Best of
Astronomy

2016

Black Holes: The Reith Lectures


Stephen Hawking - 2016
    Black holes are stranger than anything dreamed up by science fiction writers.”In 2016 Professor Stephen Hawking delivered the BBC Reith Lectures on a subject that fascinated him for decades – black holes.In these flagship lectures the legendary physicist argued that if we could only understand black holes and how they challenge the very nature of space and time, we could unlock the secrets of the universe.

Hello, Is This Planet Earth?: My View from the International Space Station


Tim Peake - 2016
    During his historic mission, he captured hundreds of dazzling photographs, the very best of which are collected here.Tim captures the majesty of the cosmos and of the planet we call home: breath-taking aerial photos of the world's cities illuminated at night, the natural beauty of the northern lights, and unforgettable views of oceans, mountains, and deserts.Tim's lively stories about life in space appear alongside these photographs, including the tale from which the title is taken: his famous wrong number dialed from space, when he accidentally called a stranger and asked: "Hello, is this planet Earth?" With this truly unique perspective on the incredible sights of our planet, Tim demonstrates that while in space, hundreds of miles above his friends and family, he never felt closer to home.

Welcome to the Universe: An Astrophysical Tour


Neil deGrasse Tyson - 2016
    Inspired by the enormously popular introductory astronomy course that Neil deGrasse Tyson, Michael A. Strauss, and J. Richard Gott taught together at Princeton, this book covers it all--from planets, stars, and galaxies to black holes, wormholes, and time travel.Describing the latest discoveries in astrophysics, the informative and entertaining narrative propels you from our home solar system to the outermost frontiers of space. How do stars live and die? Why did Pluto lose its planetary status? What are the prospects of intelligent life elsewhere in the universe? How did the universe begin? Why is it expanding and why is its expansion accelerating? Is our universe alone or part of an infinite multiverse? Answering these and many other questions, the authors open your eyes to the wonders of the cosmos, sharing their knowledge of how the universe works.Breathtaking in scope and stunningly illustrated throughout, Welcome to the Universe is for those who hunger for insights into our evolving universe that only world-class astrophysicists can provide.

NASA Saturn V 1967-1973 (Apollo 4 to Apollo 17 Skylab)


David Woods - 2016
    Developed with the specific brief to send humans to the Moon, it pushed rocketry to new scales. Its greatest triumph is that it achieved its goal repeatedly with an enviable record of mission success. Haynes' Saturn V Manual tells the story of this magnificent and hugely powerful machine. It explains how each of the vehicle's three stages worked; Boeing's S-IC first stage with a power output as great as the UK's peak electricity consumption, North American Aviation's S-II troubled second stage, Douglas's workhorse S-IVB third stage with its instrument unit brain - as much a spacecraft as a rocket. From the decision to build it to the operation of its engines' valves and pumps, this lavishly illustrated and deeply informative book offers a deeper appreciation of the amazing Saturn V.

Incredible Stories From Space: A Behind the Scenes Look at the Missions Changing Our View of the Cosmos


Nancy Atkinson - 2016
    Weaving together one-on-one interviews along with the extraordinary sagas of the spacecraft themselves, this book chronicles the struggles and triumphs of nine current space missions and captures the true spirit of exploration and discovery. Full color images throughout reveal scientific discoveries and the stunning, breathtaking views of our universe, sent back to Earth by our robotic emissaries to the cosmos.-Travel along with the first mission to Pluto-Explore Mars alongside the Curiosity Rover-Join the unprecedented hunt for extrasolar planets-Unlock the mysteries of the cosmos with the iconic Hubble Space Telescope-Discover the latest findings in our solar system-See the future of space exploration with a preview of upcoming missions

Ancient Skies, Ancient Trees


Beth Moon - 2016
    Staking out some of the world’s last dark places, photographer Beth Moon uses a digital camera to reveal constellations, nebulae, and the Milky Way, in rich hues that are often too faint to be seen by the naked eye. As in her acclaimed first volume, Ancient Trees: Portraits of Time, these magnificent images encounter great arboreal specimens, including baobabs, olive trees, and redwoods, in such places as South Africa, England, and California.In her artist’s statement, Beth Moon describes the experience of shooting at night in these remote places. An essay by Jana Grcevich, postdoctoral fellow of astrophysics at the American Museum of Natural History, provides the perspective of a scientist racing to study the stars in a world growing increasingly brighter. Clark Strand, the author of Waking Up to the Dark: Ancient Wisdom for a Sleepless Age, takes a different tack, illuminating the inherent spirituality of trees.

