Does exactly what it says on the tin. Found out a couple of useful things but that's about it.Does exactly what it says on the tin. Found out a couple of useful things but that's about it....more
A spectacular and extremely accessible whistle-stop tour of the cosmos.
I am usually quite reserved when reviewing these types of books, but this simplA spectacular and extremely accessible whistle-stop tour of the cosmos.
I am usually quite reserved when reviewing these types of books, but this simply ticked all the boxes for me. It is hard to find a book about astronomy which straddles the thin line between being highly detailed and yet still remaining incredibly accessible. This book does that in a fashion that makes the subject matter extremely relatable and human. Not only do you get plenty of scientific theories and facts but there is also plenty of humour thrown in for good measure.
Phillip Plait takes us on a tour of some of the most spectacular, and almost unimaginably beautiful sights and occurrences in our universe, This tour takes us to our closest neighbours, our Moon and Mars, detailing their origins and some of their most astonishing features. From there we travel to the farthest reaches of our solar system, visiting Pluto and its remote and icy brothers and sisters. From there the journey takes in many weird and wonderful sights including worlds straight out of science fiction and the giants of the universe, stars, nebulae and possibly the strangest objects of all, black holes.
This was one thrilling journey, just don't get too close to those black holes they may be the last thing you ever get to see. I simply loved this book and would recommend it within a heartbeat.
Many thanks to W. W. Norton & Company and Netgalley for providing an ARC copy for me to review....more
The Possibility of Life reads like a history of the search for life within the universe and a guide to how or where it could possibly exist and our plThe Possibility of Life reads like a history of the search for life within the universe and a guide to how or where it could possibly exist and our place within it all.
I loved how Jaime Green gave a little background or history on each subject before elaborating on the possibilities of life existing outside of our planet and also its wider effect on humanity. Occasionally there were hand-drawn illustrations, which I found helpful in gaining a better understanding of some of the subject matter.
I felt that the writing was complex but still fully understandable throughout. This seems to be a rare occurrence in books of this type and makes this very book accessible to a wider audience, without its content being too watered down.
If you have any interest in the possibility of life away from earth, astronomy or just a lose interest in science then this could be a book for you. Overall a fascinating and educational read.
I received an advanced copy for free and I'm leaving this unbiased review voluntarily....more
'Man must rise above the Earth - to the top of the atmosphere and beyond - for only thus will he fully understand the world in which he lives.'
Thi'Man must rise above the Earth - to the top of the atmosphere and beyond - for only thus will he fully understand the world in which he lives.'
This book reads as a brief history of human discovery and space exploration. From the early discovery of other continents, our first space flight, up to the modern-day and commercial space flight. It also delves into the effects spending time in space has on us, changing our perspective on what we are doing down here on this beautiful planet and the reasons for space exploration.
Well worth a read if you have an interest in any of these subjects.
Does exactly as advertised. An enjoyable and informative read which delves not only into astrophysics but touches on a few other subjects too. My only Does exactly as advertised. An enjoyable and informative read which delves not only into astrophysics but touches on a few other subjects too. My only issue was that I kept reading with the voice of Neil DeGrasse Tyson in my head. ;-)...more
“Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be c“Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious. And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. It matters that you don’t just give up.”
My third time reading Stephen Hawking and unfortunately not my best experience. This wasn't due to the book being bad but more that for the most part, it is just going over topics and theories that are covered in the two books of his that I have previously read. That said I would still recommend reading this if you have any interest in physics or cosmology....more
'We form mental concepts of our home, trees, other people, the electricity that flows from wall sockets, atoms, molecules and other universes. These m'We form mental concepts of our home, trees, other people, the electricity that flows from wall sockets, atoms, molecules and other universes. These mental concepts are the only reality we can know.' Does anyone have some pain killers? This book made my head hurt. The book presents some theories in an attempt to answer some fundamental questions we have all asked or thought about in one way or another.
Well worth reading but be aware it is not an easy read....more
I have read one true crime book so far and this is it. I may not read another as i am thinking it will not top this. Had me grippHauntingly exquisite.
I have read one true crime book so far and this is it. I may not read another as i am thinking it will not top this. Had me gripped from the very first word up until the last. Beautifully written with a combination of facts mixed in with more personal insights. It's those insights which really light this book up.
Well worth a read whether you are into true crime or not. A truly great read....more
An exceptional and accessable insight into the mind of Stephen Hawking.
“So remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make senAn exceptional and accessable insight into the mind of Stephen Hawking.
“So remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious. And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. It matters that you don’t just give up. Unleash your imagination. Shape the future.”
I think that I have read this on three or four occasions, and every one of these times I have been left in awe by some of the theories and insights within this book. Hawking tackles a number of profound and complicated questions, all the while giving real-world examples and explanations for a number of topics which are truly mind-bending and awe-inspiring.
Even if you only have a passing interest in science or cosmology, this is worth checking out....more
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