Koncocoo

Best Astronomy

NightWatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe
The fourth edition has improvements over the 3rd edition in every chapter, including: This fantastically revised edition continues that tradition, but now includes sky maps for observers in the southern hemisphere and a guide to celestial phenomena up to 2018. Renowned author and astronomer Terence Dickinson took Grade 5 and 6 students from the [North Bay] area through the universe to make snowballs from water and ice particles that make up Saturn's rings, and visit the red liquid methane lakes of its moon, Titan.... "I'm hoping that they'll walk away with excitement about the universe," he said." New, better-quality photos; amped-up sections on astrophotography and using amateur telescopic equipment; and a new chapter on the skies visible from the Southern hemisphere. This fourth edition of the essential guide for amateur stargazers is newly updated, lavishly illustrated...and packed with facts...and a cosmic closet-full of other astronomical delights. It may be hard to justify upgrading from later printings of the third edition, but NightWatch remains one of the best sourcebooks to introduce beginning astronomers to the night sky -- and to keep them interested.
Reviews
"Great for putting things into perspective and inspiring awe and deep interest in star gazing."
"I give is book away regularly."
"This is a beautiful book, as well as, well written information for kids and adults alike."
"Very well written and illustrated with a lot of good information for those getting into astronomy."
"A comprehensive beginner's handbook of the Night Skies."
"Very informative a lot of good things I didn't know."
"Everything you should know before spending lots of cash for a telescope."
"A great book to read for veiwing space."
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Endurance: A Year in Space, A Lifetime of Discovery
Kelly's humanity, compassion, humor, and determination resonate throughout, as he recalls his rough-and-tumble New Jersey childhood and the youthful inspiration that sparked his astounding career, and as he makes clear his belief that Mars will be the next, ultimately challenging, step in spaceflight. It is easy to imagine future generations of explorers and daredevils harnessing the lessons and truths within the pages of ‘Endurance’ as the blueprints for their own trips into the unknown.” —Jaroslav Kalfar, The New York Times Book Review. “. Kelly brings life in space alive—the wonder and awe of it, and also the jagged edges, the rough parts of living in confined quarters in an alien element, far from everything familiar and beloved. Endurance , with its honest, gritty descriptions of an unimaginable life, a year off Earth, is as close as most readers will come to making that voyage themselves.” — The Financial Times. “Scott Kelly’s saga is a deeply absorbing and vivid look at a year in space and the many trials and rigors of living weightless inside a football field-sized machine traveling at 17,000 miles per hour. But Endurance satisfies far more than the reader’s technological curiosities; it is replete with humor, thrills, surreal details, and recurring moments of ordinary humanity that turn Kelly’s tale into a loving tribute to the pioneering individuals who risk all to shepherd man’s exploration of the vast beyond.” —Khaled Hosseini, author of And the Mountains Echoed. “Scott Kelly’s book is as close as I and most everyone else on Earth will ever get to experiencing the fascinating, complex, almost preposterously dangerous business of going into space. “Scott Kelly’s memoir of his year in space and all that preceded it is the real thing—honest, dramatic, illuminating, and simply riveting.
Reviews
"I received an ARC of this book from a giveaway...I originally thought my husband would read it (since he is a space aficionado, follows launches and SpaceX, etc) but when I received the book I was intrigued and decided to read it. This was told in alternating chapters: the time on the International Space Station was written in present tense while his autobiographical part was past tense. Learning about the difficulties of space station life, from the everyday actions of eating and dressing and sleeping to the challenging duties required of the astronauts, was enlightening and made me appreciate my easy life a whole lot more. And I viewed the crude stuff as okay because I realized that it's a part of the everyday challenges in space."
"On the one hand, it was extremely interesting to read a first hand account of the path to being an astronaut -- the educational path, the selection process, the training. Also that there are different paths that impact one's interest and role in space: test pilot vs. scientist. I didn't know anything about the space station or it's development until reading this, nor did I have any interest at all. But after reading this book I spent a few hours watching every video I could find that toured the space station, or demonstrated how astronauts do everyday tasks in space. It was generally a great read, and very engaging -- and we're talking about a reader who generally isn't interested in space."
"He's had an outstanding career and shares with his readers his humanity, humor, compassion, and determination to fulfill he mission in space."
"I have always been interested in our space program, NASA activities, and in our astronauts."
"I've always been fascinated by astronauts and space and this book gave a really good description of what space-life is like."