15 Million Degrees: A Journey to the Centre of the Sun


Lucie Green - 2016
    But its journey within the Sun takes hundreds of thousands of years. What is going on in there? What are light and heat? How does the Sun produce them and how on earth did scientists discover this?In this astonishing and enlightening adventure, you'll travel millions of miles from inside the Sun to its surface and to Earth, where the light at the end of its journey is allowing you to read right now. You'll discover how the Sun works (including what it sounds like), the latest research in solar physics and how a solar storm could threaten everything we know. And you'll meet the groundbreaking scientists, including the author, who pieced this extraordinary story together.

My Capricious Cowgirl (Willamette Wives Book 4)


Maggie Ryan - 2016
     Matthew Stone is a rancher who finds his greatest pleasure in working in the great outdoors, doing his part in building the Rose Ranch in the Oregon territory. He has watched his friends wed, and accepts their teasing about his confirmed bachelorhood. All that changes the day he is out repairing fences and looks up to see a horse jumping the railing, aware of how dangerous that is, as the last fence drops away. His warning does nothing to stop the rider, and a scream has him racing down the cliff, expecting to find the worst. What he finds instead is a small boy, clinging to a boulder while the river attempts to pull him away. Sally Jefferson has just arrived in a strange place, and her young son Davy is the only person she knows there. Devastation and heartache have followed them as they braved the Oregon Trail, and she fears that, after surviving over two-thousand miles, she won't survive another moment when Davy's life is threatened. The moment Matthew and Sally meet is like an echo of the storm that drove her from her home, as lightning seems to strike between them. Matthew never expected to fall in love. Now he finds himself head over heels not only for Sally, but for a boy who doesn't speak and yet has stolen his heart. Will Matthew be able to convince Sally that life can begin again? Will the fact that his very touch ignites her soul be enough to allow her to accept not only his love, but his discipline? My Capricious Cowgirl is the fourth book in the Willamette Wives series about a group of pioneers who are building their dreams together and sharing in both the burdens and the joys. They are far more than friends… they are a family. Though this is the fourth book, it can be read as a standalone. Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, including spanking and anal play. If any of these offend you, please do not purchase.

Otherworlds: Visions of Our Solar System


Michael Benson - 2016
    We start in low Earth orbit and then move on to the Moon and our planetary neighbors, Mars and Venus. We then explore Mercury and the Sun before traveling to the gas giants of the outer solar system—Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—and onward to Pluto. Using the best imagery from remarkable missions of robotic spacecraft, Benson takes us on a voyage of discovery that gives us a new, expansive concept of home and our place in the universe.

Beyond the Galaxy: How Humanity Looked Beyond Our Milky Way and Discovered the Entire Universe


Ethan Siegel - 2016
    Even to the naked eye, the Moon, stars, planets, the Milky Way and even a few star clusters and nebulae illuminate the heavens. For millennia, humans struggled to make sense of what's out there in the Universe, from all we can see to that which lies beyond the limits of even our most powerful telescopes. Beyond the Galaxy traces our journey from an ancient, Earth-centered Universe all the way to our modern, 21st century understanding of the cosmos. Touching on not only what we know but also how we know it, Ethan Siegel takes us to the very frontiers of modern astrophysics and cosmology, from the birth of our Universe to its ultimate fate, and everything in between.

A Fortunate Universe


Geraint F. Lewis - 2016
    Join us on a journey through how we understand the Universe, from its most basic particles and forces, to planets, stars and galaxies, and back through cosmic history to the birth of the cosmos. Conflicting notions about our place in the Universe are defined, defended and critiqued from scientific, philosophical and religious viewpoints. The authors' engaging and witty style addresses what fine-tuning might mean for the future of physics and the search for the ultimate laws of nature. Tackling difficult questions and providing thought-provoking answers, this volumes challenges us to consider our place in the cosmos, regardless of our initial convictions.

