'Brilliant. You won't find a clearer, more engaging guide to what we know (or would like to know) about the universe and how it is put together' Bill Bryson Celebrated physicist and global bestselling author Paul Davies tells the story of the universe in thirty cosmological conundrums In the constellation of Eridanus there lurks a cosmic mystery. It's as if something has taken a huge bite out of the universe, leaving a super-void. What could be the culprit? A super massive black hole? Another, bigger universe? Or an expanding vacuum bubble, destined to envelop and annihilate everything in existence? Scientists now understand the history of our universe better than the history of our own planet, but they continue to uncover startling new riddles-the hole in the universe being just one. In this electrifying book, award-winning physicist Paul Davies walks us through the puzzles and paradoxes that have preoccupied cosmologists from ancient Greece to the present day. Laying bare the audacious research that has led us to mind-bending solutions, Davies reveals how we might begin to approach the greatest outstanding enigmas of all.

What if Earth had several moons or massive rings like Saturn? What if the Sun were but one star in a double-star or triple-star system? What if Earth were the only planet circling the Sun? These and other imaginative scenarios are the subject of Arthur Upgren's inventive book Many Skies: Alternative Histories of the Sun, Moon, Planets, and Stars. Although the night sky as we know it seems eternal and inevitable, Upgren reminds us that, just as easily, it could have been very different. Had the solar system happened to be in the midst of a star cluster, we might have many more bright stars in the sky. Yet had it been located beyond the edge of the Milky Way galaxy, we might have no stars at all. If Venus or Mars had a moon as large as ours, we would be able to view it easily with the unaided eye. Given these or other alternative skies, what might Ptolemy or Copernicus have concluded about the center of the solar system and the Sun? This book not only examines the changes in science that these alternative solar, stellar, and galactic arrangements would have brought, it also explores the different theologies, astrologies, and methods of tracking time that would have developed to reflect them. Our perception of our surroundings, the number of gods we worship, the symbols we use in art and literature, even the way we form nations and empires are all closely tied to our particular (and accidental) placement in the universe. Many Skies, however, is not merely a fanciful play on what might have been. Upgren also explores the actual ways that human interference's such as light pollution are changing the night sky. Our atmosphere, he warns, will appear very different if we have a belt of debris circling the globe and blotting out the stars, as will happen if advertisers one day pollute space with brilliant satellites displaying their products. From fanciful to foreboding, the scenarios in Many Skies will both delight and inspire reflection, reminding us that ours is but one of many world views based on our experience of a universe that is as much a product of accident as it is of intention.

This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book.

Prepared by the Astronomical Society of Southern Africa for use by novice, amateur and professional astronomers, Sky Guide Africa South is a practical resource, offering information for the year on the movement of the planets, upcoming eclipses, the dates of meteor showers, as well as star charts to aid in identifying stars and constellations in the southern African night skies.

The book also presents a wealth of information in a clear and accessible way about the Sun, Moon, planets, comets, meteors and bright stars, with many supporting diagrams, charts, illustrations and images.

An annual publication, Sky Guide Africa South is an invaluable resource for anyone who has even a passing interest in the night skies of southern Africa.

Ever since the serendipitous discovery of planet Uranus in 1871, astronomers have been hunting for new worlds in the outer regions of our solar system. This exciting and ongoing quest culminated recently in the discovery of hundreds of ice dwarfs in the Kuiper belt, robbed Pluto from its 'planet' status, and led to a better understanding of the origin of the solar system.

This timely book reads like a scientific 'who done it', going from the heights of discovery to the depths of disappointment in the hunt for 'Planet X'. Based on many personal interviews with astronomers, the well-known science writer Govert Schilling introduces the heroes in the race to be the first in finding another world, bigger than Pluto.

