Description
Book SynopsisDid you know that as you read these words showers of high-speed particles from exploding stars are raining down on you? This book reveals the startling ways life on Earth is touched by our cosmic environment, and demonstrates why without such contact, life itself wouldn't be possible.
Trade Review"One of Choice's Outstanding Academic Titles for 2010"
"Kaler's writing is enthusiastic, and he conveys his own wonder and excitement at the myriad mysteries of the universe. His description of the effect of the sun and moon on the tides is thorough, as are his explanations of the source of the sun's energy and how an asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter was discovered." * Publisher's Weekly *
"James Kaler has crafted an outstanding short introduction to astronomy and cosmology by adopting a point of view that I have not seen before in a popular account of the cosmos. . . .
Heaven's Touch is a passionate account both of humanity's tangible contact with the Universe at large and the profound influence of the Universe on life on Earth."
---Simon Mitton, Times Higher Education"With the avuncular Professor as our guide, we are taken on a whirlwind tour of the Universe as we know and understand it and how, possibly, we came to be and very nearly not to be. He has a pleasingly straightforward style and, wherever possible, tries to steer clear of complex scientific jargon. . . . Professor Kaler has attempted to enliven what could be a complicated and uninteresting topic, and through linking everything together via his well explained engaging text, he has admirably succeeded." * Astronomy Now *
"This very readable book presents the many and various ways Earth and life here are connected to and affected by the universe, on scales ranging from local (within Earth's solar system) to cosmic (back to the big bang). Kaler, an experienced astronomy educator and researcher, provides a fascinating account of how human existence is due to events that happened long, long ago and far, far away. . . . For professional astronomers tempted to write a popular yet accurate account of their pet interest, this book is a lesson in how to do it superbly." * Choice *
"Read this book. You will find yourself listening and capturing information from the mind of someone who treats science as more of an ethereal topic; not as a bunch of formulas, but as a thing of beauty. Anyone can read
Heaven's Touch, from the hardcore scientist to the newly-introduced amateur, and come out with a better understanding of the subject."
---Francine Jackson, Planetarian"
Heaven's Touch is a stimulating, clarifying work of popular astronomy and cosmology." * Maui News *
"Written in a style which reduces complex processes into manageable bites, yet containing numerous facts and figures, this book works well as good read and will also perform as a reference book, allowing the reader to dip in and out if a short explanation of a particular event is required. Overall this is a well written, eye opening account of how we are affected by
Heaven's Touch."
---Phil Brotherwood, FAS Newsletter"Among the many things I like about
Heaven's Touch is that, as scary as some of the cosmic scenarios Kaler depicts may seem, the book's goals . . . are to inspire and inform rather than intimidate. . . . I applaud Kaler's achievement and recommend his book to teachers of astronomy and to their students."
---Naomi Pasachoff, Newsletter of IAU Commission 46 on Education and Development"
Heaven's Touch is a thought-provoking and inspiring book that will leave readers with a deeper appreciation for the vastness and complexity of the universe. . . .It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in astronomy, cosmology, or the origins of life."
---Gerrard Russell, Magonia Review of Books
