Gravity's Century: From Einstein's Eclipse to Images of Black Holes


Ron Cowen - 2019
    On that day, astronomer Arthur Eddington and his team observed a solar eclipse and found something extraordinary: gravity bends light, just as Einstein predicted. The finding confirmed the theory of general relativity, fundamentally changing our understanding of space and time.A century later, another group of astronomers is performing a similar experiment on a much larger scale. The Event Horizon Telescope, a globe-spanning array of radio dishes, is examining space surrounding Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way. As Ron Cowen recounts, the foremost goal of the experiment is to determine whether Einstein was right on the details. Gravity lies at the heart of what we don't know about quantum mechanics, but tantalizing possibilities for deeper insight are offered by black holes. By observing starlight wrapping around Sagittarius A*, the telescope will not only provide the first direct view of an event horizon--a black hole's point of no return--but will also enable scientists to test Einstein's theory under the most extreme conditions.Gravity's Century shows how we got from the pivotal observations of the 1919 eclipse to the Event Horizon Telescope, and what is at stake today. Breaking down the physics in clear and approachable language, Cowen makes vivid how the quest to understand gravity is really the quest to comprehend the universe.

Magic Casement


Dave Duncan - 1990
    Think again, for "A Man of His Word" may well be the most original fantasy you ever read. The magic is unique and applied in unexpected ways, some of which the late Lester del Rey admitted he had not met in fifty years as writer and editor. The world itself is unique - there are no humans in Pandemia, only imps, elves, gnomes, jotnar, and many more, all of whom you will recognize as "human."In MAGIC CASEMENT the tale begins gently, even slowly, with Inosolan enjoying an idyllic childhood in her father's tiny backwater kingdom, too innocent even to understand that the feelings she shares with her friend Rap are more than friendship. Mystery, menace, and the gods appear in short order, and from then on the story grows in scope and power to straddle the world, and adversity thrusts rapid maturity on Rap and Inos. Populated by unforgettable characters - Aunt Kade, Little Chicken, Doctor Sagorn, and many more - Pandemia is an incredible world of credible people and infinite surprises.

The End of Everything (Astrophysically Speaking)


Katie Mack - 2020
    With the Big Bang, it went from a state of unimaginable density to an all-encompassing cosmic fireball to a simmering fluid of matter and energy, laying down the seeds for everything from dark matter to black holes to one rocky planet orbiting a star near the edge of a spiral galaxy that happened to develop life. But what happens at the end of the story? In billions of years, humanity could still exist in some unrecognizable form, venturing out to distant space, finding new homes and building new civilizations. But the death of the universe is final. What might such a cataclysm look like? And what does it mean for us? Dr. Katie Mack has been contemplating these questions since she was eighteen, when her astronomy professor first informed her the universe could end at any moment, setting her on the path toward theoretical astrophysics. Now, with lively wit and humor, she unpacks them in The End of Everything, taking us on a mind-bending tour through each of the cosmos’ possible finales: the Big Crunch; the Heat Death; Vacuum Decay; the Big Rip; and the Bounce. In the tradition of Neil DeGrasse’s bestseller Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, Mack guides us through major concepts in quantum mechanics, cosmology, string theory, and much more, in a wildly fun, surprisingly upbeat ride to the farthest reaches of everything we know.

Destination Mars: The Story of Our Quest to Conquer the Red Planet


Andrew May - 2017
    Half a century later, only robots have been to the Red Planet and our astronauts rarely venture beyond Earth orbit.Now Mars is back With everyone from Elon Musk to Ridley Scott and Donald Trump talking about it, interplanetary exploration is back on the agenda and Mars is once again the prime destination for future human expansion and colonisation. In Destination Mars, astrophysicist and science writer Andrew May traces the history of our fascination with the Red Planet and explores the science upon which a crewed mission would be based, from assembling a spacecraft in Earth orbit to surviving solar storms. With expert insight, he analyses the new space race and assesses what the future holds for human life on Mars.

Shadow Wood Academy Chronicles: Book One


Ally Summers - 2019
     I know what you’re thinking. Sad lonely professor finds herself with five sinfully hot men who want her and suddenly life is magical and happy. I wish that was real. That’s not how this story goes. You have no idea what happens inside the gates at Shadow Wood Academy. Neither did I until I was summoned by the broody headmaster. Lured is a more accurate way to describe how Jake Windsor tricked me into walking through the academy’s doors. Humans don’t attend Shadow Wood. Not as students or teachers. I learn that the first night I’m locked in the faculty tower with no way out. Guys are howling outside my window. There is a girl walking on the roof. And I swear one kid keeps licking his lips every time he sees me. I need to escape, but there is something alluring about the men who want me to stay. I’m drawn to them, even when I know I should run for my life. Strong. Gorgeous. Sculpted muscles for miles. But did I mention they aren’t human? I have no plans to give in to them, no matter what they swear my purpose is, until I discover that without me the innocent inside the school could become orphans—or worse—snatched up by a rogue agency. I’m used to taking care of myself, and fighting for everything I have, but saving them feels impossible. I’m strong enough to stand my ground against five of the hottest men I’ve ever met if it means saving lives, right? I didn’t know destiny could be so tempting or so dangerous. Get ready to sink your teeth into this full-length reverse harem paranormal fantasy academy romance about the adults who run the school. Shadow Wood Academy Chronicles Book One is the first in a series with a smart, independent heroine and her five scorching hot men. There is plenty of steam to go around in this slow burn, epic romance with villains, corrupt agencies, troubled childhoods, a school for the supernatural, and so much more.