"What if?" questions have always stimulated people to think in new ways. "What if the Earth Had Two Moons "leads us on a fascinating 10 world journey exploring what the Earth would be like if conditions in the universe were slightly different. The answer: Earth would be different, often in ways that would surprise us. The title chapter, for example, gives us a second moon orbiting closer to Earth than the one we have now. The night sky is a lot brighter, but not forever. Eventually the moons collide, with one more-massive moon emerging after a period during which Earth has a Saturn-like ring. The scenarios also shed new light on the burgeoning search for life on planets orbiting other stars.

Appealing to adult and young adult alike, this book is a fascinating journey through physics and astronomy, and follows on the author's previous bestseller, "What if the Moon Didn't Exist?, "with completely new scenarios backed by the latest astronomical research.

When I became the producer of the Sky at Night in 2002, I was given some friendly advice: "It's a quiet little programme, not much happens in astronomy." How wrong they were! It's been a hectic and enthralling time ever since:, with missions arriving at distant planets; new discoveries in our Universe; and leaps in technology, which mean amateurs can take pictures as good as the Hubble Space Telescope. What a privilege it is to work on a programme with such a huge heritage! I am constantly amazed looking back at the flotilla of excellent programmes which have gone out over the past five decades. The Sky at Night has always been at the sharp end of science broadcasting, whether it's showing the first view from the far side of the Moon or pictures of a new comet which has swept into our sky. Viewers can depend on Sir Patrick to tell them the latest news and explain what it means. It's an outstanding achievement and Sir Patrick still holds the world record for being the same presenter on the longest running TV programme. Our guests love coming down to Farthings, Sir Patrick's home. For them, me- ing him is like meeting their astronomical hero. Over the past five decades, the Sky at Night has managed to talk to the space scientists and astronomers making the landmark discoveries. No matter how busy they are, they make room for Sir Patrick.

According to a recent survey, the most popular question about science from the general public was: what came before the Big Bang? We all know on some level what the Big Bang is, but we don't know how it became the accepted theory, or how we might know what came before. In "Before the Big Bang", Brian Clegg (the critically acclaimed author of "Upgrade Me" and "The God Effect") explores the history of this remarkable concept. From the earliest creation myths, through Hershel's realization that the Milky Way was one of many galaxies, to ongoing debates about Black Holes, this is an incredible look at the origins of the universe and the many theories that led to the acceptance of the Big Bang. But the idea of Big Bang doesn't so much answer questions as raise new ones. Clegg challenges the notion of the 'Big Bang' itself, and raises the deep philosophical question of why we might want to rethink the origin of the universe. This is popular science at its best, exploratory, controversial, and utterly engrossing.

People love to learn about science - if you keep it quick, entertaining, and to the point. "The Instant Egghead Guides" do that and more, delivering authoritative info in no time flat. In "The Instant Egghead Guide: The Universe", take a tour of the wonder and majesty of the Cosmos, from the smallest subatomic particles to the possibility of infinite universes. Two-page spreads ranging from small (atoms) to large (the Solar System) lead the reader on a fascinating exploration of all the universe has to offer. Whether you're a fan of "Scientific American"'s wildly popular '60-Second Science' podcast or just curious about science, you're going to want to dust off your telescope after enjoying the same bite-sized knowledge in "The Instant Egghead Guide: The Universe".

Our nearest celestial neighbour, the Moon, has always been the most conspicuous feature in our night sky. It has compelled observers since the dawn of humankind, and all have tried to make sense in their own ways of the puzzles it poses and the questions it raises. It provided our ancient ancestors with one of the earliest means of keeping and measuring time, and many early religions had cults that worshipped the Moon. It regulates the tides and has been held accountable for numerous human conditions, most notably madness and psychological disorders. Drawing on many years of practical observation, Bill Leatherbarrow provides an illuminating insight into the history and evolution of this enthralling astronomical body. He describes how and why the study of the Moon has evolved, particularly in the age of the telescope, and offers an overview of developments in lunar science since the advent of the space age. Leatherbarrow also provides practical advice on how to make your own observations of the Moon. Extensively illustrated with images of the lunar surface, The Moon is an accessible introduction that will appeal to both amateur and professional astronomers and all those fascinated by Earth's natural satellite.