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Death by Black Hole: And Other Cosmic Quandaries
“[Tyson] tackles a great range of subjects . “Tyson comes across as having an excellent grasp of the current state of astrophysics, cosmology, chemistry and other scientific disciplines... he conveys knowledge clearly to the nonspecialist, often with ingratiating humor and wit.”. - Roy E. Perry, The Tennessean.
Reviews
"Super cool and a good variety of concepts."
"Amazing :) thank you so much."
"This book is almost a Cosmos in book form, it's a journey through well known and lesser so ares of physics and astronomy."
"Came clean and just as expected!"
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Best Astrophotography

Hubble's Universe: Greatest Discoveries and Latest Images
The Hubble Space Telescope is now at the apex of its imaging capabilities yet until the publication of Hubble's Universe , no other popular book had presented the latest pictures taken by the new Wide Field Camera 3. For his most recent book, Terence Dickinson selected a breathtaking portfolio of Hubble pictures from a library of more than 700,000 images. The book uncovers the telescope's technical workings, revealing how the images are created and interpreted, and explains how the images support scientists' theories and predictions, even as some images have taken scientists by surprise. [review for 11 X 11 edition] At first glance, some readers might consider this a coffee table book with just a bunch of pretty pictures--the color images are very high quality--but the substantial captions for the images are extremely well written. [review for 11 X 11 edition] There's a new Hubble picture book every year, but this year we're lucky to have one authored by the guy who wrote NightWatch and The Universe and Beyond. [review for 11 X 11 edition] {starred review) Dickinson details the Hubble Space Telescope's contributions to science in both text and images. Especially fantastic are the images of solar wind stripping away large gas clouds that harbor stellar nurseries; images of Hubble's deep field, revealing galaxy clusters from halfway across the universe; and sublime images of vast, colorful nebulas.... Dickinson explains how all the photographed objects fit into scientists' understanding of cosmology, adding extra context to the pictures. [review for 11 X 11 edition] Dickinson showcases extraordinary late-breaking pictures, many of which have yet to receive wide distribution...and presents a breathtaking portfolio drawn from an archive of over 500,000 existing Hubble images. [review for 11 X 11 edition] A visually breathtaking array of Hubble's images in an extraordinary new volume...a book to fill readers with wonder.
Reviews
"Ordered this book as a gift, not realizing that it was the Compact Edition, which is a full inch smaller in width and length, so not quite as impressive as the 11x11 version."
"There are pictures in it I've not seen when searching Nasa's website and many are full page shots at roughly 11x11."
"I read Hubble's Universe every night and was just amazed at the science and technology behind this venture."
""Hubble's Universe" is quite possibly the most beautiful book I've ever laid eyes on."
"Gave to a huge star fan and she loves it, says she spends hours just slowly flipping through the images."
"The pictures are detailed and absolutely gorgeous; the written portions are detailed and share a wealth of information on the featured celestial bodies."
"This book has been on my wish list far too long and then I finally decided to treat myself for my birthday and bought this book."
"He's bought a large tabletop stand for the book and each day turns a new page to reveal another glorious image."
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Best Astrophysics & Space Science

Astrophysics for People in a Hurry
How do we fit within the universe? “Tyson is a master of streamlining and simplification....taking mind-bogglingly complex ideas, stripping them down to their nuts and bolts, padding them with colorful allegories and dorky jokes, and making them accessible to the layperson”. - Salon. “With wry humor, keen vision, and abundant humanity, Neil deGrasse Tyson distills the big questions of space, time, and reality into short, insightful chapters you can enjoy with your morning coffee.”. - Discover.
Reviews
"My issue with this book is that I read it directly after reading his book "Death by Black Hole"...and A LOT of the content from that book is inserted into this one...word for word. I will always read his books but I don't like that there is very little original content in this one."
"I have read Origins, Death By Back Hole, and Space Chronicles before this one."
"The subject is not presented especially deep but it is useful for anyone wanting to get a better layman's understanding of the Big Bang (weird stuff), dark matter (weirder stuff), and dark energy (way weirder stuff)."
"Reasons: (1) it is a collection of magazine articles he wrote over an extended period of time some years ago, and (2) the knowledge base one needs for comprehension is beyond the layman in my opinion."
"Mr Tyson's voice is lovely to listen to, his emphasis on terms and words and enthusiasm is contagious, I loved hearing him talk about the things that excite him, like neighbouring galaxies."
"This book is made out to be an "astrophysics for dummies" but it's far more difficult to grasp than I'd imagined."
"Dr. Tyson's sense of humor and fluid style most definitely makes this ride through the universe entertaining rather than intimidating."
