Space Atlas: Mapping the Universe and Beyond

by James S. Trefil, Buzz Aldrin (Foreword)

Space Atlas combines updated maps, lavish photographs, and elegant illustrations to chart the solar system, the universe, and beyond. For space enthusiasts, science lovers, and star gazers, here is the newly revised edition of National Geographic's enduring guide to space, with a new introduction by American hero Buzz Aldrin.

In this guided tour of our planetary neighborhood, the Milky Way and other galaxies, and beyond, detailed maps and fascinating imagery from recent space missions partner with clear, authoritative scientific information. Starting with the sun and moving outward into space, acclaimed science writer and physicist James Trefil illuminates each planet, the most important moons, significant asteroids, and other objects in our solar system. Looking beyond, he explains what we know about the Milky Way and other galaxies--and how we know it, with clear explanations of the basics of astrophysics, including dark matter and gravitational waves. For this new edition, and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his moonwalk, astronaut and American hero Buzz Aldrin offers a new special section on Earth's moon and its essential role in space exploration past and future.

Genres: Science, Astronomy, Nonfiction, Space, Reference, Coffee Table Books, Nature

352 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2012

About the author

James S. Trefil (born 9/10/1938) is an American physicist (Ph.D. in Physics at Stanford University in 1966) and author of more than thirty books. Much of his published work focuses on science for the general audience. Dr. Trefil has previously served as Professor of Physics at the University of Virginia and he now teaches as Robinson Professor of Physics at George Mason University. Among Trefil's books is Are We Unique?, an argument for human uniqueness in which he questions the comparisons between human intelligence and artificial intelligence. Trefil also regularly gives presentations to judges and public officials about the intersections between science and the law.

Reviews

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful second edition. Stunning graphics and pictures as expected by a National Geo publication. I like the 3-D imagery of solar system orbits that start the book. Detailed maps of each of the planets with excellent details. Prominent moons of other planets have enough detail now to provide full-page maps.

Text is easy to read. Lots of color in the book, but it does not interfere with ability to read. Black text on white book or white text on black skies. Easy on your eyes.

The milky way map is a poster I have on my wall at work. They even show a couple small but important facts in the lower right: Galactic and Ecliptic planes; and The Galactic Halo. Nice to see the earth's rotation relative to the galaxy. And the distribution of Dark matter and globular clusters.

Sun
Origins of Life
Exoplanets
Seti
Stars (HR Diagram - could have chosen a better HR pix)
Black holes
Gravitational waves
Dark Matter
The Universe - another poster I keep at work!
Cosmic Microwave Background
Galaxies (galore!)
Big Bang - another winning poster showing the recent knowledge of acceleration in expansion
End of the Universe
String Theory
Multiverse

What a great intro book to all this wonder of the Universe.
This belongs on all coffee tables, and displayed prominently (and easily accessible) at schools.

[Michael Gerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic book about the universe, filled with amazing photos and facts! And I got it for only 500 Pesos.

[Mryam Eswissi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iاذا كان بإستطاعتي أن أعطي أكثر من 5نجوم حتي وانا في الصفحة 200 ولم أكمله بعد لفعلت كتاب غني جدا جدا ويحوي الكثير من المعلومات عن هذا الكون العظيم والمذهل
أعتقد اني بحاجة الي قراءته مرات عديدة اخري

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of nice photographic maps of the planets & moons in our system. That's enough for me, but there's also a lot of other information includes that is just as wonderful. I'm looking forward to the updated edition which should include more information on Pluto and other trans-Neptuian objects in the Kuiper Belt.

[Daniele Grimolizzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Questo libro è un valido compagno per l'infinita vastità dello spazio, grazie alla sua incredibile cura e ricchezza di immagini ti accompagna nell'universo sconfinato, rendendoci più consapevoli di quello che sta oltre alla nostra amata Terra. Una volta letto questo libro, e conosciuto di più lo spazio, quando tornerai sulla terra continuerai a guardare verso il cielo, immaginando e sognando le meraviglie che si nascondono sopra le nostre teste.

[Michael Santini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Space Atlas is far more than a picture book for adults. The photography from the Hubble Space Telescope and USA spacecraft which have ventured into deep space is fantastic. Artist renderings of neutron stars, novas, black holes and galactic clusters, and as well as a host of other celestial bodies, is truly phenomenal. However, what really makes this book worthwhile is its ability to explain everything from the history of space exploration to general relativity to multi-universe theory in very simple terms. Your children will develop a love for the heavens, as the color photos work hand-in-hand with the writing . Anyone who has an interest in space will enjoy adding this to their collection.

[BERNIEZZ and NOO-BLLEEZ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing pictures with details that will keep you turning the next page for more

[Tyler Mower · Rating 4 out of 5]

SPACE! I can't get enough of it. My one wish for this book is that it could be a physical copy, that I can turn the pages, sit down on my couch to read, have Amazon play the best of John Williams, and have the book's pages automatically update with astronomy's most recent findings.