The Stargazer's Handbook


Giles Sparrow - 2016
    All you need are a pair of binoculars and a clear night sky to experience the wonders of the universe.This book will take you on a journey through space, beginning with our own moon and neighboring planets before exploring the fascinating sights of deep space-from hypergiant suns and stellar nurseries to blazing nebulae and swirling galaxies. Each star, planet, or constellation is fully illustrated and accompanied by an annotated star map, as well as close-up images that zoom in on areas of interest.Featuring up-to-date information on the latest scientific discoveries, monthly sky maps for both northern and southern hemispheres, history and mythology of all 88 constellations and the rationale behind the names of stars and constellations, The Stargazer's Handbook will fully equip you with the tools to navigate-and understand-the night sky.

Jo-Kin vs Lord Terra (Super Space Kids 2)


Karen Tyrrell - 2016
    Not until Lord Terra kidnaps his Commander’s little sister and starts destroying the galaxy. Re-united, Jo-Kin leads the Super Space Kids on an inter-planetary hunt for Lord Terra until meeting for a legendary battle on Planet Deelish-us. Can Jo-Kin defeat Lord Terra face to face? Blast off with gadgets, robots and funky food in a hilarious outer space adventure showing kids the power of teamwork, problem solving, and resilience.

Night Sky With the Naked Eye: Explore, Identify and Observe the Planets, Stars, Space Stations and Satellites without Special Equipment


Bob King - 2016
    You’ll gain a deeper appreciation of the universe and our place in it.Covering both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, Bob lays out a series of activities that are fun and educational while teaching you how to track and see the international space station as well as find a meteor shower and traditional night sky activities like identifying constellations. In Face to Face with the Planets, there’s an introduction to the best way to see the planets and follow the phases of the moons. Along the way, Bob shows readers how to use the Internet, iPads and other resources to enhance and help our experience, making this a truly modern and updated night sky book.Experience what the night sky has to offer - You will be amazed at what you can see without a telescope.

Stars Beneath Us: Finding God in the Evolving Cosmos


Paul Wallace - 2016
    Relying on his upbringing as a Baptist, his doctoral work in experimental nuclear physics and gamma-ray astronomy, and his ordination to the gospel ministry, Paul Wallace weaves a book unlike any other in faith-and-science literature. This is a call to courage for those who fear a true encounter with the cosmos will distance them from God. Stars Beneath Us will inspire readers to engage with the natural world in new ways and find God, as it turns out, everywhere.

Mars: Making Contact


Rod Pyle - 2016
    Filled with extraordinary detail and documents, this book offers a visually stunning insider's look at how Mars has been explored and the challenges facing future missions. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory has been the principal explorer, launching the Mariner spacecraft that sped past Mars and snapped 22 grainy photographs in 1965. After many flybys and orbital missions, NASA finally landed the twin Viking probes on Mars in 1976. From 1996 through to the present day, a series of rovers have been sent to Mars, each more sophisticated. Today two rovers are operating on the red sands Curiosity and Opportunity. They have enabled us to make incredible discoveries, each more compelling than the last. Ancient rivers, lakes, ocean beds, and valleys have been charted, suggesting a landscape that could once have supported life. Preparations are already underway for a manned mission to Mars, and the book discusses the many challenges faced, from the design of the spacecraft to the impact on the human body, both physically and psychologically of such a journey as well as surviving on the planet's inhospitable surface.

Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage (Amelia's Amazing Space Adventures #2).


Evonne Blanchard - 2016
    His sister is very sick. The only cure is a repelling crystal from Neptune. With his Earthling friend, Amelia, they must continue their quest. More items are needed to buy the crystal. But Venus is full of danger and angry aliens. Are Uglesnoo and Amelia in over their heads?Curious as to how the adventure began? In the first book, 'Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace,' Amelia opens a present. A present that's not a present. No, it's a friendly looking alien from the planet Pluto. Uglesnoo needs to leave right away for the Moon. Uglesnoo also desperately needs Amelia's help. His sister is very sick. Should Amelia venture into outer space?"Appealing illustrations combine with lots of text to make this a great read for children transitioning from picture books to chapter books." - Kirkus Reviews"The story is imaginative and fun...and a perfect book to stretch my oldest in his independent reading with something fun to keep his attention." - Beautiful Books for ChildrenLearn more about the book(s) and the series at:www.ameliasamazingspaceadventures.com

