Best of
Astronomy

2012

Little Kids First Big Book of Space


Catherine D. Hughes - 2012
    These colorful pages will introduce young children to the wonders of space, with colorful illustrations by David Aguilar and simple text that is perfect for beginning readers or for reading aloud. The book will explain basic concepts of space, beginning with what is most familiar to kids and expanding out into universe.Chapters include: • Chapter 1 focuses on the Earth, moon, and sun.  • Chapter 2 introduces kids to the other planets in our solar system.  • Chapter 3 explains other objects in our solar system, such as dwarf planets, comets, and asteroid belts.  • Chapter 4 voyages even farther afield, touching on concepts such as the universe, the Milky Way, stars, galaxies, and black holes.  • The last chapter delves into space exploration: humans on the moon, spaceships, the International Space Station, etc.Releases simultaneously in Reinforced Library Binding: 978-1-4263-1015-7 , $23.90/$26.95 Can

Hubble's Universe: Greatest Discoveries and Latest Images


Terence Dickinson - 2012
    No other telescope combines instant name recognition with the production of consistently spectacular images. Yet few people outside of the astronomy community realize that Hubble is now at the apex of its imaging capabilities. A collection of stunningly detailed pictures, made possible by the new Wide Field Camera 3, has yet to be incorporated into a popular-level book. Until now. Hubble's Universe will be the premier venue for the Hubble Telescope's most recent visual splendors. Bestselling astronomy writer Terence Dickinson showcases extraordinary late-breaking pictures, many of which have yet to receive wide distribution as news stories or in publications outside scientific papers, and presents a breathtaking portfolio drawn from an archive of over 500,000 existing Hubble images.The accompanying text balances accuracy with accessibility, Dickinson's hallmark. And thanks to the author's familiarity with Hubble's history and discoveries and his access to top Hubble scientists for insight and accuracy, the text includes facts and tidbits not found in any other book. Combined with hundreds of brilliant images, the clear, succinct and illuminating narrative brings to life the fascinating forces at work in the universe.

Space Atlas: Mapping the Universe and Beyond


James S. Trefil - 2012
    Three ever widening domains are presented--the planets, the stars, and the large scale universe itself--each including the ones before it and extending outward''--..Title: .Space Atlas..Author: .Trefil, James/ Aldrin, Buzz (FRW)..Publisher: .Random House Inc..Publication Date: .2012/11/06..Number of Pages: .335..Binding Type: .HARDCOVER..Library of Congress: .2012020000

The Astronomy Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained


Jacqueline Mitton - 2012
    Featuring topics from the Copernican Revolution to the mind-boggling theories of recent science, The Astronomy Book uses flowcharts, graphics, and illustrations to help clarify hard-to-grasp concepts and explain almost 100 big astronomical ideas. Covering the biographies of key astronomers through the ages such as Ptolemy, Galileo, Newton, Hubble, and Hawking, The Astronomy Book details their theories and discoveries in a user-friendly format to make the information accessible and easy to follow.Series Overview: Big Ideas Simply Explained series uses creative design and innovative graphics along with straightforward and engaging writing to make complex subjects easier to understand. With over 7 million copies worldwide sold to date, these award-winning books provide just the information needed for students, families, or anyone interested in concise, thought-provoking refreshers on a single subject.

The Speed Of Time


Sharad Nalawade - 2012
    The world you live in is stranger than fiction... as you read this, you exist in other places at the same time. Do not regret having missed the chance to realize your dreams, for you may just have fulfilled it in another universe.. * Are the trillions of atoms that make you, nothing but vibrations in 10 dimensions?* Is it true that we are all connected with each other?* Can you go into the future to change the present?* Why do scientists and philosophers struggle with the concept of Time?* Can science explain consciousness through physics?* Is our fate driven by the underlying randomness in nature?* Is nature hiding the best-kept secrets which can never be unravelled by humans?The Speed of Time approaches the most complex and esoteric theories of science in lucid, clear and simple language and in the style of a thriller, leaving you wanting more... while addressing questions through the enigmatic theories in Physics such as Quantum Mechanics, Einstein's Theory of Relativity, Time, Chaos, and much more. Just start reading and you will not put it down.