"Calibrating with humanity's understanding of dark matter, the universe, and everything in between makes appreciating science fiction so much more entertaining (instead of intuiting all these concepts from nonexistent astrophysics knowledge)."
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Best Scientific Reference

Pocket Ref 4th Edition
The concise all-purpose pocket-sized reference book featuring abundant information on many subjects, hundreds of tables, maps, formulas, constants and conversions. Temperature Auto Headlight Warning Automotive Air Conditioning Automotive Electric Wiring Tire Size vs. Load Rating Tire Manufacturer Codes Tire Size Coding Load Range vs. Ply Rating Automotive Formulas Carpentry and Construction Softwood Lumber Sizes Softwood Lumber Grading Hardwood Lumber Size and Grade Wood Moisture Content Plywood & Panel Grading Wood Characteristics Insulation Value of Materials Maximum Floor Joist Spans Douglas Fir - Larch Group Hemlock,-Fir Group Spruce- Ping Group Southern Pine Group Redwood Group Strength of Wood Beams Wood Gluing Characteristics Concrete Mortar Chemistry and Physics Element Tables Element Properties Periodic Table of the Elements pH of Common Acids pH of Common Bases pH Indicators Elementary Particles Radioisotope Half Lives Uranium-238 Decay Series Galvanic Series of Metals in Seawater Computers Computer ASCII Codes IBM PC Memory Map IBM PC Hardware Interrupts Serial Ports DMA Channels Megabytes and Kilobytes Constants- Physical, Chemical and Math Electrical- Wire, Motors and Frames Copper Wire Current Capacity Ampacity vs. Height Physical Growth % - Boys Physical Growth %$- Girls Acceleration Due to Gravity Beaufort Wind Strength Scale Wind Chill Factors Heat - Humidity Factors Firewood/Fuel Heat Comparisons Frequency Spectrum Sun and Planetary Data Geology Mineral Table Abbreviations Mineral Tables Element to Oxide Conversions Minerals Sorted by Density Minerals Sorted by Hardness Metal Content of Minerals Distinct Color Minerals Mineral Crystal System Minor Elements in Sedimentary Rocks Minor Elements in Igneous Rocks Igneous Rock Classification Igneous Rock Classes by Color Sedimentary Rock Classes Metamorphic Rock Classes Geochemical Lower Detection Limits Mohn Scale of Hardness Particle Size Descriptions Richter & Mercali Earthquake Scales Core Drill Specs Geologic Time Scale Glue, Solvents, Paints and Finishes Glue Types and Applications Common Solvents Paints and Finishes Hardware Bolt Torque Specs (Inch) Effect of Lubrication on Torque Rating Bolt Torque Specs (Metric) Bolt Torque Specs (Whitworth Std) Wood Screw Specifications Wood Screw Number vs. Screw Length Sheet Metal Screw Specs Pictures of Screw Heads Cable Clamps for wire Rope Nails Pictures of Nail Types Math Numeric Prefixes Roman Numerals Convert Inch-Foot-mm-Drill # Squares, Cubes and Roots Degrees, Radians, and Trig Functions Log, Log e, Circumference, & Circle Area Right Triangle Formulas Oblique Triangle Formulas Plane Figure Formulas Solid Figure Formulas Mine, Mill and Aggregate Standard Sieve Series Mineral Dressing Sizing Scale Stockpile Volume and Weight Material Dumping Angles Rock Bulking Factors Length of Conveyor Belt in a Roll Conveyor Slope Angle Maximums Conveyor Capacities Conveyor Horsepower vs. Load Jaw Crusher Horsepower vs. Tons/Hour Money Currency Exchange Rates Discount Factors for Net Present Value Simple Interest Compound Interest Numbered Days of the Year Plumbing and Pipe Copper Pipe and Tubing Plastic Pipe Steel Pipe Steel Pipe Formulas Steel Pipe - Pressure Ratings of Sch 40 Rope, Cable and Chain Rope (poly, nylon, manila) Wire Rope Chain Feet of Cable or Rope on a Reel Pull Angle vs. Number of Turns/Inch Decibels vs. Voltage & Power Ratios Formulas for Electricity General Information Holidays Season & Clock Dates Signs of the zodiac Flowers for each Month Birthstones Anniversary Names Paper Sizes English - Greek Alphabet Radio Alphabet Morse Code "Ten" Radio Codes Military Rank and Grade State Information Climate Data in U.S. Cities Time Zones 9780969582229\\Dr Michael Greenwood draws on the healing wisdom of many traditions in treating a variety of common problems.
