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Space: A Visual Encyclopedia
Featuring a wealth of never-before-published NASA photographs, charts, stories, and contributions by NASA astronauts and experts, A Visual Encyclopedia is a comprehensive exploration of space from our nearest planets and stars to far-off galaxies. Supports the Common Core State Standards.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published June 21, 2010
9 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 19, 2021
"The Earth is the cradle of mankind - one cannot remain in the cradle forever." - Konstantin Tsiolkovsky
An excellent book for general space info and contains a lot of good images. This took me longer to read than I thought it would as there was a lot of information present, including a decent bit that I didn't know yet. This is a book that I will regret having to return to the library as it really was a great encyclopedia to have around at home.
An excellent book for general space info and contains a lot of good images. This took me longer to read than I thought it would as there was a lot of information present, including a decent bit that I didn't know yet. This is a book that I will regret having to return to the library as it really was a great encyclopedia to have around at home.
January 26, 2024
This book explains the structure of the universe in a very easy-to-understand.
I was engrossed in reading, and about 5 hours had passed.
5 hours have passed because I live on Earth.
Before the Big Bang, there was no concept of time.
⟪Summary⟫
★The Universe
Scientists believe that the universe was born in a huge fireball about 13.7 billion years ago.
This “Big Bang” was the beginning of everything: time and space, as well as all the matter and energy in the universe. After the Big Bang, space began to expand and time began to flow.
Scientists estimate that there must be about 10 thousand billion billion stars in the universe—more than the number of grains of sand on all the beaches on Earth.
There are at least 100 billion galaxies in the universe.
Some are enormous, containing hundreds of billions of stars.
The vastness of the universe, Earth is just a tiny dot. In fact, an alien flying through our galaxy would probably not even notice our little planet.
★Dark matter
Dark matter is the universe’s biggest mystery.
Astronomers can tell that there is something invisible in the spaces between stars, since it’s creating enough of a gravitational pull to bend starlight as it travels toward Earth.
However, no one knows what dark matter looks like or what it is made from.
★Dark Energy
In addition to dark matter, astronomers think the universe is full of dark energy.
In fact, about 70 percent of the universe is made of this stuff, although no one has ever seen it. Scientists suspect it’s there because something is making the universe expand at an ever-increasing rate.
However, no one is sure what this energy is or where it came from.
★FUTURE UNIVERSE
For many years, scientists believed that the pull of gravity from the stars and galaxies would gradually slow down the expansion of the universe.
However, recent observations suggest that this expansion is accelerating.
If it is true, the galaxies will get farther and farther apart. No more stars will form, black holes will disappear, and the universe will end as a cold, dark, lifeless, and empty place
I was engrossed in reading, and about 5 hours had passed.
5 hours have passed because I live on Earth.
Before the Big Bang, there was no concept of time.
⟪Summary⟫
★The Universe
Scientists believe that the universe was born in a huge fireball about 13.7 billion years ago.
This “Big Bang” was the beginning of everything: time and space, as well as all the matter and energy in the universe. After the Big Bang, space began to expand and time began to flow.
Scientists estimate that there must be about 10 thousand billion billion stars in the universe—more than the number of grains of sand on all the beaches on Earth.
There are at least 100 billion galaxies in the universe.
Some are enormous, containing hundreds of billions of stars.
The vastness of the universe, Earth is just a tiny dot. In fact, an alien flying through our galaxy would probably not even notice our little planet.
★Dark matter
Dark matter is the universe’s biggest mystery.
Astronomers can tell that there is something invisible in the spaces between stars, since it’s creating enough of a gravitational pull to bend starlight as it travels toward Earth.
However, no one knows what dark matter looks like or what it is made from.
★Dark Energy
In addition to dark matter, astronomers think the universe is full of dark energy.
In fact, about 70 percent of the universe is made of this stuff, although no one has ever seen it. Scientists suspect it’s there because something is making the universe expand at an ever-increasing rate.
However, no one is sure what this energy is or where it came from.
★FUTURE UNIVERSE
For many years, scientists believed that the pull of gravity from the stars and galaxies would gradually slow down the expansion of the universe.
However, recent observations suggest that this expansion is accelerating.
If it is true, the galaxies will get farther and farther apart. No more stars will form, black holes will disappear, and the universe will end as a cold, dark, lifeless, and empty place
October 6, 2020
Cosmos for dummies. General information and beautiful illustrations. Very cool.
September 8, 2022
Love this book so much
July 19, 2024
Amazing!!
December 15, 2023
Houston... we have a problem.
November 15, 2023
Space: A visual encyclopedia. (2010). New York: Dorling Kindersley Limited.
Citation by: Sarah Hope Tyler
Type of Reference: Encyclopedia
Call Number: 520 S7321 2010
Content/Scope: Featuring over 100 images from NASA, this visual encyclopedia takes users on a visually-stunning exploration of space, discussing a myriad of related topics, such as seeing light, the Hubble space telescope, galaxy formation, how rockets work, humans and animals in space, the solar system, earth, the moon, the sun, and stargazing. According to the introduction, the encyclopedia features four types of resources, general articles on numerous topics, such as launch centers, detailed profiles of the planets in our solar system, fact files on various topics, such as telescopes, and photo spreads that capture items of interest, such as exploding stars.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: Published in 2010, the encyclopedia is accurate regarding the reclassification of Pluto to being a dwarf planet, in the section “Pluto and Beyond.” In the “Early Ideas” section, the encyclopedia offers both the geocentric and heliocentric theories of the solar system’s order, yet bias exists in the “Birth of the Universe,” section since it details the “Big Bang” theory, without mentioning that some individuals adhere to a creationist perspective of the universe’s origin; evolutionary bias also exists in the “Birth of the Solar System” section and in the “Life on Earth” section. Authority is evident in the fact that the title was published by Dorling Kindersley and has Peter Bond as its consultant, author of the award-winning DK Guide to Space and a well-known science journalist. The two-page “Acknowledgments” section provides attribution for the reproduction of photographs from various sources, which aids in its credibility as a resource.