Planetfall: New Solar System Visions


Michael Benson - 2012
    Since Michael Benson’s masterful book Beyond: Visions of the Interplanetary Probes, new, more powerful cameras in probes with greatly improved maneuverability have traversed the wheeling satellites of Jupiter; roamed the boulder-strewn red deserts of Mars; studied Saturn’s immaculate rings; and shown us our own ravishing Earth, a blue-white orb with a disturbingly thin atmosphere, as it plunges deeper into ecological crisis. These new images are the subject of Benson’s Planetfall, a truly revelatory book that uses its large page size to reproduce the greatest achievements in contemporary planetary photography as never before.Praise for Planetfall:“This is the way I like to tour the solar system. Find a chair. Sit. Turn some pages. Gaze. Wonder.” —NPR.com

Nature Guide: Stars and Planets


Robert Dinwiddie - 2012
    Produced in collaboration with expert consultants at the Smithsonian Institution, each guide is expertly written and will give you knowledge of the natural world at your fingertips.From observing the night sky to looking to the stars and beyond, "Nature Guide Stars and Planets" contains a guide to all 88 constellations of the night sky, as wells as features the best tools and techniques to get started.

The Stargazer's Guide to the Night Sky


Jason Lisle - 2012
    This chart helps you locate the positions of stars on any night of the year so you can better enjoy God's amazing night sky.Explore the night sky, identify stars, constellations, and even planets. Stargaze with a telescope, binoculars, or even your naked eye. Allow Dr. Jason Lisle, a research scientist with a masters and PhD in astrophysics, to guide you in examining the beauty of God's Creation with 150 full color star-charts. Learn the best ways and optimal times to observe planets and stars with easy to use illustrations. Create or expand the hobby of stargazing; an outdoor, educational hobby to enjoy with friends or family.

The Irish Origins of Civilization Volume One


Michael Tsarion - 2012
    Michael exposes the true origins of the world’s premier secret societies and reveals the remarkable mysteries they have been sworn to guard by sword and deception. He shows that the elements of civilization - megalithic construction, writing, music, astronomy, astrology, medicine, farming, navigation, and most importantly the principles of religion, originated in Britain, Ireland and Scandinavia. Every European needs to read this book to find out how the history of "Anglo-Saxon" man has been misrepresented and perverted. Michael explains the true meaning of the word Aryan and shows that it was the original name of Ireland. He explains the reason why so many tribes speak of the coming of the fair gods, the men of wisdom. He explains the connections between the Irish Druids and Egyptian Amenists and the ruin Akhenaton's Luciferian cult brought to Egypt and the world. As Michael wrote...

Astronomy


Andrew Fraknoi - 2012
    The book begins with relevant scientific fundamentals and progresses through an exploration of the solar system, stars, galaxies, and cosmology. The Astronomy textbook builds student understanding through the use of relevant analogies, clear and non-technical explanations, and rich illustrations. Mathematics is included in a flexible manner to meet the needs of individual instructors.

The Cosmic Tourist


Brian May - 2012
    En route, we stop off to gaze at 100 amazing sights - from asteroids to zodiacal dust and from orbit around the Earth to beyond the most distant galaxies. We start right here on Earth, with your tour guides: the three intrepid cosmic voyagers Patrick Moore, Brian May and Chris Lintott. They explain the sights - what they are, and how they fit into the astronomical zoo of familiar and curious objects and phenomena - and convey their own personal enthusiasm for each marvel you encounter. The images present the extraordinary beauty of the Universe as seen through the eyes of the biggest and best telescopes on Earth and in space, and occasionally in the backyards of expert amateur observers.

