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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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Space Encyclopedia: A Tour of Our Solar System and Beyond (National Geographic Kids)
Presenting the latest exciting findings on space exploration and research and cutting-edge, spectacular views of the universe that technology is bringing back to Earth, all in one ultimate reference book. The two longest sections are the tour of our solar system (including dwarf planets and the Oort cloud) and the outward-looking presentation on stars, galaxies, and the universe. While the large pictures often show dramatically lit views of stars, galaxies, and planets, the smaller pictures include useful cutaway views of planets and stars.
Reviews
"I got this for my 9 year old grandson as a Christmas present and he loved it but so did his 7 year old brother."
"Bought this for a family friend - a nine year old boy with ADHD, who loves everything about space and wants to be an astronaut."
"Nice book for kids who are interested in space."
"Bought this for my grandson and I myself have enjoyed it it is very informative."
"Excellent, colorful and informative book on space."
"Our 8 year old daughter can't get enough facts about space and this book does not disappoint."
"THIS BOOK WAS FOR MY 10 YEAR OLD GRANDDAUGHTER."
"My little space enthusiast loves this book- great pictures and organized nicely."
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13 Planets: The Latest View of the Solar System (National Geographic Kids)
Using simple text and spectacular photorealistic computer art by the author, this book profiles all 13 planets in their newly created categories—plus the sun, the Oort Cloud, comets, and other worlds being discovered. Once upon a time, long ago and far away, there were precisely seven planets: Moon, Mercury, Venus, Sun, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, all apparently revolving around a solidly fixed Earth. By 1854 there were 41 planets, and astronomers cried “Enough!” So they all decided there were eight large planets, and the little guys weren’t really planets but minor planets. Astronomers now have orbits for nearly 500,000 minor planets, half of which have been assigned numbers, and about 15,000 of which have been given names. --Dr. Owen Gingerich, Former Research Professor of Astronomy, Harvard and Astronomer Emeritus, Smithsonian Astronomical Observatory.
Reviews
"When I told him this book was coming he said "does it show the dwarf planet candidates?""
"She is more into minor/dwarf planets so this book is perfect."
"Absolutely Gorgeous and a very important resource for your classroom."
"great review from granddaughter shes happy and so am I."
"Beautiful pictures!"
"Recently, when reading a different book about Pluto, he noticed that the other book stated a fact inconsistent with this book."
"Great pictures...info written in a very understandable way."
"I already rated this book which I ordered for the science teacher for her students."
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Best Children's Beginner Readers

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (Board Book)
The complete edition of the bestselling children’s favorite, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom , is now available as a Classic Board Book! Bill Martin Jr (1916–2004) has been called “America’s favorite children’s author.” He wrote more than 300 books for children, including the classic texts Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
Reviews
"The board book is sturdy and easy to handle, so I let my girl hold it and play with the pages as well."
"Our 3 year old had already been quite proficient with his ABC's when we gave him this book on his birthday, but we'll get a "2-fer" out of it - a fun reinforcement for him that he'll begin to actually read with, and it'll be waiting in the wings for his 1 year old baby sister (not to mention the newest family addition we recently found out about, due to arrive next May!). You can probably imagine that - having babysat for three of my four grandchildren for 7 years prior to my daughter-in-law becoming a stay-at-home-mom - we have MANY board books included in the large children's library we've built for them over those years - typically, if they're board book versions of a previously released book, they're greatly ABRIDGED versions. I have to say that not only is this one of the highest quality-constructed board books we've purchased, but at 36 pages long (as compared to the hardcover's 40 pages), I think we've actually got most of the entire original book!"
"This is a great book to help learn the alphabet."
"Chicka chicka boom boom will there be enough room?"
"This book is educational."
"Popular book for young children."
"I brought this for my niece she loves the repetition of the words and the pictures in the book."
"Bought this for my niece and nephews so I can enjoy reading them some classic books I grew up with."
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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 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 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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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 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 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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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 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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