Reviews
"How about the request that anyone who finds an inaccuracy or misprint contact the publisher, with an address for that right next to the "this book is lost, return it to:" page? Everything from Algebra to Zinc sheeting gauge tables is in this book, which fits in the space from the pad on the base of my thumb to the end of my little finger in length and the width of my hand when closed. Its about as thick as the end joint on my index finger, and it's packed with stuff you'll need at some time or other. Military ranks so you don't look like an arse when you meet a person on active service? Need to know what day your wife's birthday will fall on every year from now 'til next muckspreading? This will bring out the inner eight year old in everyone and is about as useful as a Swiss Army Knife welded to a Leatherman Wave. There's now a desk-sized version for people who lack pockets, prefer to browse at a desk or are fed up with being laughed at by those who feel that when it comes to reference books, size matters."
"This is a must-have for any shop that also contains a wealth of additional reference information."
"Great analog item, I keep in my workshop, great gift for dads, kids or nerds like me alike , sure all this info can be found in an app or google search bar, but sometimes nice to unplug, my 10 year old son things super cool too."
"I've had one of these little books for years and think it is an essential source of information - better than an encyclopedia (and a whole lot easier to carry around)."
"Great general reference book or all the little...and big things in life."
"absolutely necessary and useful beyond engineering, just look inside one and you'll probably buy it just because of it's contents."
"Also a good book to have in your pocked to solve bar bets....Over all, a reference book in a small package that I'm glad to have and you will be as well."
"i rather look in the book."
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Best Waves & Wave Mechanics

Reality Is Not What It Seems: The Journey to Quantum Gravity
Do time and space exist? And what exactly is reality? It's a pleasure to read, full of wonderful analogies and imagery and, last but not least, a celebration of the human spirit.” —NPR Cosmos & Culture “If your desire to be awestruck by the universe we inhabit needs refreshing, theoretical physicist Carlo Rovelli…is up to the task.” — Elle. “With its warm, enthusiastic language and tone, [ Seven Brief Lessons on Physics ] is also deeply humanistic in approach, using words like elegant and beauty about a subject…that can seem impenetrably dense and abstract… Reality Is Not What It Seems takes much the same approach.” — New York Magazine. “Rovelli’s lyrical language, clarity of thought, and passion for science and its history make the title a pleasure to read (albeit slowly), and his diagrams and footnotes will allow readers to understand the material better and tackle a more expert level of insight.” —Booklist. “Science buffs will admire Rovelli's lucid writing…Cutting-edge theoretical physics for a popular audience that obeys the rules (little math, plenty of drawings), but it's not for the faint of heart.”— Kirkus Reviews.
Reviews
"Rovelli's book is a game changer The title of my review refers to the shining of light in dark places because that's how I felt when I read it. Concepts and theories that I'd struggled with through many of those previous books suddenly made sense."
"Review of: “REALITY IS NOT WHAT IT SEEMS” by Carlo Rovelli. For those who have an even casual interest in modern physics or “science” this is a truly remarkable book. Rovelli is able to take highly complex problems and express them in a way which can make them accessible to even those who think that mathematics is simply something you use to figure out how much change you should get at the supermarket or doing the highly difficult calculation of how much to tip on a restaurant bill. As most readers are aware Einstein’s theories of both general and special relativity are remarkably accurate and have passed every test to which they have been subjected as long as they apply to very large things. Quantum mechanics, the strange physics of the very small, is also exceedingly accurate in its predictions as long as it stays within its “range.” However these two great theories fail miserably when combined. Now, unfortunately, I start thinking; how many half ways are there from the point I have reached to that elusive bathroom? I had until recently mistakenly believed that the concept of space time was an invention of Einstein. The rational for this is highly complex but if this postulate had a bearing on reality could time itself actually be quantized. Thus we have removed from the equations of physics the two things that have always been considered infinite and make them finite. I doubt this will change anything in my life or yours except that I sleep better since I no longer have to worry about not being able to get to the bathroom the next morning."
"Carlo Rovelli continues the tradition from his earlier book, "Seven Brief Lessons on Physics" of combining sparkling descriptions of physical phenomena with a sensitive understanding for the form of physics and the greatness of its practitioners. As in his previous book, Rovelli has elegant descriptions of the two great pillars of physics: quantum mechanics and general relativity. This sets up the book for the second part, which is a theory of quantum gravity called loop quantum gravity. After explaining how quantum mechanics and general relativity disagree with each other in situations where it matters, Rovelli leads us through the main concepts of loop quantum gravity. According to Rovelli, the finiteness of this division enables the theory of loop quantum gravity to escape some of the ugly infinite solutions that results when one tries to combine the mathematics of standard quantum mechanics with that of general relativity. I also find it interesting that string theory which is loop quantum gravity's main rival gets little more than a paragraph, so it's still not clear why one would clearly prefer loop quantum gravity over string theory."
