|
|
National Geographic Encyclopedia of Space (National Geographic)
|
You are here:
Home > Cook Books > Buzz Aldrin > Item
|
National Geographic Encyclopedia of Space (National Geographic)
|
by Linda K. Glover, Patricia S. Daniels, Andrea Gianopoulos, and Jonathan T. Malay
Sales Rank : 367480
|
|
|
|
Hardcover: 416 pages
Publisher: National Geographic November 1, 2004
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0792273192
ISBN-13: 978-0792273196
Product Dimensions:
10.9 x 9.5 x 1.4 inches
Shipping Weight: 3.9 pounds
From Publishers Weekly
National Geographic has always guided readers to remote regions of the world. Now it goes out of this world, with this lavish guide to the near and far reaches of the universe. Essays contributed by academics, NASA staffers and notables such as Robert Wilson (who along with Arno Penzias at Bell Labs in 1964 discovered the first evidence of the Big Bang) discuss deep space, our solar system and space travel. There are also sections on using space to study Earth and on the military and intelligence uses of space. The essays in general are readable and show the implications of astronomy for life on Earth, such as the impact of solar flares on the weather. Introductory sections explain central concepts and terms: for instance, one gives a description of the Sun’s history and mass, and defines what a sunspot is. Still, this volume will suit astronomy enthusiasts better than total novices. Everyone, however, can enjoy the gorgeous photos, such as the dramatic satellite photo of a hurricane approaching the U.S.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From Booklist
Glover, the primary author and editor of this exceptional book, explains its concept: "I couldn't find a 'SPACE 101' book anywhere that covered all the subjects I needed at an entry level." This is the book she wanted--arranged by concepts, not alphabetically. It is organized in six chapters: "Deep Space," "Our Solar System," "Reaching and Maneuvering in Space," "Human Spaceflight," "Earth Science and Commerce from Space," and "Military and Intelligence Uses of Space." Each chapter is written and edited by a specialist in the field and divided into subchapters that average five pages in length and are in turn broken down into smaller entries. Special essays provide more in-depth information. For example, "The Great Crash of 1994," addressing a huge asteroid that crashed into Jupiter, appears in the section on comets in the "Deep Space" chapter. Explanations are clear and basic, written for the popular audience. There are numerous charts, graphs, and time lines throughout. All measurements use the metric system. Words in bold type cross-reference other entries and subentries.
The appendix consists of double-page maps of the northern sky and the southern sky star charts with constellations, the moon, Mars, the solar system, the Milky Way, and the universe. In addition, the encyclopedia has more than 200 wonderful color pictures from NASA, the Hubble telescope, and satellite images, many of them covering a full page or a double-page spread. The captions clarify concepts in the text, rather than merely repeat it.
We have come to expect the spectacular from National Geographic, and this new encyclopedia reaffirms our faith. Libraries and homes will both want this breathtaking book. Robin Hoelle
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
|
|
|
|
