realize you aren’t going to die, space is the most fun you’ll ever have...The veteran of four space flights and the American record holder for most consecutive days spent in space, Scott Kelly has experienced things very few of us ever have and very few of us ever will. Kelly's humanity, compassion, humour, and passion shine as he describes navigating the extreme challenge of long-term spaceflight, both existential and banal. He touches on what’s happened to his body, the sadness of being isolated from everyone he loves; the pressures of constant close cohabitation; the catastrophic risks of colliding with space junk, and the still more haunting threat of being absent should tragedy strike at home. From a natural storyteller Endurance is one of the finest examples the triumph of the human imagination, the strength of the human will, and the boundless wonder of the galaxy.*What readers are saying...'Takes you up into space and lets you be a part of astronaut life''Tough to put down! Tells a side you don't often hear or read about for that matter''Mind blowing . . . up there with Ernest Shackleton for me''My husband said it is the next best thing to going into space yourself''Six stars!'Trade ReviewForget what you've read elsewhere * The Times *This isn’t your usual astronaut’s memoir. * Daily Mail *Everyone’s favourite space captain and all-round hero NASA astronaut * Huffington Post *Kelly brings life in space alive — the wonder and awe of it, and also the jagged edges, the rough parts of living in confined quarters in an alien element, far from everything familiar and beloved * Financial Times *Endurance has a winning modesty and a bone-dry wit * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisPixInsight has taken the astro-imaging world by storm. As the first comprehensive postprocessing platform to be created by astro-imagers for astro-imagers, it has for many replaced other generic graphics editors as the software of choice. PixInsight has been embraced by professionals such as the James Webb (and Hubble) Space Telescope's science imager Joseph DePasquale and Calar Alto's Vicent Peris, as well as thousands of amateurs around the world. While PixInsight is extremely powerful, very little has been printed on the subject. The first edition of this book broke that mold, offering a comprehensive look into the software’s capabilities. This second edition expands on the several new processes added to the PixInsight platform since that time, detailing and demonstrating each one with a now-expanded workflow. Addressing topics such as PhotometricColorCalibration, Large-Scale Pixel Rejection, LocalNormalization and a host of other functions, this text remains the authoritative guide to PixInsight.Table of ContentsPreface.- Acknowledgements.- About the Author.- Part 1: Preprocessing.- Chapter 1: Image Evaluation.- Chapter 2: Calibration and Integration.- Chapter 3: Cosmetic Correction.- Chapter 4: One-Shot Color.- Chapter 5: Star Alignment.- Chapter 6: Image Integration.- Chapter 7: Batch Preprocessing.- Part 2: Linear Post-Processing.- Chapter 8: File Preparation.- Chapter 9: Background Modelization.- Chapter 10: Introduction to Masks.- Chapter 11: Deconvolution.- Chapter 12: Linear Color Processing and Noise Reduction.- Part 3: Nonlinear Post-Processing.- Chapter 13: Delinearization and LRGB Combination.- Chapter 14: A Look Back.- Chapter 15: Nonlinear Noise Reduction.- Chapter 16: High Dynamic Range Compression.- Chapter 17: Contrast and Sharpness.- Chapter 18: Color Saturation.- Chapter 19: Fine Finishers.- Chapter 20: Archiving and Exporting.- Chapter 21: Learning by Example: One-Shot Color and Monochromatic Workflow.- Part 4: Special Processing.- Chapter 22: Multiscale, Drizzle, High Dynamic Range, and Comet Techniques.- Chapter 23: Narrowband Processing.- Chapter 24: Mosaic Processing.- Chapter 25: More Insight.- Afterword.- Index.