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Best Aeronautics & Astronautics

The Wright Brothers
On a winter day in 1903 on the remote Outer Banks of North Carolina two unknown brothers from Ohio changed history The age of flight had begun with the first heavier than air powered machine carrying a pilot Far more than a couple of Dayton bicycle mechanics who happened to hit on success Wilbur and Orville Wright were men of exceptional ability unyielding determination and far ranging intellectual interest and curiosity Two time Pulitzer Prize winner David McCullough tells the dramatic story of how these courageous brothers taught the world how to fly and how their devoted sister Katharine played a far more important role than has been generally understood Book jacket The 1 New York Times bestseller from David McCullough two time winner of the Pulitzer Prize the dramatic story behind the story about the courageous brothers who taught the world how to fly Wilbur and Orville Wright On a winter day in 1903 in the Outer Banks of North Carolina two brothers bicycle mechanics from Dayton Ohio changed history But it would take the world some time to believe that the age of flight had begun with the first powered machine carrying a pilot Orville and Wilbur Wright were men of exceptional courage and determination and of far ranging intellectual interests and ceaseless curiosity When they worked together no problem seemed to be insurmountable Wilbur was unquestionably a genius Orville had such mechanical ingenuity as few had ever seen That they had no more than a public high school education and little money never stopped them in their mission to take to the air Nothing did not even the self evident reality that every time they took off they risked being killed In this enjoyable fast paced tale The Economist master historian David McCullough shows as never before how two Ohio boys from a remarkable family taught the world to fly The Washington Post and captures the marvel of what the Wrights accomplished The Wall Stree.
Reviews
"David McCullough is one of the preeminent American historians of our times, the deft biographer of John Adams and Harry Truman, and in this book he brings his wonderful historical exposition and storytelling skills to the lives of the Wright brothers. If I have some minor reservations they are only in the lack of technical detail which could have informed descriptions of some of the Wrights' experiments and the slightly hagiographical tint that McCullough is known to bring to his subjects. Firstly McCullough who is quite certainly one of the best storytellers among all historians does a great job of giving us the details of the Wrights' upbringing and family. The Wrights' sister Katharine also played an integral part in their lives; they were very close to her and McCullough's account is filled with copious examples of the affectionate, sometimes scolding, always encouraging letters that the siblings wrote to each other. Lastly, McCullough does a fine job describing how the Wrights rose to world fame after their flight. McCullough's account of the Wright brothers, as warm and fast-paced as it is, was most interesting to me for the lessons it holds for the future. But perhaps what the Wright brothers' story exemplifies the most is the importance of simple traits like devotion to family, hard work, intense intellectual curiosity and most importantly, the frontier, can-do attitude that has defined the American dream since its inception."
"McCullough has written a serious and riveting review of the lives of Wilbur and Orville. FAMILY. McCullough makes it clear that the Wilbur and Orville were a product of their family environment. McCullough writes — “He was an unyielding abstainer, which was rare on the frontier, a man of rectitude and purpose— all of which could have served as a description of Milton himself and Wilbur and Orville as well.”. His strict values molded and focused the views of the three younger Wrights (Katherine, Wilbur, and Orville). I am sure that Orville and myself will do nothing that will disgrace the training we received from you and Mother.”. McCullough writes — “Years later, a friend told Orville that he and his brother would always stand as an example of how far Americans with no special advantages could advance in the world. the greatest thing in our favor was growing up in a family where there was always much encouragement to intellectual curiosity.’ ”. BUSINESS. McCullough records Wilbur’s thoughts on being in business in a letter to his brother Lorin in 1894: “In business it is the aggressive man, who continually has his eye on his own interest, who succeeds. … We ought not to have been businessmen.”. In 1911, Wilbur wrote: “When we think what we might have accomplished if we had been able to devote this time [fighting patent infringement suits] to experiments, we feel very sad, but it is always easier to deal with things than with men, and no one can direct his life entirely as he would choose.”. The Wrights never built, or even tried to build, an industrial empire as Ford or Edison or their Dayton neighbors John and Frank Patterson (National Cash Register) had done. Wilbur and Orville were superb engineers, though neither went beyond high school. For example, the wind tunnel had been invented thirty years before, but Wilbur and Orville developed it into a precise quantitative instrument. For example, McCullough writes — “In early 1889, while still in high school, Orville started his own print shop in the carriage shed behind the house, and apparently with no objections from the Bishop. To reinforce that point requires some expansion of that event or similar other defining events in the lives of Wilbur and Orville. One source of knowledge about the Wrights’ approach to aeronautics is the Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton."