Sky & Telescope's Pocket Sky Atlas


Roger Sinnott - 2016
    Now we've raised the bar again with our Pocket Sky Atlas - Jumbo Edition. There has never been such a wonderfully detailed atlas so handy to take on trips and use at the telescope, thanks to its user-friendly size, convenient spiral-bound design, and easy-to-read labels. The charts show both constellation boundaries and stick figures to help you find your way.Features of this atlas:More than 30,000 stars individually sized according to their relative brightness1,500 deep-sky objects color-coded by type, including 675 galaxies oriented as they appear in the skyThis Jumbo Edition has 6 new close-up charts, for a total of 10, depicting high-interest star fields.Labels even more legible in dim light

The Stars


Robert Dinwiddie - 2016
    Packed with 3-D artworks of each constellation and incredible new imagery from the Hubble Space Telescope, ground-based observatories worldwide, and more, this awe-inspiring guide features the most fascinating objects known to astronomy, from glittering star-birth nebulae to supermassive black holes.The position, size, and color of every night-sky object is revealed with unprecedented clarity, and a specially commissioned 3-D model of the celestial sphere that surrounds our planet charts all 88 constellations, together forming a complete map of the sky. From the Big Bang to the search for extraterrestrial life, key areas in astronomy and cosmology are covered, and colorful infographics distill a wealth of data into an easy-to-digest visual format.Whether you want to know more about space and the night sky or are eager to take up stargazing, The Stars is your guide to exploring these fascinating marvels of the universe.

Astrophotography


Rhodri Evans - 2016
    The very best images captured by the new generation of terrestrial telescopes, orbiting telescopes and deep-space probes and landers have been collected in this magnificent volume. Detailed captions explain the equipment and techicalities of producing such images, which are not only mesmerising but also provide a huge amount of information about the geology and atmospheres of celestial bodies, and the formation of distant galaxies. From the world's gigantic telescopes in the Canary Islands, Hawaii and Chile to the New Horizons probe now heading into the Kuiper Belt to examine other icy mini-worlds, each page reveals extraordinary images that take us deeper into our universe.

God's Canvas: An Exploration of Faith, Astronomy, and Creation


James Kurzynski - 2016
    Drawing upon painful events of the Church's past (such as Galileo), the narrative people usually embrace is that faith and science are irreconcilable enemies that promise to be eternal adversaries. However, this narrative is false.Whether it be the long tradition of "priest scientists" who are responsible for some of the greatest discoveries of our time (such as Fr. George Lemaitre, "father" of the big bang), or the ongoing work of the Vatican Observatory, the truth about faith and science is that they are complementary explorations of truth, pointing us to our ultimate beginning and end." - from God's Canvas In "God's Canvas: An Exploration of Faith, Astronomy, and Creation," Fr. James Kurzynski explores how faith and science can and should be dialogue partners in the exploration of truth. Drawing upon his work as an author for The Catholic Astronomer, the official blog of the Vatican Observatory Foundation, Fr. Kurzynski explores the relationship between faith and science through the lens of his life as a Catholic priest, the pastor of a parish and Newman Center, and as a hobby astronomer, artist, and musician. Through this lens, Fr. Kurzynski will explore core questions that he is often asked as a priest.

Space, Time and the Limits of Human Understanding, Foreword by John Stachel, Afterword by Noam Chomsky


Shyam Wuppuluri FRSA - 2016
    With an epilogue on the limits of human understanding, this volume hosts contributions from six or more diverse fields. It presumes only rudimentary background knowledge on the part of the reader.Time and again, through the prism of intellect, humans have tried to diffract reality into various distinct, yet seamless, atomic, yet holistic, independent, yet interrelated disciplines and have attempted to study it contextually. Philosophers debate the paradoxes, or engage in meditations, dialogues and reflections on the content and nature of space and time. Physicists, too, have been trying to mold space and time to fit their notions concerning micro- and macro-worlds. Mathematicians focus on the abstract aspects of space, time and measurement. While cognitive scientists ponder over the perceptual and experiential facets of our consciousness of space and time, computer scientists theoretically and practically try to optimize the space-time complexities in storing and retrieving data/information. The list is never-ending. Linguists, logicians, artists, evolutionary biologists, geographers etc., all are trying to weave a web of understanding around the same duo. However, our endeavour into a world of such endless imagination is restrained by intellectual dilemmas such as: Can humans comprehend everything? Are there any limits? Can finite thought fathom infinity? We have sought far and wide among the best minds to furnish articles that provide an overview of the above topics. We hope that, through this journey, a symphony of patterns and tapestry of intuitions will emerge, providing the reader with insights into the questions: What is Space? What is Time?