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Book SynopsisA Sunday Times must read book of 2019 'An out-of-this-world read ... brilliant and compelling. Morton is a high-octane British science journalist, and every chapter is littered with material that strikes, amazes or haunts ... this is a book filled not just with a lifetime's knowledge of its subject but with a lifetime's suppressed excitement.' James McConnachie, Sunday Times Every generation has looked up from the Earth and wondered at the beauty of the Moon. 50 years ago, a few Americans became the first to do the reverse - with the whole world watching through their eyes. In this short but wide-ranging book, Oliver Morton explores the history and future of humankind's relationship with the Moon. A counterpoint in the sky, it has shaped our understanding of the Earth from Galileo to Apollo. Its gentle light has spoken of love and loneliness; its battered surface of death and the cosmic. For some, it is a future on which humankind has turned its back. For others, an adventure yet to begin. Advanced technologies, new ambitions and old dreams mean that men, women and robots now seem certain to return to the Moon. What will they learn there about the universe, the Earth-and themselves? And, this time, will they stay?Trade ReviewAn out-of-this-world read ... brilliant and compelling. Morton is a high-octane British science journalist, and every chapter is littered with material that strikes, amazes or haunts ... this is a book filled not just with a lifetime's knowledge of its subject but with a lifetime's suppressed excitement. -- James McConnachie * Sunday Times *I have read almost everything written about the lunar missions, yet I have never encountered a book that captures so perfectly and so lyrically the ridiculous power that the moon holds over human sensibility. This is a beautiful book about Luna - a "Moon of many stories, Moon as might be and Moon as always was, Moon longed for and Moon happened upon". It exposes the magnificent desolation of the lunar quest, yet still captures the beguiling hold that the moon has over all of us. -- Gerard DeGroot * The Times *Wonderful and comprehensive ... full of human stories and rich with lunar-obsessed characters -- Rowan Hooper * New Scientist *A very good book about the Moon but even more admirably, a different one. It is good because it is superbly well-written and enjoyably organised. It is different because it looks beyond Apollo towards the future ... A pleasure to read. * Economist *a superb lunar history that explores both its past and future * Sunday Times *[Morton] crafts elegant, witty prose and the book is full of interesting observations and insights -- Darragh McManus * Irish Independent *This is a book to bend your mind ... the most eloquent exploration of our modern understanding of the Moon -- Alexandra Witze * Nature *

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Book SynopsisBinoculars are life enhancing instruments, uniquely capable of bringing the intricacies of nature into sharp focus. Whether it be birds, majestic lakes and seas, alpine vistas, wild animals or exploring the glories of the night sky, anyone interested in buying binoculars today will be faced with a bewildering number of different models to choose from! This book walks the reader through the fascinating world of binoculars, past and present, while exploring all of the main binocular types, their desirable features, how to test out and narrow down the choices a prospective customer should make, as well as looking at some of the best and most-sought-after binoculars money can buy. Uniquely experienced writer and binocular enthusiast, Dr Neil English, takes the pain out of narrowing down the search for your ideal binocular, whether your budget is $50 or $5,000. Dr English explores many of the timeless beauties of the binocular world, crafted by top European and Japanese manufacturers, such as Swarovski, Zeiss, Nikon, Leica and others. Sumptuously illustrated throughout with full color images, Choosing & Using Binoculars decodes all the technical jargon without sacrificing accuracy and presents the world’s best compendium of binocular literature for the birder, hunter, inveterate traveler, nature enthusiast and star gazer. Don’t leave home without it! Table of ContentsIntroduction: The Joy of the Binocular.- Acknowledgements.- Foreword.- Part I: Chapter 1: Binoculars 101.- Chapter 2: A Brief History of the Binocular.- Chapter 3: Pocket Binoculars.- Chapter 4: Compact Binoculars.- Chapter 5: Full-Size Binoculars.- Chapter 6: Low Light Binoculars.- Chapter 7: Range-Finding Binoculars.- Chapter 8: Astronomical Binoculars.- Chapter 9: Marine Binoculars.- Part II: Chapter 10: Leica Binoculars.- Chapter 11: Zeiss Binoculars.- Chapter 12: Swarovski Binoculars.- Chapter 13: Nikon Binoculars.- Chapter 14: Vortex Binoculars.- Chapter 15: GPO Binoculars.- Chapter 16: Opticron Binoculars.- Chapter 17: Meopta Binoculars.- Chapter 18: Maven Binoculars.- Chapter 19: Kowa Binoculars.- Chapter 20: Pentax Binoculars.- Chapter 21: Oberwerk Binoculars.- Chapter22: Leupold Binoculars.- Chapter 23: Fujinon Binoculars.- Chapter 24: Bushnell Binoculars.- Chapter 25: Popular Binocular Accessories.- Chapter 26: Testing Binoculars: Notes from the Field.- Chapter 27: Top Bargains in Today’s Market.- Chapter 28: A Brief Survey of Classic Binocular Literature.- Chapter 29: Classic Binoculars.- Chapter 30: Earth & Sky.- Glossary.- Binocular Repairers & Restorers.- Index.

