The Universe Explained: A Cosmic Q and A

by Heather Couper, Nigel Henbest

Answers to the most popular astronomy questions of today.

Over the course of their illustrious work in astronomy, Heather Couper and Nigel Henbest collected hundreds of the most popular astronomy questions that they've been asked. In this book they explain the scientific answers to these questions with expertise and a healthy dose of humor. Below are just a few of the 185 questions they answer:




What would happen to an astronaut exposed to space? Can people live on Mars? Can an amateur astronomer make useful discoveries? Why do we have leap years and leap seconds? What are the most extreme conditions life can survive? Is there an edge to the Universe? What happens inside a black hole? Is Pluto a planet?
The Universe Explained answers questions about space travel; telescopes; the solar system; comets, asteroids and meteors; stars; black holes; the Milky Way and other galaxies; the big bang and space and time. As well, Couper and Henbest explore the possibility of life beyond our planet with up-to-date space discoveries and debunk persistent myths and legends.

The Universe Explained is a fun and informative book for anyone curious about astronomy.

Genres: Science, Astronomy, Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2018

Reviews

[Kelly K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have fun. Life is insignificant.

[alexander shay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Given how many books I've read on space at this point, varying between almost textbooks to coffee table books and a variety of things in between, I didn't learn a whole bunch of new stuff. This book, formatted as a Q&A, can't go into as much depth on subjects as previous books I have read. That said, that very format makes it a very digestible and inviting book. Even though I love space and planets and all that, the science (in particular the physics, and a bit of the chemistry) is a bit above my understanding, so the more textbook-style books can be a bit of a slog. This book only has a couple paragraphs per subject; each chapter groups things into handy categories; and each page has a subject heading formatted as a question the authors have received. I was actually surprised how quickly I read through it, and sort of wish I'd read this book before some of the other ones I'd read. It explains things very plainly and doesn't delve too deeply into the science side of things. It also has art and photographs, further helping to space things out and ease reading.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very conversational addressing of astronomical questions; an easy, but informative read.

[SHIVANSH NAGARIA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many great answers to commen questions.