Stargazing: Beginners Guide to Astronomy


Radmila Topalovic - 2016
    It discusses how to plan your stargazing and what you can see with your eyes, as well as how to choose binoculars and telescopes and what you can see using them. The book also offers seasonal star charts and constellation charts and gives readers specific objects to look for in the sky. This guide from Royal Observatory Greenwich provides all you need to know to get started in stargazing and discover the universe.

The Sun


Open University - 2016
    This 8-hour free course explored the workings of the Sun, its structure and the main processes taking place within it.

Astronomy Lab for Kids: 52 Family-Friendly Activities


Michelle Nichols - 2016
      Mini astronomers will learn about things such as the size and scale of planets using sandwich cookies and tennis balls, how to measure the speed of light with a flat candy bar and a microwave, how to make a simple telescope with magnifying glasses, and so much more! Kids begin their journey through the stars by creating a science journal to track their experiments and record their observations. Foundational skills, like how to make observations, measure angles, and determine directions, are laid out first. The lessons expand with explorations of size and scale; light, motion, and gravity; and then on to investigations of our Solar System and finding constellations in the night sky. Each lab includes:Time it will take to completeMaterials listSafety tips and setup hintsStep-by-step text and photosThe science behind the funVariations or ideas for taking the project furtherChildren of all ages and experience levels will love the hands-on activities and adults will love spending quality time learning with their kids or students. The popular Lab for Kids series features a growing list of books that share hands-on activities and projects on a wide host of topics, including art, astronomy, clay, geology, math, and even how to create your own circus—all authored by established experts in their fields. Each lab contains a complete materials list, clear step-by-step photographs of the process, as well as finished samples. The labs can be used as singular projects or as part of a yearlong curriculum of experiential learning. The activities are open-ended, designed to be explored over and over, often with different results. Geared toward being taught or guided by adults, they are enriching for a range of ages and skill levels. Gain firsthand knowledge on your favorite topic with Lab for Kids.

The Last Wise Man


Eileen Enwright Hodgetts - 2016
    Are they the new wise men? What will they find in the stable? A short story that asks important questions about man's place in the universe.

Calculating the Cosmos: How Mathematics Unveils the Universe


Ian Stewart - 2016
    He describes the architecture of space and time, dark matter and dark energy, how galaxies form, why stars implode, how everything began, and how it's all going to end. He considers parallel universes, the fine-tuning of the cosmos for life, what forms extraterrestrial life might take, and the likelihood of life on Earth being snuffed out by an asteroid.Beginning with the Babylonian integration of mathematics into the study of astronomy and cosmology, Stewart traces the evolution of our understanding of the cosmos: How Kepler's laws of planetary motion led Newton to formulate his theory of gravity. How, two centuries later, tiny irregularities in the motion of Mars inspired Einstein to devise his general theory of relativity. How, eighty years ago, the discovery that the universe is expanding led to the development of the Big Bang theory of its origins. How single-point origin and expansion led cosmologists to theorize new components of the universe, such as inflation, dark matter, and dark energy. But does inflation explain the structure of today's universe? Does dark matter actually exist? Could a scientific revolution that will challenge the long-held scientific orthodoxy and once again transform our understanding of the universe be on the way? In an exciting and engaging style, Calculating the Cosmos is a mathematical quest through the intricate realms of astronomy and cosmology.

Annals of the Deep Sky, Volume 3


Jeff Kanipe - 2016
    Volume 3 covers the constellations Cameloparadalis, Cancer, Canes Venatici, Canis Major plus Worlds of Discover: The Search for Exoplanets.

Chicxulub: The Impact and Tsunami: The Story of the Largest Known Asteroid to Hit the Earth


David Shonting - 2016
    

How Do Astronauts Wee in Space?


