On July 20th 1969, in one of the most iconic moments of the twentieth century, Neil Armstrong took his first steps on the moon. The distant object that had fascinated mankind for millennia suddenly got much closer. The Book of the Moon is an utterly original and absorbing account of all things lunar, a book that celebrates the physics that created the moon and the technology that took us there, as well as its magic and mystery. From Babylonian astronomers to the scientists who paved the way for the Renaissance, to the astronomers and astronauts of our time, Rick Stroud delves into the mythology and astrology that have inspired civilizations and cultures the world over, alongside the scientific and medicinal advances that have come from our lunar connection. Packed with original lists, intriguing statistics, and compelling images, this book will take you as close to the moon as you can get without actually standing on it.
Step outside on a clear night, and the number of stars in the night sky can be overwhelming. Take a pair of binoculars or a small telescope with you, and a celestial vista of star clusters and clouds, knots of gas and dust, nearby planets and distant galaxies is revealed. Since ancient times, stargazers have made sense of the night sky by grouping its stars into constellations - star patterns that often have symbolic or mythological meanings. Constellations is a guide to the night sky that focuses on these 88 distinctive patterns, revealing their often intriguing stories - their origins, mythology, present-day significance - and the multitude of wondrous objects they contain. Complete with many of the best astronomical images ever captured, a comprehensive introduction to the stars and other celestial phenomena, and a series of newly commissioned, state-of-the-art maps showing the stars that are visible from populated latitudes in both hemispheres throughout the year, this magnificent guide has all you need to know to become an expert stargazer.
Celebrating the 55th anniversary of The Sky at Night, this book collects and answers questions sent in by viewers. With sections on the solar system, the bizarre and unexplained, space missions, and more, this is an exciting journey into space for the novice astronomer and the lifelong stargazer alike. Discover how scientists work out the gravity of planets, what the 'Great Attractor' is and the basic principles of space navigation. Learn how to start observing the sky, what event inspired Patrick Moore to take up astronomy, and just how many of his cats are named after celestial bodies. From comets to black holes and Orion to eclipses, The Sky at Night is the ultimate introduction to the wonders and mysteries of the universe.