"Of particular interest are the Wright's struggles to actually fly at Kitty Hawk and how primitive a place that part of North Carolina was at the start of the 20th century. McCullough does spend a bit of time talking about Charles Taylor who was the Wright's mechanic and without whom they would not have flown. If you want to know more about the Wright's then this is a great place to start but a fuller biography/history might have been more fulfilling."
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Best Cosmology

The Illustrated Brief History of Time, Updated and Expanded Edition
In addition, to heighten understanding of complex concepts that readers may have found difficult to grasp despite the clarity and wit of Professor Hawking's writing, this edition is enhanced throughout with more than 240 full-color illustrations, including satellite images, photographs made made possible by spectacular technological advance such as the Hubble Space Telescope, and computer generated images of three and four-dimensional realities. "Hawking has succeeded in writing two intertwined books, one a highly readable and popular account of the role of time in physics, the other an in-depth review—What makes all this so interesting is Hawking's ability to convoy the essential physics in words alone. "In his first work of popular science, Stephen Hawking proves himself to be a master of vivid clarity—It's difficult to think of anyone else living who could have put these mathematically formidable subjects more clearly. "The famous theoretical physicist best known for his inquiries into the nature of black holes—turns out to be as skilled a popular writer as he is a mathematician—The result is probably the best single book on astrophysics for the common reader.
Reviews
"Having read and understood all of the words in this book, I just do not have a firm grasp on much of what Mr. Hawking presents."
"Having this available on Audible is very welcome!"
"An illuminating peek into the minds of Hawking, Einstein and other physicists on their attempts to explain the universe with mathematics and the laws of physics."
"a wonderful read and the book is exactly as shown."
"Read this book and compare the real science with the so called Intelligent Design Theory ..."
"Surprisingly accessible for the amateur/layman cosmologist."
"It is a study of the beginning of the universe and goes into the scientific background of chemical makeup of matter and how they evolved from the Big Bang and how it might end withe the Big Crunch."
"The man is a genius .. what can I say .."
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Best Mars

Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void
To answer these questions, space agencies set up all manner of quizzical and startlingly bizarre space simulations. From the space shuttle training toilet to a crash test of NASA’s new space capsule (cadaver filling in for astronaut), Roach takes us on a surreally entertaining trip into the science of life in space and space on Earth. Amazon Best Books of the Month, August 2010 : With her wry humor and inextinguishable curiosity, Mary Roach has crafted her own quirky niche in the somewhat staid world of science writing, showing no fear (or shame) in the face of cadavers, ectoplasm, or sex.
Reviews
"A friend recommended this to me while I was visiting the Johnson Space Center."
"My youngest son's 8th grade English class had this book as an optional read."
"Really liked the bit of irreverence, was different than what I was expecting - more educational about Nasa studies which was very informative, but I was expecting a summary at the end describing the amount of food which would be consumed, the volume of waste generated, volume of clothing needed for 2 years, and the volume of wet wipes needed (since space showers don't work)."
"After working at Kennedy Space Center (and other facilities mentioned in this book) & retiring from the concept to completion of the Space Shuttle & Space Station programs I smiled at the remenensing this writer's thorough fact-finding research & sense of humour afforded me."
"A few years ago when I saw Mary Roach on John Stewart's Daily Show talking about her (at the time) new book, Packing for Mars, she was so entertaining and funny that I thought I've got to read this book. The author spent hours pouring through old flight transcripts, interviewing astronauts and NASA personnel and even going for a ride into weightlessness on the Vomit Comet, a low orbital flight that provides a nearly weightless environment in which to train astronauts and conduct research. She asks the questions that you want to know the answers to but won't find in any Science magazine or NASA publication. And what did they do for a toilet on the Apollo and earlier missions and how bad did that space capsule smell after two weeks?"
"A great read for science/space geeks and for people just looking for an interesting and entertaining read."
"In Packing for Mars, Mary Roach takes a look at the less heroic aspects of manned space flight, considering such topics as what happens to shed skin particles when an astronaut doesn't bathe for weeks, the hazards of vomiting in one's helmet during a space walk, and, most memorably, the logistics of zero-gravity defecation."
"BUT, although Ms. Roach does write with some humor, for the most part it is so snarky and her tone is so condescending about most of the people she encounters, it made for a difficult read."