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Book SynopsisPart of the Pocket Nature series, this petite volume features helpful tips for stargazing, plus thoughtful meditations related to stars, space, and the universe. In a cool palette with celestial illustrations, Stargazing is a must-have companion for amateur astronomers, space enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and anyone looking to slow down and find time for contemplation. In these pages, learn about features of the night sky, from the Milky Way to moon craters to the planets in our solar system; read a brief history of stargazing in cultures around the world; and discover seventeen notable constellations to observe in the northern hemisphere throughout the year. With ruminative meditations on the universe, moonlight, stardust, and more, this pocket-size guide to the cosmos has everything you need to better understand and appreciate the night sky.

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Book SynopsisFirst paperback edition with over 100 photographs of one of nature's greatest spectacles and captions that reflect on the folklore, science and beauty of the northern lights.Trade Review[Review of hardcover edition: ] Bortolotti's well-written text explains the remarkable light spectacle and features over 100 colour-drenched images by noted aurora photographer Yuichi Takasaka.--Jodi DeLong"Halifax Chronicle Herald" (12/18/2011) [Review of hardcover edition: ] The shimmering, swirling, ghostly glowing northern lights are pictured here in multi-faceted glory; ideal if you want to see the Aurora Borealis without braving sub-zero temperatures late at night. This gorgeously produced book offers photos of rare red aurora, Aurora Australis (in the south), views from space and more. Brief front pages to each chapter and short captions under the photos cover history, science and folklore associated with the aurora. And if you are inspired to go out and see the magic for yourself, the last page has advice for you.--Gail Marchessault"Winnipeg Free Press" (12/09/2011)

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Book SynopsisLearn the NASA Astronaut mindset to solve problems, provide leadership in the face of adversity and never give up when pursuing your wildest ambitions. Mike Massimino achieved his dream of exploring space. Now he distils stories and insights from NASA into an actionable guide to accomplish your biggest goals. Mike reveals how to make possible the seemingly impossible - on Earth. Written with characteristic wit and a big heart, Mike identifies ten hard-earned lessons of spaceflight and his other life experiences, including:- One in a Million Is Not Zero: The odds are against you. Do it anyway.- The Thirty-Second Rule: You''re going to make mistakes. Learn how to deal with them.- Be Amazed: The universe is an incredible place. Stop what you''re doing and look around.- Know When to Pivot: Change is inevitable. Accept and embrace it.We all have our own personal ''moon shots'' we''d like to take in life, but as misTrade ReviewWonderfully entertaining, deeply personal and filled with heart-pounding stories of life among the stars. Mike Massimino has gathered lessons from his decades as a NASA astronaut that will help all us earthbound mortals find success in whatever journey we are on. Moonshot is exactly the book we all need right now! -- Admiral William H. McRaven, bestselling author of Make Your BedMoonshot by Mike Massimino - indisputably, the coolest astronaut that has ever lived - is a truly out of this world guidebook for life that we all need to read: a delightful, insightful analysis of what it means to achieve, to succeed and to dream really big -- Mayim Bialik Ph.D., New York Times Bestselling Author of Girling Up, actress The Big Bang Theory, host of JeopardyAn exhilarating journey into the profound principles of leadership, the transformative power of teamwork, and the unwavering commitment to integrity that underpin success in the unforgiving environment of space. Moonshot becomes a beacon of inspiration for all, shedding light on what it truly takes to excel amidst the stars -- Scott Kelly, former NASA astronaut and commander of the space shuttle and International Space Station, and New York Times bestselling author of Endurance and Infinite WonderA team needs to commit to a shared goal before any great accomplishment can enter the record books. In Moonshot, Mike Massimino illustrates that through determination, sacrifices, and teamwork, no dream is too bold. Mike's story vividly demonstrates that an embrace of the so-called "little things" is essential to beating the odds and reaching extraordinary heights together. Moonshot reminds us that the obstacles we encounter in pursuit of our dreams can be defeated by the power of our perseverance -- Joe Torre, Baseball Hall of Famer, four-time World Series Championship manager of the New York Yankees, and #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Yankee Years and Chasing the DreamA poignant reminder that although space exploration depends on hard science, mind-bogglingly complex calculations and cutting edge technology, it is, at heart, a very human enterprise * Mail on Sunday *