Chris Mitchell - 2016
    Did you know that humans have sent jellyfish into space, or that there is a planet made of ice that's on fire? Do you want to know why space smells like raspberries? Amaze your friends with facts about planets made from diamonds, stars that could destroy our solar system, and how long humans could survive in space! This book is packed with the wildest, weirdest, funniest, filthiest, foulest, wisest, grossest, brainiest, biggest, and best facts about space and the universe.

Astronomy and Astrology in the Islamic World


Stephen P. Blake - 2016
    Algebra, the Arabic numeral system, and trigonometry: all these and more originated in the Muslim East and undergirded an increasingly accurate and sophisticated understanding of the movements of the Sun, Moon, and planets. This nontechnical overview of the Islamic advances in the heavenly sciences allows the general reader to appreciate (for the first time) the absolutely crucial role that Muslim scientists played in the overall development of astronomy and astrology in the Eurasian world.

Essential Radio Astronomy


James J. Condon - 2016
    It starts from first principles in order to fill gaps in students' backgrounds, make teaching easier for professors who are not expert radio astronomers, and provide a useful reference to the essential equations used by practitioners.This unique textbook reflects the fact that students of multiwavelength astronomy typically can afford to spend only one semester studying the observational techniques particular to each wavelength band. Essential Radio Astronomy presents only the most crucial concepts--succinctly and accessibly. It covers the general principles behind radio telescopes, receivers, and digital backends without getting bogged down in engineering details. Emphasizing the physical processes in radio sources, the book's approach is shaped by the view that radio astrophysics owes more to thermodynamics than electromagnetism.Proven in the classroom and generously illustrated throughout, Essential Radio Astronomy is an invaluable resource for students and researchers alike.The only textbook specifically designed for a one-semester course in radio astronomyStarts from first principlesMakes teaching easier for astronomy professors who are not expert radio astronomersEmphasizes the physical processes in radio sourcesCovers the principles behind radio telescopes and receiversProvides the essential equations and fundamental constants used by practitionersSupplementary website includes lecture notes, problem sets, exams, and links to interactive demonstrationsAn online illustration package is available to professors

The Great Canoes in the Sky: Starlore and Astronomy of the South Pacific


Stephen Robert Chadwick - 2016
    From wives killing brothers to emus rising out of the desert and great canoes in the sky, this book offers the perfect blend of science, tradition and mythology to bring to life the most famous sights in the heavens above the southern hemisphere. The authors place this starlore in the context of contemporary understandings of astronomy. The night sky of southern societies is as rich in culture as it is in stars. Stories, myths and legends based on constellations, heavenly bodies and other night sky phenomena have played a fundamental role in shaping the culture of pre-modern civilizations throughout the world. Such starlore continues to influence societies throughout the Pacific to this day, with cultures throughout the region from Australia and New Zealand in the south to New Guinea and Micronesia in the north - using traditional cosmology as a means of interpreting various aspects of everyday life."

Mars in the Movies: A History


Thomas Kent Miller - 2016
    From Thomas Edison's 1910 short film A Trip to Mars to Ridley Scott's 2015 smash hit The Martian, the red planet has captivated audiences worldwide. This comprehensive survey describes 98 significant (and not so) films, television movies and miniseries, and direct to video productions focusing on Mars. The author discusses them in their historical context and details the development of special effects and cinematic approaches through the years. Cast, crew and production information are provided where available, along with plot summaries and quotes from critics.

Star Struck: Seeing the Creator in the Wonders of Our Cosmos


David Hart Bradstreet - 2016
    And now, using rovers and satellites, we're venturing further out into the vastness of space than ever before. In Star Struck, Christian astronomer David Bradstreet and writer Steve Rabey take readers on a guided tour of the biggest story ever, offering both intriguing science lessons and powerful spiritual insights:As we discover more about cosmos, we understand more about the character of our Creator;The more we see the vastness and complexity of the universe, the more we experience awe, wonder, praise, gratitude and humility;Hundreds of Christian astronomers blaze the way into deep exploration of the universe today, discovering and proving God’s work in the heavens.Combining a respect and admiration for mainstream astronomy with a zeal for uncovering new details about God’s celestial handiwork at its core, this book about stars, planets, asteroids, nebulae, comets, dark matter, and the other fingerprints of God will tell you that all of the worlds around you are God’s and this world is his home for you.