High school & older.

    Line drawings.

    Through his writings and spoken commentary, he worked to popularize interests in astronomy, the universe, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. From the beginning of his public career, when he co-wrote Intelligent Life in the Universe to the very end as he worked on the 1997 film adaptation of his novel Contact, these subjects absorbed him. This interest in space was rooted in his understanding of the smallness and vulnerability of humanity measured against the immense size and power of the universe. This profound philosophical humility, mixed with personal exuberance, comes through in Conversations with Carl Sagan. In interviews and profiles, Sagan discusses with verve a wide variety of topics—the environment, nuclear disarmament, religion, politics, extraterrestrial life, astronomy, physics, robotics. Whether he is discussing his science fiction or his well-researched nonfiction works, his voice embraces reason and skepticism. This volume shows how Sagan, a lifelong skeptic, refined his views and expressed amazement that Earth, for all his belief in extraterrestrial life, encompasses everything about which he cared. Tom Head of Jackson, Mississippi, is a writer and poet whose work includes Women and Families (Voices from the Civil War), Possessions and Exorcisms (Fact or Fiction?), and 1966 (The Turbulent 60s).

    The photos, taken by the newest space explorers—highly sophisticated telescopes, probes, and satellites—are arranged in an A to Z format with thorough text blocks that elucidate the phenomena in a refreshingly concise and accessible manner. From asteroids to pulsars to white dwarfs, each entry consists of bold photos and descriptive text. A data box accompanying each picture provides fascinating details about how, where, and when each shot was taken. In the back of this awe-inspiring volume are the stories behind the space probes and telescopes, along with an essay on color imagery in space and a glossary.

    Squyres dreamed up the mission in 1987, saw it through from conception in 1995 to a successful landing in 2004, and serves as the principal scientist of its $400 million payload. He has gained a rare inside look at what it took for rovers Spirit and Opportunity to land on the red planet in January 2004--and knows firsthand their findings.

    Solar system cosmic upheaval occurred so recently as to have profoundly affected early human cultures, provoking incomprehensible myths, symbols, and commemorative practices. Through a synthesis of ancient testimony, high-energy plasma experiments, and space age discoveries, the authors bring the ancient world to life. If their hypothesis is correct, it will surely alter many paths of scientific investigation as well. The little-known study of powerful electrical discharges in plasma is a new and exciting development in plasma cosmology , with profound implication for space age astronomy. To advance their case, the authors present side-by-side comparisons of laboratory plasma experiments and globally recurring symbols of the ancient sky. The evidence, they report, shows an ancient obsession with extremely violent electrical discharge formations in the heavens. Thunderbolts of the Gods is packaged with the 65-minute DVD, Thunderbolts - The Tutorial. This film introduces you to the key themes of the theory, and includes interviews with the principal figures in Electric Universe research.

    Chaisson, author of the classic work Cosmic Dawn, explores in his enthralling and illuminating history of the universe. Explaining new discoveries and a range of cutting-edge ideas and theories, Chaisson provides a creative and coherent synthesis of current scientific thinking on the universe's beginnings. He takes us on a tour of the seven ages of the cosmos, from the formless era of radiation through the origins of human culture. Along the way he examines the development of the most microscopic and the most immense aspects of our universe and the complex ways in which they interact. Drawing on recent breakthroughs in astrophysics and biochemistry, Chaisson discusses the contemporary scientific view that all objects-from quarks and quasars to microbes and the human mind-are interrelated. Researchers in all the natural sciences are beginning to identify an underlying pattern penetrating the fabric of existence-a sweepingly encompassing view of the formation, structure, and function of all objects in our multitudinous universe. Moreover, as Chaisson demonstrates, by deciphering the scenario of cosmic evolution, scientists can also determine how living organisms managed to inhabit the land, generate language, and create culture. Epic of Evolution offers a stunning view of how various changes, operating across almost incomprehensible domains of space and nearly inconceivable stretches of time and through the evolutionary combination of necessity and chance, have given rise to our galaxy, our star, our planet, and ourselves.Eric Chaisson holds research professorships in the departments of physics, astronomy, and education at Tufts University, where he directs the Wright Center for Science Education. He is the author of several books, including Cosmic Dawn: The Origins of Matter and Life and Cosmic Evolution: The Rise of Complexity in Nature.