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Book SynopsisWith his inimitable wit, Tyson recounts how America's favourite planet was ousted from the cosmic hub.Trade Review"Now, in The Pluto Files, Tyson offers a highly entertaining history of Pluto..." -- New Scientist

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Book SynopsisThe second edition of Stephen James O'Meara's celebrated guide to the Messier Objects features improved star charts, a detailed history of Charles Messier's life, and updated astrophysical facts. It is a must for all budding night watchers.Table of ContentsPreface to the first edition; Preface to the second edition; Acknowledgments to the first edition; 1. A glimpse into the life of Charles Messier; 2. How to observe the Messier objects; 3. The making of this book; 4. The Messier objects; 5. Some thoughts on Charles Messier; 6. Twenty spectacular non-Messier objects; Appendix a: objects Messier could not find; Appendix b: why didn't Messier include the Double Cluster in his catalogue? Appendix c: a quick guide to navigating the Coma–Virgo cluster; Appendix d: Messier marathons; Appendix e: alternate name and object index; Image credits; Index.

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Book SynopsisThe longest-running astronomy book of its kind in the world.

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Book SynopsisEverything you ever wanted to know about the Red PlanetMars is ingrained in our culture, from David Bowie's extra-terrestrial spiders to H.G. Wells''s The War of the Worlds. The red planet has inspired hundreds of scientists, authors and filmmakers but why? What is it about this particular planet that makes it so intriguing?Ancient mythologies defined Mars as a violent harbinger of war, and astrologers found meaning in the planet''s dance through the sky. Stargazers puzzled over Mars''s unfamiliar properties; some claimed to see canals criss-crossing its surface, while images from early spacecraft showed startling faces and pyramids carved out of rusty rock. Did Martians exist? If so, were they intelligent, civilised beings?We now have a better understanding of Mars: its red hue, small moons, atmosphere (or lack of it), and mysterious past. Robots have trundled across the planet''s surface, beaming back astonishing views of the alien landscape Trade ReviewAn easy and thoroughly enjoyable read with a friendly chatty style, and it manages to pack in an awful lot of information. * Sky at Night *4th Rock from the Sun is more motivational manifesto than instruction manual ... it serves to inspire the reader to root for this next potential milestone in human history. * Science *Nicky Jenner’s enthusiasm and humour are infectious, keeping the reader captivated even while she discusses serious subject. Even the least passionate of readers will fall in love with Mars by the end of the book. * Popular Astronomy *A fascinating debut … Jenner nimbly explores humanity's fascination with Mars. * Shelf Life *A detailed yet bright and breezy guide to our most evocative planetary neighbour. Jenner's book provides a whirlwind tour of the Red Planet's past, present and possible future. This book is the essential guide to the little planet that looms largest in our collective imagination: Mars. -- Ben Gilliland, science writer and author of How to Build a UniverseInformative, scientifically comprehensive and delightful to read. You'll want to travel to Mars! -- Antonella Nota, ESA Project Scientist and Mission Manager, the NASA/ESA Hubble Space TelescopeA colourful tapestry of old myths and prejudices, enthusiasm and disappointment, failures and successes, and stories of clever people and machines. Unfold it and you'll see Mars much slower than before. -- Dmitrij Titov, Project Scientist, ESA's Mars Express missionI thought I knew everything there was to know about the Red Planet – I was wrong. A cleverly written and thoroughly interesting tour of all things martian. -- Louisa Preston, UK Space Agency Aurora Research Fellow, and author of Goldilocks and the Water BearsTable of Contents1 Mars Fever 2 Earthlings on Mars 3 Pop culture Mars 4 Mars in Sci-Fi 5 Mars and the History of Science 6 The Martian Story 7 Martian Moons 8 Pranks and Hoaxes 9 Life on Mars? 10 Robot Cars on Mars 11 Why Mars? 12 The Martian future