Was the Apollo 11 Moon landing faked? Many people argue that in the 1960s the United States lacked both the ability and technology required to put a man on the Moon. At the height of the Cold War and with Kennedy's promise to put a man on the Moon before the end of the decade many have questioned the official story. Was the Moon landing one of the greatest ever hoaxes or did NASA really put two men down on the moon in 1969? This detailed book examines the evidence, the photographs and the people to find out the truth. What really happened and did the Eagle ever really land?

As the new industry of space tourism begins its rapid expansion phase with the introduction of Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic spaceflights around end 2010/early 2011, the reader of this book will gain an understanding of how it reached this point. The story, told through a well-selected collection of photographs, is of a succession of developments and risk-taking that goes back a century to the almost simultaneous start of both aviation and rocketry. The key people in this story are highlighted - and are given The Wright Stuff Awards - for their contribution. Many of them are surprising, in that they would not previously been associated with space tourism, but the author makes their contributions clear. Readers will learn that their tickets to space have been made possible not just by the efforts of entrepreneurs and engineers, but also just as importantly by artists, regulators, politicians and some of the earliest aviators - all of whom had The Wright Stuff.

An introduction to using a telescope and observing the night sky. Telescopes and accessories are explained. There is an introduction to sky charts and their nomenclature. Some sky charts are presented indicating the position of popular celestial objects. There is a section on photography with example photos. Hopefully, there is enough to get you started in this interesting subject. There is also a section on amateur telescope making, how to make your own dobsonian telescope and scotch mount. Finally, there is a list of web links to astronomy sites, manufacturers and dealers of equipment and software.

Have you ever found yourself looking up at the starry night, wondering and wanting to know more?

Congratulations! You're a stargazer.

Unlike its more scientific sister astronomy, stargazing requires no equipment--except perhaps something comfortable to sit on and a star map. The Stargazer's Guide provides these maps and shows you what there is to see in the sky, why it's interesting, and how previous generations viewed and interpreted it. Organized by month, The Stargazer's Guide takes you through the night sky's stories--mythological, historical, and scientific--offering simple diagrams that enable you to easily identify the constellations. Let expert stargazer Emily Winterburn enthrall you with true stories of romantic and scientific endeavors, and mythic tales of beasts and battles that led to the naming of the stars. With this enchanting, accessible, and fun guide to the heavens, you'll discover and revel in the beauty and wonder of the night sky.

The first moon landing in July 1969 captured the imagination of the world in a way that no subsequent 'space spectacular' has succeeded in doing. Forty years later, Piers Bizony has produced a stunning, comprehensive visual record of the mission using high-resolution images selected from the entire suite of Apollo 11's on-board film magazines. The picture section, which makes up the second half of the book shows the launch, the astronauts' lives inside the Apollo spacecraft, the landing and moon walk, and finally the return to earth and the worldwide celebrations. Visually, every significant moment is covered. Many images are included that have not featured in the general histories of Apollo published before. The superb illustrations are supplemented by an essay written in a lively and engaging style by space historian Piers Bizony, explaining Apollo's contemporary cultural and emotional impact from the perspective of today. Quotes from astronauts, scientists and literary celebrities add an extra dimension of originality and boldness to the presentation of this book. As Bizony explains, Apollo 11 may have happened a long time ago, but it still casts an important shadow over today's generation. Can we live up to it and learn from it, or even, repeat its achievements with new spacecraft? It is tempting to imagine that our advanced modern society should be capable of going back to the moon. In fact, Apollo was a strange and unexpected event that cannot easily be replayed. The world has moved on, and although our technology has advanced in leaps and bounds since 1969, there are certain skills and social attitudes, common to the men and women of Apollo, that we seem to have lost. One Giant Leap will lead modern readers to think about Apollo in an entirely new way.

