Synopses & Reviews
The essential reference guide to space science and astronomy. From the latest dramatic images transmitted by the Hubble Telescope to the possibility of fossil life from Mars, space stories are hitting the headlines as never before. as we begin the third millennium, more and more people are looking outside out world for a truly cosmic vision of the future. the DK Space Encyclopedia celebrates our newfound status as citizens of the universe, rather than mere inhabitants of planet Earth. Comprehensive and thoroughly up to date, the DK Space Encyclopedia is the definitive guide to the cosmos. The defining achievements of the 20th century has been the exploration of space. On a practical level, access to space has transformed the way we live. communications, weather forecasting, mineral prospecting, and even warfare are all now controlled from Earth orbit. and out more distant forays into space have yielded astonishing rewards. Like Renaissance navigators who sailed uncharted oceans, our probes have been discovering "new worlds" -- in this case, not strange continents but our neighboring planets. Just a few decades ago, these planets were fuzzy disks even the world's biggest telescopes. Now they are future destinations for humankind, with mountains, valleys, canyons, volcanoes, atmospheres, and possible even primitive life-forms. Unlike brain surgery, astronomy is one of the few sciences in which the amateur can play an active -- even important -- role. The DK Space Encyclopedia includes a detailed section on practical astronomy, with clear star maps,advice on what to observe, and even instructions for making a simple telescope. Equipment used by today's amateurs -- including computers and charge-coupled devices that amplify light -- is more sophisticated than that available to professionals just a generation ago. As a result, backyard stargazers are able to complement the work done by top scientists at the world's greatest observatories and by the Hubble Space Telescope. The DK Space Encyclopedia shows that anyone can become an astronomer: The sky's the limit.
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The most beautiful, best organized family information sources yet for our galaxy and beyond... packed with amazing pictures, diagrams, and facts that no space fan should miss. (Amazon.com)
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This massive yet inviting book and its accompanying CD will keep young skybuffs spellbound. (Kansas City Star )
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Written in a clear, concise manner which never condescends, the text is especially well-done for a science reference book... an indispensable book for any family. (Highly recommended) (Writerswrite.com)
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Older children and adults who are fascinated by the cosmos will find hours of enjoyment with this book. (First Coast Parent)
About the Author
Heather Couper has always been interested in the heavens. While working as a research assistant at the Institute of Astronomy in Cambridge she decided to become a professional astronomer. In 1973, Heather obtained a B.Sc. in Astronomy/Physics at the University of Leicester. Upon graduation, her love for astronomy, space, science, and communication led her to expand into broadcasting and writing. Heather obtained the position of Lecturer at the Greenwich Planetarium in 1977. In her 5 years there, she gave talks to over 50,000 people. In 1988, Heather co-founded Pioneer Productions, one of the UK's top 30 independent television production companies. Over the last 15 years, Heather has hosted two British television series, produced and guested on numerous award-winning television programs and countless radio shows. Heather has also presented many programs for the BBC, including Starwatch, The Modern Magi, Down Your Way, The John Dunn Program, With Great Pleasure and Woman's Hour. She has guested on programs ranging from The Tingle Factor and Today to Start the Week and Science Now. In addition, Heather has had articles published in dozens of publications, including The Times, The Guardian, The Mail on Sunday, Country Life, and Cosmopolitan. Over the past several years, Heather has also won various awards such as a Gold Medal from New York TV Awards, an Honorary Doctor of Science from the University of Hertfordshire, and a Grand Award from New York Festivals. Heather was President of the Astronomical Association (1984-86), President of the Society for Popular Astronomy (1987-89), and Chairman of the 1993 Rhone-Poulenc Science Book Prizes. Today, Heather Couper is the author of almost 30 books about space and astronomy including her latest DK Space Encyclopedia, which she co-wrote with Nigel Henbest. Heather is a member of the Millennium Commission-a committee that decides on capital projects to mark the forthcoming Millennium. She is also an astronomy columnist for The Independent and presents the BBC World Service radio series Seeing Stars with Mr. Henbest. Heather lives near London, England and in her spare time enjoys spending time with her best friend and colleague Nigel Henbest, traveling, listening to classical music, bicycling, and making homemade wine. Nigel Henbest is a leading science enthusiast specializing in astronomy and space. He is an award-winning author, television producer, playwright, consultant and broadcaster. He received a BSc in Astronomy/Physics from the University of Leicester in 1971 and a MSc in Radio Astronomy from the University of Cambridge in 1974. After graduation, Nigel became interested in science related writing and producing. In 1985 Nigel began working in television as a consultant. He went on to produce and executive produce award-winning science programs. In 1988, he and Heather Couper founded Pioneer Productions, one of the top independent television production companies in the UK. In addition, Nigel co-wrote a play called It's All in the Stars!, which toured nationally in 1989-1990. Nigel has also penned over a thousand articles for publications such as International Christian Science Monitor, She Magazine, Science Now, Popular Astronomy, and Focus, Sky & Telescope. Today, Nigel Henbest is a columnist for The Independent, presenter of the BBC World Service radio series Seeing Stars with Heather Couper, guest lecturer on the international circuit, and the award-winning author of over thirty books. His latest book is DK Space Encyclopedia, which he co-wrote with Ms. Couper. Nigel lives near London, England. Helen Gavaghan is an international science and technology writer who has recently published an acclaimed book on satellites. Former technology editor and Washington correspondent for New Scientist, she has contributed to US, British, and French publications. David Hughes teaches astronomy at the University of Sheffield in England. A world expert on comets, asteroids, meteoroid dust, and Earth impacts, he regularly writes popular articles on astronomy for magazines and newspapers. Tony Jones writes on astronomy, science, and technology. He is a former research astronomer at Imperial College, London, and Manchester University. Dr. Jones is currently associate lecturer in science and astronomy with the Open University, a British-originated distance learning program using television, the internet, and other media. Robin Scagell is a writer on astronomy and author of numerous children's books on space. He is also vice president of the Society for Popular Astronomy. Carole Stott is an astronomer and space writer, author of more than 20 books for adults and children -- including the DK CD-ROM Encyclopedia of Space and the Universe -- and a regular contributor to encyclopedias and science magazines. She is also former head of the Old Royal Observatory at Greenwich, London.