Even though this edition is not very old, some portions have already fallen behind the most recent discoveries. Nevertheless, the book presents space from a basic foundational aspect. Knowing that our knowledge of our solar system and beyond is constantly augmenting the book portrays what is believed to be consistent over time so that it can hold up for a while to come.

I love the photography and imagery used to show what is/may be happening deep within planets and across the cosmos. The wonders space presents to us never leaves me questioning, "That's it? Well that's lame." Instead, the photography presented here ignites in my mind a desire to dive deeper, to learn more, to understand what is going on. Not to mention the myriad of stories that play out in my mind as a result. For me little is required to spark my attention and desire to learn more when it comes to space. This book fanned that flame of curiosity within me and left me wanting more, more, more.

This Space Atlas is a great resource for youth who are exploring realms of learning. Who knows, perhaps it will motivate them to be Earths next Carl Sagan or Neil deGrasse Tyson. It is great for anyone who has an interest in space but is not looking for in-depth analysis and scientific jargon that is over their head. If you are an astrophysicist or regularly work with the Keck observatory the information in the book is probably too basic.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great detail and images, with understandable explanations of complex concepts. The detailed maps of the our solar system's planets and some moons are spectacular, and make this book a great purchase -- even though there certainly will be another edition within the next couple years, due to all the new exploration happening in the outer solar system.

[Cagatay Turhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfectly documented with incredible shoots and illustrations of space. A must for space enthusiasts.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Using dramatic illustrations, many courtesy of the Hubble Space Telescope, this book is an opportunity for readers to take a grand tour of the universe. Begin with our home solar system and its diverse planets and moons. Then move on to the home of our solar system, the Milky Way galaxy with its billions of stars. Here readers can trace the life cycle of our solar system’s sun, from its birth to its quiet end some six billion years yet to come.

Move into the universe, where galaxies are merely building blocks for billions and billions of stars. But the universe is not about single stars for starstuff is only a minor bit in a universe where dark matter and dark energy would seem to rule.

What do we know? What remains for us to learn?

No matter how much we learn about the universe and its many components, we still don’t have the answer. How did the universe begin? How did the universe end? We may never have all the answers, but here, hidden in the pictures and charts, are clues that will strengthen understanding about the small corner of the universe we call home and about the starstuff scattered throughout, the starstuff that flows through each of us.

Here readers will find imagery from observatories, from space missions, from x-ray and infrared telescopes. Along with maps of the planets and their moons, readers can glide through the universe of a mission of knowledge and discovery.

Highly recommended, especially for readers interested in expanding their knowledge of the universe.

[Taylor Rollo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good introduction to the universe in a lot of ways. He has good explanations of difficult concepts and really helpful illustrations and analogies. I definitely recommend it for that purpose.

To the more critical reader, the author has some frustrating, contradictory philosophical beliefs. He mentions on many occasions (with no evidence but just saying it) that humans are not special in the universe at all. Yet, he also argued that there is probably no other intelligent life out there in our universe, which is an odd combination.

Later he mentions the philosophical implications of the Big Bang, but does not address those at all until a page in the epilogue. He mentions the fine tuning of the universe, but then he retreats to String Theory Multiverse explanations, when he admits too that String Theory is untestable. So, he takes String Theory and the existence of a Multiverse on complete faith, though he is not willing to admit this.

This is not an uncommon attitude and contradiction, but it is frustrating at points. Yet, overall this is a helpful book full of good information and explanations.

[Jordan LaMagna-Meneghetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last book about space I read was all about the history of human space travel. This one was all about the science behind space, including quantum mechanics and astrophysics. This book was exactly what I was looking for. It starts by talking about our solar system, then branches out to the Milky Way galaxy, then to the universe, then to the possibilities of what lies outside of our universe. The book breaks down these complex structures into easily digestible facts and metaphors so the reader is able to get a better understanding. This book is the perfect introduction into the way space works and what we still don't know anything about. I look forward to reading more books regarding the science of space. I'm hooked.

[Aprilleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title Space Atlas implies a series of maps, and while this book does contain some maps, they are limited to two images of each planet, four of the night sky (what I expect from a "space atlas"), and an assortment of various subjects, like the solar system, Milky Way galaxy, etc. It’s not a collection of star maps like you would typically expect from the title. This is a richly-illustrated coffee-table book with enough information about our solar system and universe to whet your appetite for more. If you really want to dig into some astronomy, this is not the book for you. If you want to enjoy some amazing photographs and illustrations while learning some pretty cool stuff, this is definitely the place to start.

[Paul Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that describes the basics of what we know of space, but the text isn't why you read this book. It's the photographs.

Using images from Hubble, Voyager, and other space craft, as well as observatory photographs and artists renderings, the book takes us on a trip across the solar system, stopping at each of the planets and each type of space debris, then out across the galaxy and beyond.

The images are stunning and one can sit and stare at the detailed maps of the moon or Europa for hours. It is pure visual pleasure. I highly recommend this to everyone!