The art and traditions of Aboriginal Australia draw on 40,000 years experience of gazing into the richness of unpolluted skies from pristine lands. They include the "emu in the sky" constellation of dark clouds, and stories about the Sun, Moon, and the Seven Sisters. Several Aboriginal groups use the rising and setting of particular stars to show when to harvest a food source. Some explain how the tides are caused by the Moon, and even explain eclipses as a conjunction of the Sun and Moon. This book explores the mystical Aboriginal astronomical stories and traditions, and the way in which they are used for practical applications such as navigation and harvesting. It describes the journey of exploration that's currently opening Western eyes to this treasury of ancient Aboriginal knowledge, and is written by two active researchers in the field: Prof. Ray Norris (an astrophysicist with CSIRO, and an Adjunct Professor at the Dept. of Indigenous Studies, Macquarie University), and his wife Cilla. In this book, Ray and Cilla bring you the results of their 6-year quest to research Aboriginal Astronomy, including: * uncovering little-known manuscripts, * visiting Aboriginal sites throughout Australia, * writing down stories from ancient communities. Few outsiders understand the depth and complexity of Aboriginal cultures. This book will give you a glimpse that will change your ideas about Aboriginal society.

An exciting new edition to the highly-regarded and perennially popular Jane's Recognition Guide series. Presented in the same style as existing Jane's Recognition Guides, this new book contains a selection of over 300 satellites, spacecraft and launch vehicles (rockets), with information on purpose, operations, specifications, and a brief history, as well as summaries of the leading space agencies and launch sites, and a look into the future. The entries (each with a colour picture) are split into: Historic Missions (Sputnik, Apollo, Mir, Voyager etc.) Historic Launchers / Space Organisations (e.g. NASA, ESA and JAXA) Launchers/Current Spacecraft Programmes Manned Spaceflight Futures This is a most comprehensive guide and a stunning tribute to the exploration of space.

Praise for Star Ware

"Star Ware is still a tour de force that any experienced amateur will find invaluable, and which hardware-minded beginners will thoroughly enjoy."

-- Robert Burnham, Sky & Telescope magazine

"Star Ware condenses between two covers what would normally take a telescope buyer many months to accumulate."

-- John Shibley, Astronomy magazine

Whether you're shopping for your first telescope or your fifth, don't be surprised if you feel overwhelmed by the dazzling array of product choices, bells and whistles, and the literature that describes them all. That's why you need Star Ware.

In this revised and updated Fourth Edition of the essential guide to comparing and selecting sky-watching equipment, award-winning astronomy writer Philip Harrington takes you telescope shopping the easy way. He analyzes and explains today's astronomy market and compares brands and models point by point. Star Ware gives you the confidence you need to buy the telescope and accessories that are right for you and the knowledge to get the most out of your new purchase, with:

Extensive, expanded reviews of leading models and accessories--including dozens of new products

A clear, step-by-step guide to every aspect of selecting telescopes, binoculars, filters, mounts, lenses, cameras, film, star charts, guides and references, and much more

Ten new do-it-yourself projects for building your own astronomical equipment

Easy tips on setting up, using, and caring for telescopes and other astronomical equipment

Lists of where to find everything astronomical, including Web sites and resources; distributors, dealers, and conventions; and corporate listings for products andservices

"Fred Schaaf is one of the most experienced astronomical observers of our time. For more than two decades, his view of the sky--what will be visible, when it will be visible, and what it will look like--has encouraged tens of thousands of people to turn their eyes skyward."