The Trees of Life: Exposing the Art of Holy Deception, Vol 2


Michael Tsarion - 2012
    Along the way we discover the true origins and significance of the New Testament’s Mary Magdalene and Blessed Virgin, as well as other enigmatic characters such as Lazarus and John the Baptist. Michael continues to decipher the origins of Jehovah and Elohim, showing that the worship of these deities was originally based on Druidism and Aryan tree worship. He reveals what Christian mythmongers hoped we would never know about the origins of their religious doctrines and iconography."After Christians had spent years destroying books and libraries, St. John Chrysostom, the per-eminent Greek Father of the Church, proudly declared "Every trace of the old philosophy and literature of the ancient world has vanished from the face of the earth" - Helen Ellerbe (The Dark Side of Christian History)"The male Holy Spirit is a product of Latin grammar - spiritus is masculine - and of early Christian mistrust of female deities...Conception by a male principle is illogical and this is the only instance of its occurrence in all Latin literature" - Robert GravesMichael's chapters on the Cults of Venus and Dionysus, pharmacopeia and Amanita Muscaria, give new insight into the dark secrets of the Church and elusive societies behind religion, government and media.This is an essential set for those interested in developing Symbolic Literacy. It reveals and explains the secret Astrological and Astro-Theological archive of precious emblems and sigils that Freemasons and Judeo-Christian mythmongers have long kept hidden from laymen.Containing 700 color images, the set presents the reader with information on the origins of religion and Masonry not found elsewhere in comprehensive form. Visit Michael’s sites for more information, and for interviews and webstream on this subject: treesoflife.co.uk and mtsar.com

The Sky at Night: Answers to Questions from Across the Universe


Patrick Moore - 2012
    With sections on the solar system, the bizarre and unexplained, space missions, and more, this is an exciting journey into space for the novice astronomer and the lifelong stargazer alike. Discover how scientists work out the gravity of planets, what the 'Great Attractor' is and the basic principles of space navigation. Learn how to start observing the sky, what event inspired Patrick Moore to take up astronomy, and just how many of his cats are named after celestial bodies.From comets to black holes and Orion to eclipses, The Sky at Night is the ultimate introduction to the wonders and mysteries of the universe.

Astronomy Photographer of the Year: Collection 1


Patrick Moore - 2012
    www.rmg.co.uk/astrophoto

The Neglected Sun: Why the Sun Precludes Climate Catastrophe


Fritz Vahrenholt - 2012
    In this momentous book – first published in German as Die kalte Sonne in 2012 – Professor Fritz Vahrenholt and Dr. Sebastian Lüning demonstrate that the critical cause of global temperature change has been, and continues to be, the sun’s activity. Vahrenholt and Lüning reveal that four concurrent solar cycles master Earth’s temperature – a climate reality upon which man’s carbon emissions bear little significance. The sun’s present cooling phase, precisely monitored in this work, renders impossible the catastrophic prospects put forward by the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the alarmist agenda dominant in contemporary Western politics.

The Stardust Revolution: The New Story of Our Origin in the Stars


Jacob Berkowitz - 2012
    The sixteenth and seventeenth centuries witnessed the Copernican Revolution, which bodychecked the Earth as the pivot point of creation and joined us with the rest of the cosmos as one planet among many orbiting the Sun. Three centuries later came the second great scientific revolution: the Darwinian Revolution. It removed us from a distinct, divine biological status to place us wholly in the ebb and flow of all terrestrial life. This book describes how we’re in the midst of a third great scientific revolution, five centuries in the making: the Stardust Revolution. It is the merging of the once-disparate realms of astronomy and evolutionary biology, and of the Copernican and Darwinian Revolutions, placing life in a cosmic context. This book takes readers on a grand journey that begins on the summit of California’s Mount Wilson, where astronomers first realized that the universe is both expanding and evolving, to a radio telescope used to identify how organic molecules—the building blocks of life—are made by stars. It’s an epic story told through a scientific cast that includes some of the twentieth century’s greatest minds—including Nobel laureate Charles Townes, who discovered cosmic water—as well as the most ambitious scientific explorers of the twenty-first century, those racing to find another living planet. Today, an entirely new breed of scientists—astrobiologists and astrochemists—are taking the study of life into the space age. Astrobiologists study the origins, evolution, and distribution of life, not just on Earth, but in the universe. Stardust science is filling in the missing links in our evolutionary story, ones that extend our family tree back to the stars.