[book noobie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My version of best of the best from James Trefil. This is the first space book that i have hold and read to the end. Never missed any single details of it, and did not disappoint nor wasting my time. Every page is an open door to the outside world, to space. Easily explained and yet still very detailed, every sentence has become a new thing to learn.
With it's beautiful visuals combined with a great explanation always got me re-read this book again and again. Absolute perfection

[Ella Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

{No Spoilers} Amazing atlas on the view of space. I was intrigued and learned quite a lot while reading the atlas. My favorite planets in our Solar System were viewed much better after I finished. The atlas gave detail of everything in our solar system and beyond.

[Eman Elkfrawy · Rating 5 out of 5]

الأطلس ده كان هدية من اتنين من الأصدقاء لمعرفتهم بشغفي للفيزياء الفلكية وإنهم شافوا بعنيهم إن عيني كانت هتطلع على الكتاب بس كنا أخر الشهر فكنت مفلسة :").
الكتاب هيفضل من ضمن الهدايا المفضلة اللي جتلي للابد. ومن أجمل الكتب اللي قرأتها.
أتمنى في يوم اقرأه تاني لكن كعالمة فيزياء فلكية مش هاوية.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Space!

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful photos, maps, and illustrations. This book is just what I've come to expect from National Geographic books. Some of it is a bit outdated by now, but the writing is accessible and engaging.

[Frida Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

My only nonfiction read--but really interesting and special.

[Peachi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice book 📚

[Ray Savarda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, more up-to-date than most other similar books I have, a nice fast tour through all the planets, stars, universes and multiverses.

[Nathan Donovan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was pretty good. I learned some cool stuff.

[Hassan Hassan · Rating 5 out of 5]

ممتاز ةدا

[Amanda Turlington · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great beginner's entry into learning more about space, planets, and galaxies, as well as the laws and theories that govern them.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it. I haven’t really “read” the entire thing, but I get lost in time flipping through the pages. It’s gorgeous and informative.

[Aasiya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the book describes perfectly how everything in this book works. It’s probably the best book I’ve ever read about the topic!

[Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning!

[VVivacious · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The universe has its center everywhere and its edge nowhere."
- Nicolas of Cusa

This is definitely my first non-fiction review, but man, was this book amaaazzzing.

I have always had more than a passing interest in Astronomy, to the extent that in another universe, I'm probably an astrophysicist. While I have a working knowledge of science, more graphic scientific concepts are prone to scramble my mind, but the way this book presents facts is amazing, all concepts are explained simply, and serve as a good starting point for future in-depth analysis if you are interested in it. For me, this is definitely true, I loved this book so much that it has helped me discover something I have loved and lost for so long but something that has now returned to me, thanks to this wonderful webcomic which actually isn't centred on astronomy but the way Raziol talks about the stars set fire to my dormant love of astronomy and this book was perfect for renewing my passion.

I learnt so much more and I feel like the best thing this book does is serve as a good jumping point for further exploration of the mysteries of the universe.

This book starts with our solar system and goes on to explore our known universe, how it was created and how it will end but in a startling act of mimicry this book starts where my love of astronomy does with Nicolaus Copernicus (below, as seen illustarted in the book).

I have a starnge affinity to this guy, one because he is Polish (though this fact has no special significance to me, it is still point no. one) and second because I once lived in a place that was located on a road named after him. He was the proponent of the heliocentric view of our solar system as opposed to the geocentric one and that was the philosophy that changed our entire view of the universe.

With Copernicus, the human universe suddenly changed. No longer were Earth and humanity at the very centre of existence. Human beings were now inhabitants of just one of many bodies circling the Sun. Throughout this book the so-called Copernican principle will come into play - the notion that there is nothing particularly special about humanity and the planet that gave it birth. A principle I whole-heartedly accpet because this was what propelled a large magnitude of discovery and undertsanding of the cosmos.

There were so many concepts I first encountered in this book and they really helped further my undertsanding. This book is awesome and the greatest credit to its awesomeness is the fact that I couldn't put it down. I read the entire book in one go because I just couldn't let go, this book has blasted the spark in my heart to a raging inferno and I want more. The writing of this book is amazing, I found myself pausing to ponder this book's big reveals, enjoy the many viewpoints of people who have contributed to this science since prehistoric times and taking the time to note down some memorable quotes.

I loved this book so so much.

Also, I feel like this review will be incomplete without an emphasis on the maps. There are a whole horde of amazing maps of the universe, these images are surreal but what amazes me is the fact that we haven't fully explored our own backyard, our solar system still holds many places that have peeked our interests and require further exploration, at the same time these maps left me speechless to the sheer amount of work that has gone in assimilating the data that has been reproduced in these maps.

This book was a fascinating journey in space exploring bodies old and new.

Every day on Earth begins when one representative of the Milky Way galaxy, one very ordianry star, pokes its nose above the eastern horizon, and every day ends when that same star disappears in the west.