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Best Solar System

There's No Place Like Space: All About Our Solar System (Cat in the Hat's Learning Library)
Au revoir , Pluto! Kindergarten-Grade 3-Fans of Dr. Seuss's favorite feline will enjoy learning through rhymed couplets and cartoonlike illustrations similar to the originals.
Reviews
"Very fun book the kids love."
":( But I guess Pluto is no longer a Planet!"
"except the Vallery Malllory nighty nine nickels part, the story line is great and easy for toddler to follow and to soon recognize the planets names, colors, specifics and shapes."
"My father is very highly into space and since my nephew lives many states away from all of us, I figured we could impress upon him things that Grandpa likes so he can grow up as if we were all around."
"As with all Dr Seuss books, rhyme time and the grandson enjoys that as well as the space theme."
"Another great Dr. Seuss book."
"You gotta love Dr. Seuss no matter where he is!"
"I guess when children can read books, accuracy is important, you can't fake it anymore to cover up errors."
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Best Star-Gazing

NightWatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe
The fourth edition has improvements over the 3rd edition in every chapter, including: This fantastically revised edition continues that tradition, but now includes sky maps for observers in the southern hemisphere and a guide to celestial phenomena up to 2018. Renowned author and astronomer Terence Dickinson took Grade 5 and 6 students from the [North Bay] area through the universe to make snowballs from water and ice particles that make up Saturn's rings, and visit the red liquid methane lakes of its moon, Titan.... "I'm hoping that they'll walk away with excitement about the universe," he said." New, better-quality photos; amped-up sections on astrophotography and using amateur telescopic equipment; and a new chapter on the skies visible from the Southern hemisphere. This fourth edition of the essential guide for amateur stargazers is newly updated, lavishly illustrated...and packed with facts...and a cosmic closet-full of other astronomical delights. It may be hard to justify upgrading from later printings of the third edition, but NightWatch remains one of the best sourcebooks to introduce beginning astronomers to the night sky -- and to keep them interested.
Reviews
"As I was getting closer to retirement, I followed a lifetime desire to learn more about the cosmos."
"I started to learn the star names and positions, and now I don't see just a maze of white lights in the night sky."
"Great for putting things into perspective and inspiring awe and deep interest in star gazing."
"I give is book away regularly."
"This is a beautiful book, as well as, well written information for kids and adults alike."
"Very well written and illustrated with a lot of good information for those getting into astronomy."
"A comprehensive beginner's handbook of the Night Skies."
"Very informative a lot of good things I didn't know."
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Best Telescopes

The 100 Best Astrophotography Targets: A Monthly Guide for CCD Imaging with Amateur Telescopes (The Patrick Moore Practical Astronomy Series)
Any amateur astronomer who is interested in astrophotography, particularly if just getting started, needs to know what objects are best for imaging in each month of the year. This book focuses on what northern latitude objects to image at any given time of the year to get the most spectacular results. … The book’s intent is to provide a visually compelling list of the 100 most interesting deep sky objects from the perspective of a digital imager, more precisely of the CCD user. I was particularly impressed at how well some deep sky objects can now be imaged even with the full moon in the sky.
Reviews
"I have collected many lists of astronomy targets. With a fair section of the book telling you the basics of how to take pictures (equipment, S/W, techniques)."
"Great book!"
"The book starts out with some basics about astro photograpy and CCD imaging and moves on to a little equipment guide, covering mounts, OTA's, CCD camera's and autoguiding for Astro photography."
"Gives all the stuff you want to know, scope used, exposure time, imager used, processing techniques - and best of all these are all done at medium exposure times so no 30 minute sub exposures (and the $$ mounts needed to do it) to get similar results. Although calibrating, stacking, SNR, ... 'processing images' is a theater all it's own - too often it's time spent on one object only to find on others a very different proceedure required."
"I can feel just one slight "bottle neck" (maybe, it would mean some improvement for the second edition): what a difference can be seen on the same target using different cameras. This "CCD-test" was not the goal of this book, it is obvious, but it could have been a secondary but, at the same time, very useful "added value" mainly for beginners who are the vast part of the readers I think... (Maybe CCD producers could sponsor the book...). All in all, this is a fantastic guide for astrophotography, it is no doubt."
"Each target has a full color full page photograph with the all the information necessary to photograph it."
"This book concisely lays out the equipment best suited for each object: telescope type, exposure times, filter choices, and much more."