--David H. Levy, Science Editor, Parade magazine, discoverer of twenty-one comets, and author of Starry Night and Cosmic Discoveries

"Fred Schaaf is a poet of the stars. He brings the sky into people's lives in a way that is compelling and his descriptions have all the impact of witnessing the stars on a crystal-clear dark night."
--William Sheehan, coauthor of Mars: The Lure of the Red Planet and The Transits of Venus

The stars have captivated artists, romantics, sages, and scientists for centuries, inspir-ing countless civilizations as symbols of humanity's highest aspirations. The very word astronomy means "ordering of the stars," and studying these stunning pieces of fire is an ideal way to begin to appreciate the limitless wonders of the sky.

In this book, you'll meet the twenty-one brightest stars visible from Earth and discover their remarkable secrets. From Sirius and Alpha Centauri to Rigel and Regulus, you'll learn how to find these stars and the major constellations and discover the best ways to see them. Each star is profiled in a separate chapter, with detailed guidance on what to look for while observing it. There is fascinating information about the lore and legends connected with each star through history, as well as what the science of astronomy has to teach us about the star's physical nature based on exciting discoveries made in the last few years, including new, more accuratedata on star distances, mass, and composition.

Complete with star charts and valuable insights about the science and nature of stars, the major stellar types, and stellar evolution, this book will help you make the most of your stargazing explorations--whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced amateur astronomer.

The Space Exploration annuals provide a yearly update on recent space launches, missions and results, to be published every September. The annual covers space exploration from a variety of angles, looking back at past missions, reviewing those currently under way and detailing those planned for the future, and encompassing both manned and unmanned spaceflight. The annual is written at an accessible level for both young and older space enthusiasts to provide a regular, balanced review of all the world's major space programmes, past, present and future. There is a special additional section in this year's annual entitled, 'Return to the Moon'.

"The Pocket Space Guide[copyright]" concept is based around the idea of providing the space aficionado with a series of books covering the entire gamut of space exploration in a user friendly format. This is a standard paperback book at a reasonable price. It is ideal for gifts for children who are interested in space. It is useful for space enthusiasts, or as a gift for that person in your family who is involved in astronautics and aviation. It is compiled with the co-operation of NASA from the extensive files of Apogee Books! Each title is 96 pages in length and features 48 pages of colour photographs. Each book is packed with relevant pictures and data for each subject, such as crew photographs for each mission, crew patches, flight statistics such as time in space, distance travelled, mission objectives and a host of the best pictures taken during each program/mission. This special display box comes complete with 6 copies of each title.

The dazzling vistas that the Hubble Space Telescope has recorded since its launch in 1990 are presented in this book, along with explanations of what exactly Hubble has seen during it's years in orbit. This Pocket Space Guide, #7 in the series, tells the complete Hubble story--from the program's shaky start to the extraordinary success that followed, inspiring bigger and better successors in the years to follow. Line drawings of its hardware offer a supplementary understanding of Hubble's technological development.

Facts and images for Apollo missions 12 through 17 are covered in this concise guide to the program's essentials--mission objectives, dates, flight plans, astronauts, space suits, and vehicles--for collectors, educators, space enthusiasts, and those just discovering the history of the space program.

If you always thought that it was Giovanni Schiaparelli who first coined the phrase 'Canali' pertaining to the straight lines he appeared to observe on Mars you'd be wrong. In 1858, an astronomer working at the Vatican observatory named father Pietro Angelo Secchi took it upon himself to create his own drawings of Mars. The red planet was now nearing a close approach to earth and the powerful Vatican telescope was capable of resolving detail previously invisible to most astronomers. Secchi thought he saw a series of straight lines on the Martian surface so he made an innocuous notation in his notes. His sketches and articles were published in 1859 in which he referred several times to 'Canale Atlantico' or 'Canale Ceruleo'. His regrettable choice of words would not have an impact for another eight years. This volume tells not only of people and places that have influenced mankind's relationship with the enigmatic red planet, but it also shows you the colour drawings that Secchi made, which were provided to us directly by the Vatican itself. Along with many other interesting stories, drawings and photographs this book will be a prize for both the novice or ardent student of Mars.