    This analysis clearly shows that if the world and the physical objects were three-dimensional, none of the kinematic relativistic effects and the experimental evidence supporting them would be possible. The implications of this result for physics, philosophy, and our entire world view are discussed.

    By understanding the allegorical Language that God utilizes to communicate to mankind, and applying it to the Zodiac and the Bible, both are convincingly shown to be filled with similar prophetic imagery. Many allegorical ties between the Bible, and the Gospel in the Stars are revealed, and once mysterious prophetic Scriptures suddenly make sense. The Universe, and the forty-eight constellations of the ancient Zodiac are like biblical parables on a giant scale. They tell a compelling story that fully agrees with the Bible, and the unfolding of biblical history. The Magi who found Christ likely knew this, and the book examines their possible use of Sacred Astronomy to locate His whereabouts in Bethlehem in 3 BC. Secondly, the parable-like allegories found in our Solar System, upon the Earth, and in various elements of nature are explored. By seeking the Language of God apparent in every created thing, each layer of Yah s creation can reveal startling truths about our Creator, His love of mankind, and His desire to save us from our worst enemies: Satan and our fallen nature.

    New space and ground-based observational opportunities have resulted in significant additions to our knowledge of the molecular universe in recent years. This comprehensive overview will be an invaluable reference source for undergraduates, graduates and researchers.

    Supermassive black holes play an important role in the understanding of the formation of galaxies in the early Universe. Old white dwarfs are nowadays used to calibrate the age of the Universe. Mergers of neutron stars and black holes are the sources of intense gravitational waves which will be measured in the next ten years by gravitational wave detectors.Camenzind's Compact Objects in Astrophysics gives a comprehensive introduction and up-to-date overview about the physical processes behind these objects, covering the field from the beginning to most recent results, including all relevant observations.After a presentation of the taxonomy of compact objects, the basic principles of general relativity are given. The author then discusses in detail the physics and observations of white dwarfs and neutron stars (including the most recent equations of state for neutron star matter), the gravitational field of rapidly rotating compact objects, rotating black holes (including ray tracing and black hole magnetospheres), gravitational waves, and the new understanding of accretion processes by means of the magnetorotational instability of accretion disks.This modern treatise of compact object astrophysics uses the 3+1 split approach to Einstein's equations, and to relativistic hydrodynamics and magnetohydrodynamics. In each chapter problems and solutions help deepen the understanding of the subject. Both advanced students and researchers will appreciate this book as an advanced textbook and reference on this fascinating field of astrophysics.

    It covers 36 Earth-based observatories and their history, mission, type of telescope and other observatory equipment, and significant discoveries.It then features 10 space-based observatories, including the Hubble Space Telescope and the Chandra X-Ray Telescope, which have been mounted on space probes to monitor some of the universe's most mysterious events.The final section covers 11 observatories of the future, including both Earth-based and space-based telescopes, and how partnerships between nations and private institutions fund ambitious projects of unprecedented size and responsiveness.The book also provides fascinating information on:Spectroscopy and radio astronomy The effects of atmosphere on astronomy Coronagraphy and solar observation Astronomy careers and training Locations and websites of the world's 100 largest observatories. Great Observatories of the World is profusely illustrated with photographs of the observatories as well as dramatic images of the universe they explore.

    Astronomy buffs and skywatchers will find this abundantly illustrated reference book useful anywhere in the world.Star charts depict the night sky, and this atlas is arranged so that one section of the sky is shown and described on each double-page spread. The two polar regions have their own individual pages. There are 30 charts covering the whole sky, and each chart has a plastic overlay depicting the names of the important stars.The first section of the book is a general overview of astronomy and includes:Stars and constellations Historical star charts The motion of the heavens Star trails The Milky Way The other three sections feature galaxies and constellations found in the Northern Hemisphere, Equatorial Region and Southern Hemisphere.The final section covers the basics of astrophotography and digital imaging as well as practical and useful viewing tips.The New Atlas of the Stars is the ultimate reference for the astronomer.

