Cosmic Adventure: Other Secrets Beyond the Night Sky

by Bob Berman

Have you ever wondered what happened before the Big Bang, or how we would colonize Mars, or what an alien invasion might really be like? Astronomer Bob Berman has, and in Cosmic Adventure, a collection of twenty-six profound to outrageous essays, he takes readers on a mind-bending tour of the universe, including our own planet Earth. From the most extraordinary cosmic phenomena to the basics of the natural world, Berman challenges us to look at the facts, discoveries, concepts, and awesome wonders of our cosmos in a new light. Written in entertaining, jargon-free language that even a novice stargazer will understand, Cosmic Adventure is a fun-filled, thought-provoking exploration of the secrets beyond the night sky. Bob Berman takes you on a stellar journey in this collection of twenty-five essays that display a lively mix of science, astounding facts, personal anecdotes, and sheer playfulness. Complex, mind-stretching scientific topics become understandable in human terms as Berman links astronomy to our lives. He explores strange new mysteries raised by recent discoveries, and covers areas that haven't been discussed anywhere else before. From the "night terrors" that have haunted humankind since time immemorial to the penniless eccentric who sleeps inside the revolutionary telescope he designed, Berman's scope ranges far and wide. Cosmic Adventure explains aspects of the physical world that have often piqued our curiosity. Who gets to name the stars? What would an alien invasion really be like? What's the inside story behind space program disasters? Why was the early Hubble goof avoidable? What's the only original idea in recent science? Why does time probably not exist at all?

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Astronomy

272 pages, Paperback

First published November 4, 1998

About the author

Bob Berman is one of America's top astronomy writers. For many years, he wrote the popular "Night Watchman" column for Discover magazine. He is currently a columnist for Astronomy magazine and a host on NPR's Northeast Public Radio, and he is the science editor of the Old Farmer's Almanac.

Reviews

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book about the cosmos,from galaxies and black holes to even more exotic objects. Berman also offers a look at more familiar territory and a kind look at human nature. He sometimes inserts encouraging observations: "a sad interlude often leads to happy finales, destructive novas generate star birth." And,"if something is infinite , then no finite amount of screwing up can do real damage."

Messier,searching for comets, became exasperated and made a list of annoying objects that interfered with his effort; the list proved to be the 103 most amazing sights in the night sky.

A mass of information,not always easy,but well presented and often thrilling.

[jaccimae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible read....and to think there exists a person who actually believed they could buy the sun! Anyone intereested in naming a star? When I met Bob Berman he captured me and all other thoughts, troubled as they were, seem to disappear for awhile. I will always treasure what he wrote for me.."With wishes for clear skies". I do believe better days are in store for me and my loved ones.

[Jim Foley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been reading Bob Berman's columns in Astronomy Magazine for years now. He has a gift for looking at everyday occurances from a new perspective, and making them incredibly interesting. He has applied that skill to this book. I have more than a layman's knowledge of Astronomy, but I learned something new on every page.

[Bull · Rating 1 out of 5]

Held some promise as a source for deeper understanding of the cosmos but wandered into his politics and bullsh*t, which distracted me. About 20% of his chapters were nuggets, the rest very light weight, superficial

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yay space! Although I didn't understand all of it, this was fun and interesting. It's written in short, independent chapters melding scientific tidbits and the author's personal life history.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very engaging and informative. Teaches you the part of astronomy that you get in school unless you take a specialized class.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

really enjoy this author