The Trees of Life: Exposing the Art of Holy Deception, Vol 1


Michael Tsarion - 2012
    Along the way we discover the true origins and significance of the New Testament’s Mary Magdalene and Blessed Virgin, as well as other enigmatic characters such as Lazarus and John the Baptist. Michael continues to decipher the origins of Jehovah and Elohim, showing that the worship of these deities was originally based on Druidism and Aryan tree worship. He reveals what Christian mythmongers hoped we would never know about the origins of their religious doctrines and iconography."After Christians had spent years destroying books and libraries, St. John Chrysostom, the per-eminent Greek Father of the Church, proudly declared: "Every trace of the old philosophy and literature of the ancient world has vanished from the face of the earth" - Helen Ellerbe (The Dark Side of Christian History)"The male Holy Spirit is a product of Latin grammar - spiritus is masculine - and of early Christian mistrust of female deities...Conception by a male principle is illogical and this is the only instance of its occurrence in all Latin literature" - Robert GravesMichael's chapters on the Serpent Cults, Cult of Venus and Dionysus, pharmacopeia and Amanita Muscaria, give new insight into the dark secrets of the Church and elusive societies behind religion, government and media.This is an essential set for those interested in developing Symbolic Literacy. It reveals and explains the secret Astrological and Astro-Theological archive of precious emblems and sigils that Freemasons and Judeo-Christian mythmongers have long kept hidden from laymen.Containing 700 color images, the set presents the reader with information on the origins of religion and Masonry not found elsewhere in comprehensive form. Visit Michael’s sites for more information, and for interviews and webstream on this subject: treesoflife.co.uk and mtsar.com

The Universe: In 100 Key Discoveries


Giles Sparrow - 2012
    Beginning with the theories put forward for the origin of our universe - the Big Bang and its rivals - and ending with what the eventual fate of our cosmos might be, this overview of 100 landmark discoveries tells the story of how we have endeavoured to understand the place of our own planet in the wider universe.

Physics - from Stargazers to Starships


CK-12 Foundation - 2012
    An introduction to astronomy written with a historical perspective.

Scholastic Discover More: Night Sky


Giles Sparrow - 2012
    On a cloudless night we wonder about the extraordinary myriad of bright lights in the sky. But do we really understand what we are looking at? From earliest times, people have been intrigued by the night sky. Over the centuries they have developed ever-more ingenious devices, from binoculars to powerful telescopes to spacecraft powered by the Sun's rays. With these, they have explored everything we can see, from our Moon to the most hard-to-reach areas of space. Using specially devised star charts, this book helps readers identify particular constellations, recognize the difference between a star and a planet, and understand why the entire sky appears to spin. They will discover how stars are born and die, what nebulae are, and how comets and asteroids are formed. This book is packed with the latest stunning images of our Universe and is a must-have for all young, aspiring astronomers. Hang onto your seats for this informative, stellar tour of our amazing Universe!

Does God Like... to Paint?


Branyon May - 2012
    to Paint?I'm sure you love to paint, especially when there are no pressures or grades, and you can paint whatever you want. Finger painting, watercolor, oil painting, and even paint-by-number can stimulate creativity and imagination. Hold a pencil, marker, brush, or lump of clay in your hands and you can create all manners of characters, creatures, and creations.Do You Like... Outer Space?Everyone loves space, with its planets, stars, nebulas, and galaxies. If you have ever gazed into the night sky at some familiar constellations, seen the rings of Saturn in a telescope, or viewed the brilliance of the Pleiades, then you have also experienced and felt the stunning awe of God's Creation.Does God Like... to Paint? is designed to compare the common tasks of Drawing, Coloring, Painting, and Sculpting, with the creativeness of God. As Creator, He demonstrates not only His purposeful design and functional order in the Universe, but His creativity and imagination.The following images are included in the book:Aurora BorealisEarthJupiterMarsCrab NebulaTarantula NebulaHelix NebulaWhirlpool galaxy