    Such a boost came in the first half of the twentieth century, when an obscure Belgian priest put his mind to deciphering the nature of the cosmos. Is the universe evolving to some unforeseen end, or is it static, as the Greeks believed? The debate has preoccupied thinkers from Heraclitus to the author of the Upanishads, from the Mayans to Einstein. The Day Without Yesterday covers the modern history of an evolving universe, and how Georges Lemaîe convinced a generation of thinkers to embrace the notion of cosmic expansion and the theory that this expansion could be traced backward to the cosmic origins, a starting point for space and time that Lemaîe called "the day without yesterday." Lemaîe's skill with mathematics and the equations of relativity enabled him to think much more broadly about cosmology than anyone else at the time, including Einstein. Lemaîe proposed the expanding model of the universe to Einstein, who rejected it. Had Einstein followed Lemaîe's thinking, he could have predicted the expansion of the universe more than a decade before it was actually discovered.

    And it’s out there for anyone who takes the time to look up! As this engrossing popular astronomy book makes clear, you don’t need a degree in astrophysics to explore the vast reaches of outer space. All you need is curiosity and a little imagination.From Blue Moons to Black Holes is written specifically for those who have always been intrigued by or have been developing a growing interest in astronomy and space, but have had little time to explore the amazing world of exploding stars, distant galaxies, rovers on other planets, and more. The book consists of three sections: Questions and Answers, Quick Facts, and A Brief History of Lunar and Planetary Exploration.Knocke — who has often lectured at the prestigious Mount Wilson and Lowell Observatories — provides answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding astronomy, outer space, and space exploration in the Questions and Answers section. She gives simple and easy-to-understand answers to such provocative questions as: "What is a blue moon?" "Could you travel through a black hole?" "Is the North Star the brightest star in the sky?" "Is Pluto really a planet?"The Quick Facts section offers the reader an easy way to look up fascinating statistics about the moon and planets, bright stars, constellations, and more. This section also includes a guide to upcoming meteor showers and lunar and solar eclipses.A Brief History of Lunar and Planetary Exploration includes a chronological listing of every mission that has been launched to the moon and planets. By listing both the successes and failures, readers gain a better understanding of just how difficult it is to travel beyond our own planet.This generously illustrated volume will also include a color insert containing, among other pictures, beautiful images of Saturn from the Cassini spacecraft, currently in orbit around the planet. Whether read from cover to cover or used as a reference tool to search for specific answers, From Blue Moons to Black Holes will prove to be fun, accessible, and wonderfully thought provoking.

    In the following years, he discovered 20 comets and compiled the first catalogue of over 100 objects listing star clusters, nebulae and galaxies collectively called Deep Sky Objects. Today, Messier's catalogue is often the first set of Deep Sky Objects observed by budding amateurs wanting to go beyond viewing the Moon, Planets and Sun. The Next Step is a complete field guide to discovering Messier's objects — a celestial road map for the successful navigation and exploration of these beautiful heavenly bodies. Experience space anew by taking the next step into the cosmos. • Easy to understand, written especially for the novice amateur astronomer. • Complete set of color star charts for locating every Messier object. • Scale photographs, up-to-date information and easy-to-use spreads for each object. • Expanded catalogue now includes 112 objects. • New historical information about Charles Messier's childhood and journey to Paris.

    When they were boys, each had dreamed of flying planes. Their dreams came true when they joined the United States military, flying and testing new types of aircraft. Finally, they became members of a select group of flyers called the Astronaut Corps, which would venture into space. From Project Mercury, whose goal was to put a single astronaut in orbit, to Project Apollo, whose goal was to put an astronaut on the moon, Richard Hilliard's lively picture book, featuring simple text, bold illustrations, and informative sidebars, follows the inspiring journey of three genuine heroes.

    The truth is, though, that all you need is a simple pair of binoculars. This handy, easy-to-follow guide explains how to observe everything from the moon to meteor showers with binoculars and provides safety tips for viewing eclipses. It also includes separate sections for winter, spring, summer, and fall that give advice on what to look for and how to optimize your viewing. Ideal for budding astronomers of all ages, Binocular Stargazing is the perfect way to see the night sky through new eyes.

    Authoritatively and engagingly written, this book tells the story of American space exploration from the early 20th century to the present, covering every US space mission ever undertaken, including those of projects Mercury, Gemini and Apollo, and the development of the Space Shuttle.