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Book SynopsisThe National Aeronautics and Space Administration - NASA - was established on July 29, 1958. Ever since that day, NASA has been at the forefront of efforts to explore outerspace, resulting in the Apollo missions to the moon, the Skylab space-station and today''s space shuttle.But behind the open face of NASA, there is a much more mysterious world. NASA has been linked to a wealth of high-level cover-ups, including:Claims that the Apollo moon landings of 1969 to 1972 were faked as part of an effort to demonstrate military and technological superiority over the former Soviet UnionNASA''s role in hiding the truth about the controversial face on Mars - which many believe to be a carved structure, created in the remote past by long-extinct, indigenous MartiansNASA''s deep and longstanding involvement in the famous UFO crash at Roswell, New Mexico, in the summer of 1947Deep Throat-like NASA sources that have attempted to blow the lid on NASA''s most guarded secrets concerning the U.S. Government''s interactions with aliens."Nick Redfern [is] the Brit with a knack for ferreting out all the dope on outrageous subjects."- Jim Marrs, best-selling author of Psi Spies and Alien Agenda

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Book SynopsisThe Moon is not just a static piece of cosmic matter in our night sky, but a dynamic living being. Throughout her journey around the Earth which takes about 29.5 days she shows us her different faces, growing from a silver sliver in the sky to an awe-inspiring illuminated sphere, before returning to darkness again. She changes colour and moves through a variety of star constellations reflecting the energies at play each day. The Moon gives us a map to a cyclical way of living; the blueprint for a life that breathes in harmony with the rhythm of the natural world around us. She teaches us about the importance of embracing quiet and reflective times as much as celebrating the times we experience life in its fullest expression. She informs us when to plant the seeds of our dreams and when to take stock and harvest what we have been growing. What will you discover about yourself when you tune into the moon?

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Book SynopsisEverything you ever wanted to know about the universe – and our place within it – in one mind-expanding and highly accessible book. ___ What happens inside black holes? Is dark matter real? Could we do anything to prevent being wiped out by an approaching asteroid? Will our explorations of our neighbouring planets reveal life or a new place to settle? What can observations of stars reveal about our origins – and our future? Professor Andrew Newsam draws on his vast expertise to show us what’s going on beyond the limits of our planet, from our solar system to distant galaxies – and what this tells us about our own place in this vast expanse called ‘the Universe’. From glowing nebulae to the sweeping majesty of the Milky Way, Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the Universe will spark your curiosity and help you make sense of the amazing discoveries and fascinating mysteries of the cosmos. ‘Unpatronizing, direct and comprehensible.’ BBC Sky at Night Magazine

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Book SynopsisFrom our own solar system to the edges of the universe, 50 Astronomy Ideas You Really Need to Know is your introduction to the most important concepts, discoveries and mysteries in astronomy. How did the universe begin? Where did the Moon come from? What happens in the heart of a black hole? Why are gravitational waves so significant? And is there life elsewhere in the cosmos?In fifty fascinating essays covering the central ideas of astronomy and cosmology, accompanied by diagrams, definitions of essential terms and timelines of key discoveries, this book examines the nature and variety of our universe - the life cycle of stars, the formation of planets, the structure of galaxies and the puzzles of dark matter and the multiverse. Expansive and illuminating, 50 Astronomy Ideas You Really Need to Know is the complete guide to the birth, life and possible death of the cosmos.

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Book SynopsisHow well do you know our closest neighbour?Featured on BBC Radio 4 Saturday Live and BBC BreakfastThe moon has fascinated humankind since the beginning of history. But far from being just a big rock out in space, the Moon has a phenomenal power over the earth, with its ability to create great waves, dictate the length of the day and summon the seasons. It is a key player in the story of our planet. In this unique celebration of the Moon, lunar expert and space scientist Dr Maggie Aderin Pocock takes readers on a journey through the Moon’s past, present and future. She uncovers the way the Moon has captured our imaginations, contemplates how it was formed, and uncovers why we need the Moon to protect our fragile earth. Drawing on the latest scientific research, she then looks forward to what might be to come – will we return to the moon or will it become a launch pad to go into the great unknown?Filled with fascinating facts and anecdotes, and written with warmth and passion, The Book of the Moon is for scientists and stargazers alike. You'll never look at our closest neighbour in the same way again.Trade Reviewmakes you marvel about both our solar system and our nearest neighbour -- Jeanette Winterson

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