Destiny or Chance Revisited: Planets and Their Place in the Cosmos


Stuart Ross Taylor - 2012
    Beginning with the basic concepts of planet formation and the composition of the Universe, Stuart Ross Taylor summarises our knowledge of exoplanets, how they compare with our planets and why some stars have better habitable zones. Further sections provide a detailed study of our Solar System, as a basis for understanding exoplanetary systems, and a detailed study of the Earth as our only current example of a habitable planet. The book concludes with a philosophical and historical discussion of topics surrounding planets and the development of life, including why our chances of finding aliens on exoplanets is very low. This is an engaging and informative read for anyone interested in planetary formation and the exploration of our Universe.

The Higgs Boson: Searching for the God Particle


Scientific American - 2012
    Where there is effect, there must be cause. The planet Neptune was found in 1846 because the mathematics of Newton's laws, when applied to the orbit of Uranus, said some massive body had to be there. Astronomers eventually found it, using the best telescopes available to peer into the sky. This same logic is applied to the search for the Higgs boson. One consequence of the prevailing theory of physics, called the Standard Model, is that there has to be some field that gives particles their particular masses. With that there has to be a corresponding particle, made by creating waves in the field, and this is the Higgs boson, the so-called God particle. This book chronicles the ongoing search – and demonstrates the power of a good theory. Based on the Standard Model, physicists believed something had to be there, but it wasn't until the Large Hadron Collider was built that anyone could see evidence of the Higgs – and finally in July 2012, they did. A Higgs-like particle was found near the energies scientists expected to find it. Now, armed with better evidence and better questions, the scientific process continues. This book gathers the best reporting and analysis from Scientific American to explain that process – the theories, the search, the ongoing questions. In essence, everything you need to know to separate Higgs from hype.

Mr. Olcott's Skies: An Old Book and a Youthful Obsession


Thomas Watson - 2012
    For some, that modest beginning becomes a theme that resonates through a lifetime. Mr. Olcott’s Skies is the story of one such beginning, and of how a small telescope and an old book set the author on a long and often indirect road to the stars. It’s the tale of a journey that has only just begun, and of the discovery that you really do need to look back the way you’ve come, to understand where you are.

Destined for Space: Our Story of Exploration


Don Nardo - 2012
    From wishful stargazing to moon walking to, someday, intergalactic travel, the story of human space exploration is full of daring adventure, incredible machinery, and endless curiosity about our place in the universe.

The Velikovsky Heresies: Worlds in Collision and Ancient Catastrophes Revisited


Laird Scranton - 2012
    Immediately dismissed without any investigation and subject to vicious attacks, Velikovsky’s theory is now poised for reexamination in light of recent astronomical and archaeological findings. Exploring the key points of Velikovsky’s theories, Laird Scranton presents evidence from recent space probe missions to show that Venus still exhibits cometlike properties, such as its atmospheric composition, and could be a young planet. Reviewing the widespread cometlike descriptions of Venus from 1500 BCE to 750 BCE as well as Velikovsky’s observation that no records of Venus exist prior to 1600 BCE, Scranton reveals recently translated ancient texts from China, Korea, and Japan that further uphold Velikovsky’s theories. Examining evidence of major geomagnetic and climate-change events around 1500 BCE and 750 BCE, corresponding with close passes of the comet Venus and its impact with Mars, the author offers scientific explanations for many disputed aspects of Velikovsky’s theories, such as how Venus transformed from a comet into an orbiting planet. By updating this unresolved controversy with new scientific evidence, Scranton helps us to understand how it was that Worlds in Collision was the one book found open on Albert Einstein’s desk at the time of his death.