His To Take


Selina Coffey - 2019
    So is Rex. She’ll be forever grateful for her father’s bunker. They would never have made it otherwise. There might only be one man her age left in this world… And she’s lucky that it was Rex. Her high school crush, the man she’s loved for such a long time. She couldn’t help but giggle at the thought that they might have to repopulate the human race. The thing is, Rex isn’t completely human anymore. Her sweet Rex has an animal side now - a wolf side. He can be dangerous, vicious, violent. Ann wants to love him, unconditionally. Besides, who else could love her back? Then he came to her, in her dreams… the man with the orange eyes. Author’s Note: This book contains mature language and adult scenes that will make you blush! Intended for adults only.

The Way of the Explorer: An Apollo Astronaut's Journey Through the Material and Mystical Worlds


Edgar D. Mitchell - 1996
    "Everyone has talked about science and religion . . . but Mitchell has really dug into the main paradoxical issues and comes up with a resolving viewpoint".--Harold E. Puthoff, Ph.D.

The Universe Within: From Quantum to Cosmos


Neil Turok - 2012
    Every technology we rely on today was created by the human mind, seeking to understand the universe around us. Scientific knowledge is our most precious possession, and our future will be shaped by the breakthroughs to come. In this personal and fascinating work, Neil Turok, Director of the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, explores the transformative scientific discoveries of the past three centuries -- from classical mechanics, to the nature of light, to the bizarre world of the quantum, and the evolution of the cosmos. Each new discovery has, over time, yielded new technologies causing paradigm shifts in the organization of society. Now, he argues, we are on the cusp of another major transformation: the coming quantum revolution that will supplant our current, dissatisfying digital age. Facing this brave new world, Turok calls for creatively re-inventing the way advanced knowledge is developed and shared, and opening access to the vast, untapped pools of intellectual talent in the developing world. Scientific research, training, and outreach are vital to our future economy, as well as powerful forces for peaceful global progress.

I Do Not Consent: My Fight Against Medical Cancel Culture


Simone Gold - 2020
    

The End of Night: Searching for Natural Darkness in an Age of Artificial Light


Paul Bogard - 2013
    A starry night is one of nature's most magical wonders, yet in our artificially lit world, three-quarters of Americans' eyes never switch to night vision, and most no longer experience true darkness. In The End of Night, Paul Bogard restores awareness of the spectacularly primal, wildly dark night sky and how it has influenced the human experience across everything from science to art.From Las Vegas's Luxor Beam (the brightest single spot on this planet) to nights so starlit the sky looks like snow, Bogard blends personal narrative, natural history, science, and history to shed light on the importance of darkness--what we've lost, what we still have, and what we might regain--and the simple ways we can reduce the brightness of our nights tonight.

Code of War


J.W. Clay - 2021
    She's a skilled hacker, and her focus is Cyber Kinetic Eliminations--remote assassinations conducted with sophisticated computer systems.With a growing success rate, she's given the ultimate target: a Chinese General who's sole responsibility is the reformation of the People's Republican Army.Can Jen Yates are her team assassinate one of China's most influential men? Can they derail the Chinese Communist Party's reform regimen? Even the thought could have disastrous consequences ...

Thirteen: The Apollo Flight That Failed


Henry S.F. Cooper Jr. - 1972
    This minute-by-minute account of the only manned NASA mission to have malfunctioned outside Earth's orbit describes the entire episode.

Sonic Boom Vol. 1: The Big Boom


Sonic Scribes - 2015
    EGGMAN and his mechanical minions and diabolical death-machines! This ground-breaking new chapter in the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise puts a new "spin" on all your favorite heroes and villains--plus new faces and hilarious new stories chock-full of action. Written by bestselling Sonic comic scribe Ian Flynn, the comic series will reside in the same story universe as the TV series and games, featuring a different take on the Sonic the Hedgehog universe, with a new look and feel. Sonic and his friends Tails, Amy, Knuckles and new member Sticks, must come together as a team to explore a new world full of comedy and adventure.SONIC BOOM Vol. 1 collects Sonic Boom #1-4.

Death from the Skies!: These Are the Ways the World Will End...


Philip Plait - 2008
    This authoritative yet accessible study is the ultimate astronomy lesson. Combining fascinating and often alarming scenarios that seem plucked from science fiction with the latest research and opinions, Plait illustrates why outer space is not as remote as most people think. Each chapter explores a different phenomenon, explaining it in easy-to-understand terms, and considering how life on earth and the planet itself would be affected should the event come to pass. Rather than sensationalizing the information, Plait analyzes the probability of these catastrophes occurring in our lifetimes and what we can do to stop them. With its entertaining tone and enlightening explanation of unfathomable concepts, Death from the Skies! will appeal to science buffs and beginners alike.

Astronomy 101: From the Sun and Moon to Wormholes and Warp Drive, Key Theories, Discoveries, and Facts about the Universe


Carolyn Collins Petersen - 2013
    Astronomy 101 cuts out the boring details and lengthy explanations, and instead, gives you a lesson in astronomy that keeps you engaged as you discover what's hidden beyond our starry sky. From the Big Bang and nebulae to the Milky Way and Sir Isaac Newton, this celestial primer is packed with hundreds of entertaining astronomy facts, charts, and photographs you won't be able to get anywhere else. So whether you’re looking to unravel the mystery behind black holes, or just want to learn more about your favorite planets, Astronomy 101 has all the answers—even the ones you didn’t know you were looking for.