The past few years have seen an incredible explosion in our knowledge of the universe. Since its 2009 launch, the Kepler satellite has discovered more than two thousand exoplanets, or planets outside our solar system. More exoplanets are being discovered all the time, and even more remarkable than the sheer number of exoplanets is their variety. In Exoplanets, astronomer Michael Summers and physicist James Trefil explore these remarkable recent discoveries: planets revolving aroun...

**Over a year on the New York Times bestseller list and more than a million copies sold.The essential universe, from our most celebrated and beloved astrophysicist.**What is the nature of space and time? How do we fit within the universe? How does the universe fit within us? There’s no better guide through these mind-expanding questions than acclaimed astrophysicist and best-selling author Neil deGrasse Tyson.But today, few of us have time to contemplate th...

May I introduce: the universe. Born 13.75 billion years ago. Constantly growing. Nearly empty. Electrically neutral. Poor in antimatter. Populated by 100 billion galaxies, including 130 sextillion stars with approximately just as many planets.Consisting of only 4 percent known forms of matter. The other 96 percent is made up of 23 percent dark matter and 73 percent dark energy. The home of black holes, giant stars, pulsars, quasars, galaxy clusters, and nebulas - as well as lifeform...

“One of today’s best popularizers of science.”—Kirkus ReviewsLoyal readers of the monthly “Universe” essays in Natural History magazine have long recognized Neil deGrasse Tyson’s talent for guiding them through the mysteries of the cosmos with stunning clarity and childlike enthusiasm. Here Tyson compiles his favorite essays across a myriad of cosmic topics. The title essay introduces readers to the physics of black holes by explaining just what would happen to yo...

Drawing on the current cross-pollination of geology, biology, and astrophysics, Origins makes "the astonishing astronomical discoveries of recent years come alive (Michael D. Lemonick).Origin's explores cosmic science's stunning new insights into the formation and evolution of our universe— of the cosmos, of galaxies and galaxy clusters, of stars within galaxies, of orbiting planets, and of different forms of life. "Distill[s] complex science in clear and lively p...

A lively astronomy primer that uses cataclysmic scenarios to explain the universe?s most fascinating events.According to astronomer Philip Plait, the universe is an apocalypse waiting to happen But how much do we really need to fear from things like black holes, gamma-ray bursts, and supernovae? And if we should be scared, is there anything we can do to save ourselves? With humor and wit, Plait details the myriad doomsday events that the cosmos could send our way t...

The most comprehensive guide to the known universe. Great reference for classes including earth science and physical science as well as astronomy. Includes guide includes information including: history, the sun, the planets, starlight and galaxies, and cosmological concepts.

"Intoxicating . . . questions and startling discoveries. . . . Books such as these remind us that we are lucky to be here at all, and even luckier to be here now." ― The Guardian (UK)A Physics World Best Book of the YearAn NBC News Top Science and Tech Book of the YearIn the sixteenth century, Nicolaus Copernicus dared to go aga...

See the skies in a whole new light. Take a tour of the universe, from our local solar system to the far reaches of deepest space. Astronomy Made Simple offers a complete introduction to this science, from its birth in ancient times to the different types of super-powerful telescopes scientists use today. It also includes detailed instructions on how to map the stars and understand the coordinate system, as well as fun sidebars, ideas for projects for further learning, and ...

The Big Questions series enables renowned experts to tackle the 20 most fundamental and frequently asked questions of a major branch of science or philosophy. Each 3000-word essay simply and concisely examines a question that has eternally perplexed enquiring minds, providing answers from history's great thinkers. This ambitious project is a unique distillation of humanity's best ideas.In Big Questions: The Universe, Dr Stuart Clark tackles the 20 key questions of astronomy and cosm...

The Provocative Classic The Privileged Planet in a Fully Revised, 20th Anniversary Edition!Are we just an accident of cosmic evolution? Is Earth a “lonely speck in the great enveloping cosmic dark” as the late Carl Sagan put it? Or is there more to the story? In this provocative book, Guillermo Gonzalez and Jay W. Richards marshal a staggering array of scientific evidence to counter the modern dogma that Earth is nothing more than the winner of a blind cos...

Astronomy is a science as old as the stars! With The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Astronomy, Second Edition, learn:• Fascinating facts while taking a tour of our solar system, our galaxy, and beyond• Idiot-proof steps for buying and using today’s cutting-edge telescopes• Tips and tricks to guide you when exploring the skies