Vistas of Many Worlds: A Journey Through Space and Time


Erik Anderson - 2012
    Narrated in the style of a "travel book," Vistas of Many Worlds presents up-to-date information that will appeal to both amateur astronomers and to general readers of popular science. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to gaze back at the Sun from Alpha Centauri? What did the starry skies of Africa look like to our hominid ancestors who roamed the Earth millions of years ago? How would planets orbiting other stars appear to us if we flew over them? Where might we discover other planets that truly resemble Earth and what would it be like to stand on the shores of their oceans? These spectacular scenes and many others await your exploration! Finder charts are also provided so that stars and constellations can be identified from the wide variety of spatial and temporal perspectives.

Fighting Light Pollution: Smart Lighting Solutions for Individuals and Communities


The International Dark-Sky Association - 2012
    The first practical guide to alleviating an increasingly prevalent environmental concern How smart lighting can save energy costs and improve safety around the home, along the streets, and in public places--all while helping to preserve the night sky Describes smart-lighting success stories and offers information on how to work with public officials to enact smart-lighting guidelines Explains the negative effects of poor lighting and glare Geared to home owners and renters, stargazers, nature-lovers, business owners, community leaders, and public officials--anyone with an interest in efficient and effective lighting

Making Starships and Stargates: The Science of Interstellar Transport and Absurdly Benign Wormholes


James F. Woodward - 2012
    A less ambitious, but nonetheless revolutionary, goal is finding a way to accelerate a spaceship without having to lug along a gargantuan reservoir of fuel that you blow out a tailpipe. Tethers and solar sails are conventional realizations of the basic idea. There may now be a way to achieve these lofty objectives. Making Starships and Stargates will have three parts. The first will deal with information about the theories of relativity needed to understand the predictions of the effects that make possible the propulsion techniques, and an explanation of those techniques. The second will deal with experimental investigations into the feasibility of the predicted effects; that is, do the effects exist and can they be applied to propulsion? The third part of the book the most speculative will examine the question: what physics is needed if we are to make wormholes and warp drives? Is such physics plausible? And how might we go about actually building such devices? This book pulls all of that material together from various sources, updates and revises it, and presents it in a coherent form so that those interested will be able to find everything of relevance all in one place."

Stargazing for Dummies


Steve Owens - 2012
    Stars and other night sky objects can be seen with the naked eye, or seen in greater numbers and in more detail with binoculars or a telescope.Stargazing For Dummies offers you the chance to explore the night sky, providing a detailed guide to the main constellations and also offering advice on viewing other night sky objects such as planets and nebulae. It's a great introduction to a fun new hobby, and even provides a fun way to get the kids outside while doing something educational!Gives you an introduction to looking at the sky with binoculars or a telescope Offers advice on photographing the night sky Without needing to get your head around mind-bending theories, you can take part in some practical physics If you're looking for easy-to-follow guidance on getting to know the night sky, Stargazing For Dummies has you covered.

Uranometria 2000.0: Deep Sky Atlas: All Sky Edition, with Stars to Visual 9.75 Magnitude and 30,000 Non-Stellar Objects


Wil Tirion - 2012
    ed. in one volume of Uranometria 2000.0 / Wil Tirion, Barry Rappaport, George Lovi. 1987-1988 (2 volumes).

New Eyes on the Universe: Twelve Cosmic Mysteries and the Tools We Need to Solve Them


Stephen Webb - 2012
    It describes the vast amount of observational data that the new generation of observatories and telescopes are currently producing, and how that data might solve some of the outstanding puzzles inherent in our emerging world view. Included are questions such as: What is causing the Universe to blow itself apart? What could be powering the luminous gamma-ray bursters? Where is all the matter in the Universe? Do other Earths exist? Is there intelligent life out there? The renowned author explains clearly, without recourse to mathematics, why each question is puzzling and worthy of research. Included in the study of the wide range of sensitive and powerful instruments used by scientists to try and solve these problems are ones which capture electromagnetic radiation and 'telescopes' for cosmic rays, neutrinos, gravitational waves, and dark matter.This book discusses twelve areas of active astronomical research, ranging from the nature of dark energy to the existence or otherwise of extraterrestrial civilizations, and devotes one chapter to each topic. Although astronomers tackle each of these questions using information gleaned from all possible wavelengths and sources (and this is emphasized throughout the book), in this work the author dedicates each chapter to a particular observational method. One chapter covers X-ray telescopes for investigating black holes, while another uses infrared telescopes to learn more about planetary information.