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Best Comets, Meteors & Asteroids

The Great Christ Comet: Revealing the True Star of Bethlehem
Taking a fresh look at the biblical text and drawing on the latest astronomical research, this beautifully illustrated volume will introduce readers to the Bethlehem Star in all of its glory. The Great Christ Comet is an absolutely astonishing triumph of interdisciplinary scholarship so rarely seen and so tremendously illuminating as to merit bright comparison with the very celestial phenomenon it describes. I regard it as the most important book ever published on the Star of Bethlehem and enthusiastically commend it.”. — Gary W. Kronk. , author, Cometography ; Consultant, American Meteor Society. “In this erudite, engrossing, and compelling book, Colin R. Nicholl painstakingly develops a new solution for the enduring mystery of the Star of Bethlehem, bringing together the biblical story and ancient descriptions of the sky with modern understandings of astronomy. The depth and breadth of learning that Nicholl displays is prodigious and persuasive, and all future studies will have to take its proposals most seriously.”. — Gordon Wenham. , emeritus professor of Old Testament, University of Gloucestershire, United Kingdom. Colin R. Nicholl is eminently followable, using detective skills to assess the biblical, historical, and astronomical evidence that lead him to conclude that the ‘star’ of Bethlehem was a comet. A terrific read!”. — Donald A. Hagner , George Eldon Ladd Professor of New Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary; author, Matthew (Word Biblical Commentary). This work will be of great interest to astronomers, theologians, historians of science, and the general public, and will hopefully stimulate important new lines of scientific enquiry.”. — Mark E. Bailey MBE. , Director, Armagh Observatory; coauthor, The Origin of Comets. His comprehensive mastery of the data enables him to present a detailed scenario of the Magi’s initial sighting, subsequent observations, journey, and visit to the house in Bethlehem to view the newborn Christ child.”. — Edwin M. Yamauchi. , Professor Emeritus of History, Miami University. I strongly recommend his work on one of the most fascinating biblical mysteries.”. — Sir Colin Humphreys. , Professor and Director of Research, Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge; author, The Miracles of Exodus. I enthusiastically recommend this eye-opening book!”. — John J. Hartmann. , former Assistant Lecturer of Greek, University of Cambridge; Pastor, New Reformation Church, St. Louis, Missouri. He has produced a readable and beautifully illustrated introduction to relevant fields of astronomy, and has laid out pertinent historical data with proportion, care, and integrity. The case Nicholl makes for the Star being a great comet is certainly worthy of serious consideration.”. — Martin Gaskell. , Department of Astronomy, University of California at Santa Cruz.
Reviews
"This stunningly illustrated work proves that the Star is a scientifcally explainable phenomenon. Leading astronomers around the world worked with Nicholl on this groundbreaking scholarship and have endorsed his conclusion. Proving that this legend, this iconic image recognized and acknowledged by cultures throughout the globe, has a basis in scientific fact, that it actually happened and we can now explain how -- this is a very proof of the existence of God."
"The book has a good understanding of the time and place where things took place, the language is simple enough for a none techie to understand and deep enough for the scholarly type, It keeps the faith of the believer and helps them dig deeper in to the word, for more understanding of the times, where our Savior was born."
"Seems to make a good case - super interesting."
"Inseparable from the narrative of Jesus’ birth is the “star of wonder, star of night / Star with royal beauty bright” that we sing about in our Christmas carols (and, of course, read about in the book of Matthew). What was that star? That star is the subject of Colin Nicholl’s new book The Great Christ Comet. The most prevalent views have been that the star was the triple conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in Pisces; that it was Jupiter; that it was a nova or supernova; or that it was a miraculous star created by God for the purpose. “In this book I offer what I am convinced is the solution to the age-old mystery of the Star of Bethlehem. What I propose is rooted in careful consideration of the relevant Biblical material and is, I believe, able to explain everything said about the Star in a natural and compelling way and in harmony with current astronomical knowledge.”. His conclusion is that the Star of Bethlehem was actually a comet. The Bible allows such a position, as the word for “star” is wide enough to account for a comet; astronomy demands such a position, as there is no other satisfactory way to account for the phenomena the Bible describes."
"An amazing coming together of astronomy and the bible."
"You don't have to be "into" science, astronomy, Bible study, the birth of Christ, signs, AND prophecy in order to enjoy this book; an interest in even just ONE of the above will be enough to keep you fascinated as you read. I recommend this book to people who like to learn and be stretched in their understanding, to people who are compelled to go deeper in their study of the Bible and than the average church-goer, and to people who desire to go deeper in their understanding of our galaxy than the average star-gazer."
"I really enjoyed this book."
"Great read!"
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