Month: June 2021

Author: Giles Sparrow

Summary
With nearly 200 spectacular images, The Planets follows the tracks of robotic rovers over Mars, plunges through Titan’s atmosphere on the back of the Hugyens probe, smashes into a comet with Deep Impact, and discovers the frozen planets that lurk at the edge of our solar system, beyond the orbit of Neptune

The Planets: A Journey Through the Solar System by Giles Sparrow
For millennia the planets have fascinated mankind. But only in the last 40 years have those wandering points of light in the night sky been revealed in all their glory, unmasked by a fleet of satellites and interplanetary probes: Cassini, Deep Space I, Galileo, Hubble Space Telescope, Magellan, Mariner, Mars Global Surveyor, NEAR Shoemaker, Stardust, SOHO, TRACE, Viking, and Voyagers I & II, to name but a few. And the closer we look, the more wonderful they are: Venus’ clouds are laced with sulphuric acid; water once flowed over Mars’ deserts; on Jupiter wind speeds reach 10,000 kph (6,000 mph) and storms rage for centuries; Saturn is surrounded by a swarm of 34 moons; and diamonds rain from Neptune’s skies. Moving out from the Sun, every planet and moon is visited in a journey that takes us a full light year out into space, to the very fringes of the solar system where the Sun is no longer the brightest star in the sky. With nearly 200 spectacular images, The Planets follows the tracks of robotic rovers over Mars, plunges through Titan’s atmosphere on the back of the Hugyens probe, smashes into a comet with Deep Impact, and discovers the frozen planets that lurk at the edge of our solar system, beyond the orbit of Neptune.

Chief Consultant: Professor Fred Watson

Astronomica Galaxies • Planets • Stars Constellation Maps • Space Exploration Astronomica combines the knowledge of astronomy experts with the very latest images to present an in-depth look at the universe and the celestial bodies that abound in the intriguing realm of the night sky. Written in an engaging and accessible format, Astronomica is an invaluable reference book that covers a wide range of astronomy topics. There are comprehensive profiles of each of the planets in our solar system, the major stars, the dwarf planets, and other astronomical bodies. The galaxies, including the Milky Way and the local and distant galaxies, are examined. Successful skywatching is covered in the chapter on observing the stars, which includes detailed charts of each of the 88 recognized constellations, helpful monthly sky charts, and information on equipment and materials to maximize viewing potential. The history of astronomy turns the spotlight on the advances that have been made through the centuries, up to the latest in cutting-edge technology. The chapter on space exploration discusses the successes and failures, the results and disappointments; the role of space stations; and the long-distance spacecraft sent out to the far reaches of the solar system. Discover all you need to know about the cosmos and its fascinating features. Stunning photographs, detailed illustrations and charts, fact files, and timelines enhance the informative text, as Astronomica brings the cosmic world within easy reach.

Editor: Valerie Illingworth

Now in its third edition, The Facts on File Dictionary of Astronomy has been extensively revised and expanded by a team of professional astronomers. Its more than 3.000 entries reflect the latest scholarship in the field as well as the most recent developments in space technology and research. The Hubble space telescope, the Magellan space probe, and Jupiter’s rings are among the 1,000plus entries added since the second edition of the dictionary was published. Entries on theories about origin and evolution of the Universe, the formation and distribution of the galaxies, and the birth and death of stars have been modified to demonstrate current understanding of the Universe. Over 100 diagrams round out this accurate and authoritative reference.
Like its previous editions, The Facts On File Dictionary of Astronomy will prove to be an essential resource for students, teachers, researches, professionals and amateur astronomers, as well as the general reader with an interest in astronomy.

Authors: Jerry T. Bonnell and Robert J. Nemiroff

Photographs of outer space, produced by earthbound and space telescopes and planet-roving satellites, have long captivated a vast audience. In this follow-up to “Abrams’ The Universe: 365 Days”, the two astrophysicists who founded Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD) bring readers the most ingruiging pictures of space to date. They include photographs from the Spirit and Opportunity rovers on Mars and the Cassini spacecraft orbiting the ringed gas giant Saturn, along with the latest deep-space revelations from the Hubble Space Telescope – and gorgeous views by professionals and amateurs alike of the wonders in the skies just above Earth. Accompanying each spectacular image is a short explanatory text. With an easy-to-navigate glossary and Universe by the Numbers chart, this latest book in “Abrams’ 365 Days” series will be savoured by everyone who saw the first book, as well as anyone else who’s ever felt the astonishing allure of the heavens.

Plus photographs from the Spirit and Opportunity rovers on Mars and the Cassini spacecraft orbiting the ringed gas giant Saturn, this book also contains the deep-space revelations from the Hubble Space Telescope. Accompanying each spectacular image is a short explanatory text.