Black Hole Astrophysics: The Engine Paradigm


David L. Meier - 2012
    This book first introduces the properties of simple isolated holes, then adds in complications like rotation, accretion, radiation, and magnetic fields, finally arriving at a basic understanding of how these immense engines work.Black Hole Astrophysicsreviews our current knowledge of cosmic black holes and how they generate the most powerful observed pheonomena in the Universe;highlights the latest, most up-to-date theories and discoveries in this very active area of astrophysical research;demonstrates why we believe that black holes are responsible for important phenomena such as quasars, microquasars and gammaray bursts;explains to the reader the nature of the violent and spectacular outfl ows (winds and jets) generated by black hole accretion.

Constellations Activity Book


Ryan Jacobson - 2012
    Introduce kids to 26 of the most interesting and well-known constellations through dot-to-dots and other creative activities. Read the mythology behind each constellation, and utilize the flashcard cutouts to learn the constellations by sight. Then head outside and follow the book's easy-to-use instructions to locate those interesting characters in the night sky. Can you spot Orion's belt and Scorpius's tail?

Frontiers of Astrobiology


Chris Impey - 2012
    What is the earliest evidence for life on Earth? Where are the most likely sites for life in the Solar System? Could life have evolved elsewhere in the Galaxy? What are the best strategies for detecting intelligent extraterrestrial life? How many habitable or Earth-like exoplanets are there? Progress in astrobiology over the past decade has been rapid and, with evidence accumulating that Mars once hosted standing bodies of liquid water, the discovery of over 500 exoplanets and new insights into how life began on Earth, the scientific search for our origins and place in the cosmos continues.

Sky Alert!: When Satellites Fail


Les Johnson - 2012
    The author demonstrates humankind s dependence on space satellites and show what might happen to various aspects of our economy, defense, and daily lives if they were suddenly destroyed. The book opens with a consideration of how our space assets might be lost in the first place: through orbital debris, war, and solar storms. The author then looks at what would happen if our satellites were lost, including the effect on weather forecasting, and the Global Positioning System, explaining GPS in detail and its importance to the military, including spy satellites and military reconnaissance, commerce, civilians, communications and remote sensing both resource monitoring and locating and environmental monitoring and science. The effects of losing such assets as the International Space Station as well as such research satellites as the Hubble Space Telescope or the Chandra X-Ray Observatory are also considered. Part III of the book looks at how we can protect our satellites, preparing for the worst, reducing the growth and amount of orbital debris, preventing acts of war in space and hardening against space radiation. The book ends on an optimistic note: most spacefaring nations are now working together to develop new technologies to reduce the threat posed by orbital debris and in-space nuclear detonations and treaties exist to limit the development and use of weapons in space. Finally, it is hoped that it will not be long before we will be able to better predict and take precautions against solar storms. The global economy has now become so dependent upon satellites that their loss would be devastating to the economy, to national security, and potentially, to the day-to-day survival of those who live in the world s most advanced economies.

Dinosaurs. by Dan Green


Dan Green - 2012
    Packed with fun facts and memorable characters, this is an essential book for all dino enthusiasts.