    The resulting interplay between geometry and physics has dominated all of fundamental physics since then. This volume contains contributions from leading researchers, worldwide, who have thought deeply about the nature and consequences of this interplay. The articles take a long-range view of the subject and distill the most important advances in broad terms, making them easily accessible to non-specialists. The first part is devoted to a summary of how relativity theories were born (J Stachel). The second part discusses the most dramatic ramifications of general relativity, such as black holes (P Chrusciel and R Price), space-time singularities (H Nicolai and A Rendall), gravitational waves (P Laguna and P Saulson), the large scale structure of the cosmos (T Padmanabhan); experimental status of this theory (C Will) as well as its practical application to the GPS system (N Ashby). The last part looks beyond Einstein and provides glimpses into what is in store for us in the 21st century. Contributions here include summaries of radical changes in the notions of space and time that are emerging from quantum field theory in curved space-times (Ford), string theory (T Banks), loop quantum gravity (A Ashtekar), quantum cosmology (M Bojowald), discrete approaches (Dowker, Gambini and Pullin) and twistor theory (R Penrose).

    This Smithsonian Gem features individual charts for all 88 constellations of the Northern and Southern hemispheres, complete with star charts and a star atlas of the entire sky. It details the brightest stars and objects of interest which can be seen with the naked eye, binoculars and small telescopes. An ideal book for practical observation of the stars throughout the world all year round.

    Touch the Sun is a universally designed book with colorful raised images and combined text in print and Braille that explores the dynamic nature of our Sun.Topics include: size comparison between Earth and the Sun, the interior layers of the Sun, sunspots and their motion, views of the Sun in visible and ultraviolet light, solar eruptions as seen from space based observatories, massive solar storms, and the effect of space weather on Earth.According to the author, This book is hot!

    4 in) Unitron refractor, as a surprise Christmas gift from my father when I was 10 years old, and over the next several years, I spent countless hours exploring the heavens, seeking out virtually every celestial object I could ?nd with this small aperture. I consider myself quite for- nate to have been blessed with a dark, unobstructed observing site for most of my childhood, unlike many of my astronomical friends who were always trying to get to a remote location away from city lights to do worthwhile deep-sky observing. I only had to carry my telescope and star charts just a few feet away into my backyard. By the time I entered high school, the night sky had become a delightfully fam- iar place. I had tracked down virtually all of the galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters within reach of my little instrument, and I split most of the double stars that were theoretically possible with its exquisite optics. Eventually, I earned suf?cient funds working part-time jobs (and saving school lunch money) to purchase a premium 10. 2 cm (4. 0 in) refractor, another Unitron that I quickly put through its paces, once again surveying my favorite deep-sky objects. Despite the fact that I could see all of them much better with increased aperture, I soon recognized how virtually changeless they were, so I started expanding my observational

    All the illustrations are stored in high-resolution format on the enclosed free CD-ROM and are ready to use for professional quality printed media and web page design. The pictures can also be used to produce postcards, or to decorate your letters, flyers, etc. They can be imported directly from the CD into most design, image- manipulation, illustration, word-processing and e-mail programs; no installation is required. For most applications, single images can be used free of charge. Please consult the introduction to this book, or visit our website for conditions. The Universe offers an unending source of the most electrifying and mysterious imagery conceivable. The selection of pictures for this book has been made by a well-known specialist in the field of popular astronomy, and is accompanied by short and lucid descriptions of what can be seen. The high-quality files on the accompanying CD-ROM allow for large-format prints.

    It is designed for advanced undergraduates and first year postgraduates as a useful stepping-stone to the advanced literature. The book provides an accessible introduction to the exact solutions of Einstein's vacuum field equations describing spherical and axisymmetric (rotating) black holes. The geometry and physical properties of these spacetimes are explored through the motion of particles and light. The use of different coordinate systems, maximal extensions and Penrose diagrams is explained. The association of the surface area of a black hole with its entropy is discussed and it is shown that with the introduction of quantum mechanics black holes cease to be black and can radiate. This result allows black holes to satisfy the laws of thermodynamics and thus be consistent with the rest of physics.