Search results for ""author colin stuart""

Uncover the language of our universe - numbers - in this wide-ranging whistle-stop tour of the history and majesty of mathematics.Our world simply wouldn't function if we didn't have numbers. But where do they come from? Why do we cut cake the wrong way? How can there be different sizes of infinity?All these questions and more are answered in this engaging romp through the history of numbers by acclaimed science writer, Colin Stuart. From the mathematicians who have (and haven't) shouted 'Eureka!' to the theories that affect and inform our everyday lives; Numbers shows us that maths was never boring - we were just being taught it in the wrong way.Consisting of ten bite-sized essays, there's no better guide to this fundamental science.

Read more less

Sit back and enjoy a cosmic tour of our awe-inspiring solar system with this illuminating illustrated guide. Aimed at children aged 8+, this exciting book makes learning a complex subject fun and accessible. Gaze at the beauty of our planets, Sun and Moon and learn fascinating facts about them, discover dwarf planets, comets and asteroids, find out how our solar system came into existence, and study the history and future of space exploration. With insightful, bite-sized facts to devour and fabulous illustrations to marvel at, budding astronomers will be inspired and instilled with a sense of wonder at the diversity of our incredible solar system.

Read more less

'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.

Read more less

Since 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!

Read more less

A fascinating and comprehensive guide to the sun – our home star – which remains the greatest mystery in the solar system, and why understanding it is pivotal to our future existence here on Earth.In 1869, a great mystery was born. As astronomers observed a total solar eclipse, for the first time they saw the faint glow of the solar corona, the sun’s outer atmosphere. Measurements of a previously unknown wavelength that made up this solar light sparked hot debate among scientists, but it was another sixty years before they discovered that this wavelength was in fact iron being burned at a staggering 3 million degrees Celsius. With the sun’s surface only 6,000 degrees, this shouldn’t be possible. What we now knew about the sun appeared to defy the laws of physics – and nature.But as well as being shrouded in intriguing mystery, the unpredictable nature of the sun’s corona poses a serious threat to our life here on earth – the destructive potential of solar storms, caused by solar material travelling out into space at around 1 million miles an hour, is huge. Remaining beyond our reach until now, a new generation of ambitious solar missions are currently travelling closer to the sun than any previous spacecraft in history. As we enter this unprecedented era of heliophysics, there has never been a better time to get to grips with the workings of our home star.

Read more less

Designed to present chemistry in a new, approachable way, this book explores the history and application of chemistry in the natural world. With incredible artwork from Ximo Abadía, the reader can visualize the 118 known elements and explore the chemical makeup of the universe. With engaging, easy-to-understand text by acclaimed science writer Colin Stuart, this title will truly captivate and inspire.

Read more less

One day, humans will travel to Mars… This book tells you everything you would need to know about a trip to the red planet. From essential preparations for your journey, through to the local climate and landscape, things to do, places to visit and the background, culture and natural history of the latest ‘must-visit’ destination for mankind. Activities for your holiday could include anything from sandboarding to hiking up Olympus Mons and from glacier ice trekking to a visit to the magnificent oxygen factories of the Tharsis Bulge. Also included are special features such as lists of ‘What Not To Miss’, ‘Top Ten Favourite Excursions’, and ‘What To Do On a 2-Day Visit or a 7-Day Visit.’ In the next few years, the dream of a journey to Mars may become a reality… Get ready ahead of the rush with this invaluable guide.

Read more less

With the help of Alice Cooper, Freddie Mercury, Kurt Cobain and a whole host of weird and wonderful characters both real and imagined, The Extraordinary Elements presents the periodic table as you have never seen before. Gripping facts and easy-to-access information accompany stunning infographics and the personified elements, as well as chemistry basics

Read more less

Designed to present physics in a totally new light, this science book explores the topics of physics, light and sound alongside incredible artwork from surrealist artist Ximo Abadía. Visualise sonar sound, discover the speed of light and understand basic quantum physics with easy to understand, engaging text by acclaimed science writer Colin Stuart.Impressive design meets exciting content in this physics title that will truly captivate and inspire.

Read more less

The Extraordinary Elements presents the periodic table as you have never seen before! These fun, surrealist postcards from the fantastic Ximo Abadía are the perfect way to get familiar with all 118 elements.Featuring Alice Cooper (Arsenic), Freddie (Mercury), Kurt Cobain (Lithium) and a whole host of weird and wonderful characters both real and imagined, this stunning postcard set presents the personified elements as you've never seen them before! Including 118 postcards printed on beautiful, thick card, and presented in a stunning gift box with the periodic table printed on the lid, this is the perfect gift for anyone who is zany about chemistry.

Read more less

Designed to present physics in a totally new light, this science book explores the topics of physics, light and sound alongside incredible artwork from surrealist artist Ximo Abadía. Visualise sonar sound, discover the speed of light and understand basic quantum physics with easy to understand, engaging text by acclaimed science writer Colin Stuart.Impressive design meets exciting content in this physics title that will truly captivate and inspire.

Read more less

While geeks' obsessive desire for data makes them constant curators of useless information, it also drives them to great lengths to find the solutions to everyday problems. How do you make the perfect cup of tea? What are the moves that will impress a hot date on the dance floor? Is there an optimum angle for skimming a stone? Science the Sh*t Out of Life reveals the nerdy secrets to living smarter, offering scientifically sourced advice for dealing with everything life throws at you. Presented with top tips, infographics and a sense of humour, Science the Sh*t Out of Life appeals not just to Star Trek junkies and computer nerds but to anyone seeking answers to some of life's eternal questions.

Read more less

'Full of tips and life hacks that are backed up by cold, hard science' - Sun'Contains a staggering amount of common sense, scientifically solid advice, much of it new information to this particular reviewer, who will be adopting some of its principles immediately' - Robin Pierce, Starburst MagazineWhile geeks' obsessive desire for data makes them constant curators of useless information, it also drives them to great lengths to find the solutions to everyday problems. How do you make the perfect cup of tea? What are the moves that will impress a hot date on the dance floor? Is there an optimum angle for skimming a stone? The Geek Guide to Life reveals the geeky secrets to living smarter, offering scientifically sourced advice for dealing with everything life throws at you. Presented with top tips, infographics and a sense of humour, The Geek Guide to Life appeals not just to Star Trek junkies and computer nerds but to anyone seeking answers to some of life's eternal questions.

Read more less