Exploring the Solar System


Peter Bond - 2012
    The last fifty years in particular have seen huge steps forward in our understanding of the planets, the sun, and other objects in the solar system. Whilst planetary science is now a mature discipline - involving geoscientists, astronomers, physicists, and others – many profound mysteries remain, and there is indeed still the tantalizing possibility that we may find evidence of life on another planet in our system.Drawing upon the latest results from the second golden age of Solar System exploration, author Peter Bond provides an authoritative and up-to-date account of the planets, satellites and smaller debris that orbit the Sun.Written in an informal style, with minimal use of mathematics, this book is the ideal introductory text for non-science students and other readers with little or no science background. With the aid of numerous illustrations, many in full colour, this exciting book brings to life the weird and wonderful worlds that populate our corner of the Universe.This book: Assumes no background in physics , astronomy or mathematics Carefully explains key concepts Gives balanced coverage to areas of controversy or uncertainty in planetary science Is in in full color throughout and richly illustrated An interview with Peter can be found at http://wisciblog.com/2012/02/28/explo...

The History of the Space Shuttle


Whitman Publishing - 2012
    And since its first launch in 1981, the shuttle has proved to be the dependable, versatile and reusable workhorse it was designed to be, delivering hundreds of tons of payloads into orbit, rescuing and repairing damaged satellites, and helping to build and supply the International Space Station.The History of the Space Shuttle takes you on a unique journey through the triumphs and tragedy of the shuttle program, from the earliest design and testing to the historic final launch. In each and every chapter you will find QR codes that link to more than 70 audio and video clips highlighting the shuttle's record-breaking missions and crews, what it takes to eat, sleep and live aboard the spacecraft, and how the shuttle has been critical to establishing a human presence in low Earth orbit.

An Introduction to Basic Astronomy Concepts (with Space Photos)


Chris McMullen - 2012
    (NASA did not participate in the writing or publication of this eBook.) Many diagrams, like the heliocentric and geocentric models or explaining the phases of the moon, were constructed by combining together NASA space photos instead of simply drawing circles.The content is suitable for a general interest audience, as well as those who may be learning astronomy and are looking for some supplemental instruction that is highly visual and focused on a variety of fundamental concepts.There are about 17,000 words in this eBook and over 100 color images. (The paperback edition of this eBook has 186 pages.)Tips: A few of the photos can look much larger if you simply rotate your eReader 90 degrees, switching between portrait and landscape mode. (Some popular eReaders also allow you to zoom in on an individual picture, though the zoom option is not always easy to find.) Remember that you can change the font size on your eReader to make the text larger or smaller (but, unfortunately, this may not affect the size of the equations, but, fortunately, there are only a few equations in this eBook).The author, Chris McMullen, is a physics and astronomy instructor at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. He earned his Ph.D. in physics at Oklahoma State University in phenomenological high-energy physics (particle physics). His doctoral dissertation was on the collider phenomenology of superstring-inspired large extra dimensions, a field in which he has coauthored several papers.

The Kingfisher Space Encyclopedia


Mike Goldsmith - 2012
    A glossary and index are included along with a list of web sites for further learning.With dramatic full-bleed artwork, a visual design that organizes the information into clear, digestible sections, the latest photography, and special features such as digital cutaways, step-bystep sequences, and callouts featuring key scientific ideas, this amazing 160-page volume is the perfect guide to space for today's visual learners. Arranged thematically into five key areas—Observing Space, The Solar System, Stars and galaxies, Space Exploration, and Space in the Future—The Kingfisher Space Encyclopedia by Dr. Mike Goldsmith features concise text by an astrophysics expert that is coherent, accurate and perfectly pitched for middle-grade audiences. A glossary and index are included in the back matter along with a list of web sites to take the learning beyond the book. The unbeatable combination of great design, authoritative information, and affordable price makes this the perfect home or classroom reference for any curious space explorer.

Exploring the Universe


Brian Clegg - 2012
    What is the universe? How does it work? Where did it come from? These fundamental questions intrigue adults and children alike. This approachable guide brings alive humanity's attempts to explain the existence of everything and explores the latest and best theories on how the universe came into being. From the basic understanding of the nature of a star, or of how a planet like the Earth was formed, the remarkable story of cosmology unfolds through to the truly ultimate question of how the universe will end. Along the way we will meet black holes and dark matter, supernovae and quasars.