Arrangement/Presentation: Divided into nine chapters, the encyclopedia offers the big picture of the universe before discussing rockets and humans in space. Once such topics as astronaut requirements and space tourism have been detailed, the solar system is profiled in-depth, with typically two sections for each planet. The Earth, Moon, and Sun each have their own chapters, before users are introduced to stars; this last chapter brings users back to Earth with information on how to be a stargazer and the constellations visible in the northern sky and southern sky. A timeline aids in understanding the shifts in thinking about space and the various experiments and missions undergone.
Relation to Other Works: Since the current reference collection does not include any materials on space in general, this encyclopedia would greatly enhance the library media center’s holdings and would support the astronaut biographies and non-fiction titles on the individual planets. It would be an excellent complement The Astronaut Handbook, adding rich photography and details more appropriate for older elementary students on the training of astronauts and life in space.
Accessibility/Diversity: Recommended for students in kindergarten through eighth grade, this encyclopedia is accessible to all elementary grades. Reluctant readers and early elementary students will enjoy browsing the spectacular photographs and reading the interesting text boxes which detail specific people, events, and things connected to space in some way. Gifted and talented students and some special education students will appreciate the details on the Earth, Moon, and Sun, provided in their individual sections. A four-page glossary aids students in understanding specific scientific terminology as the words relate to space and helps in language acquisition for English language learners, since words such as geyser and billion are defined, while a six-page index increases students' ability to find needed information independently and quickly.
Cost: $24.99
Professional Review: Albright, K. (2011). Space: A visual encyclopedia. Library Media Connection, 29(6), 96.
Citation by: Sarah Hope Tyler
Type of Reference: Encyclopedia
Call Number: 520 S7321 2010
Content/Scope: Featuring over 100 images from NASA, this visual encyclopedia takes users on a visually-stunning exploration of space, discussing a myriad of related topics, such as seeing light, the Hubble space telescope, galaxy formation, how rockets work, humans and animals in space, the solar system, earth, the moon, the sun, and stargazing. According to the introduction, the encyclopedia features four types of resources, general articles on numerous topics, such as launch centers, detailed profiles of the planets in our solar system, fact files on various topics, such as telescopes, and photo spreads that capture items of interest, such as exploding stars.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: Published in 2010, the encyclopedia is accurate regarding the reclassification of Pluto to being a dwarf planet, in the section “Pluto and Beyond.” In the “Early Ideas” section, the encyclopedia offers both the geocentric and heliocentric theories of the solar system’s order, yet bias exists in the “Birth of the Universe,” section since it details the “Big Bang” theory, without mentioning that some individuals adhere to a creationist perspective of the universe’s origin; evolutionary bias also exists in the “Birth of the Solar System” section and in the “Life on Earth” section. Authority is evident in the fact that the title was published by Dorling Kindersley and has Peter Bond as its consultant, author of the award-winning DK Guide to Space and a well-known science journalist. The two-page “Acknowledgments” section provides attribution for the reproduction of photographs from various sources, which aids in its credibility as a resource.
Arrangement/Presentation: Divided into nine chapters, the encyclopedia offers the big picture of the universe before discussing rockets and humans in space. Once such topics as astronaut requirements and space tourism have been detailed, the solar system is profiled in-depth, with typically two sections for each planet. The Earth, Moon, and Sun each have their own chapters, before users are introduced to stars; this last chapter brings users back to Earth with information on how to be a stargazer and the constellations visible in the northern sky and southern sky. A timeline aids in understanding the shifts in thinking about space and the various experiments and missions undergone.
Relation to Other Works: Since the current reference collection does not include any materials on space in general, this encyclopedia would greatly enhance the library media center’s holdings and would support the astronaut biographies and non-fiction titles on the individual planets. It would be an excellent complement The Astronaut Handbook, adding rich photography and details more appropriate for older elementary students on the training of astronauts and life in space.
Accessibility/Diversity: Recommended for students in kindergarten through eighth grade, this encyclopedia is accessible to all elementary grades. Reluctant readers and early elementary students will enjoy browsing the spectacular photographs and reading the interesting text boxes which detail specific people, events, and things connected to space in some way. Gifted and talented students and some special education students will appreciate the details on the Earth, Moon, and Sun, provided in their individual sections. A four-page glossary aids students in understanding specific scientific terminology as the words relate to space and helps in language acquisition for English language learners, since words such as geyser and billion are defined, while a six-page index increases students' ability to find needed information independently and quickly.
Cost: $24.99
Professional Review: Albright, K. (2011). Space: A visual encyclopedia. Library Media Connection, 29(6), 96.
Read
June 20, 2012Reviewed by: Ashley Browning
Format: Encyclopedia
Item Title (APA Style):
DK. (2010). Space: A visual encyclopedia. New York: DK.
Call number:
QB46 .S693 2010
Reviewed in:
Albright, K. (2011). Book reviews. [Review of the book Space: A visual encyclopedia, by DK]. Library Media Connection, 29(6): 96 Retrieved June 17, 2012, from Academic Search Premier.
Description:
This book provides a basic introduction of a wide variety of topics about space.
Relevance and Relationship—
This book would be appropriate for the collection analyzed during my field experience hours because this encyclopedia contains current information on the topic. This encyclopedia would be an excellent resource for teachers and students during space science units. The list price for this book is $21.25 which is very affordable.
Purpose:—
This book covers a variety of topics and includes these sections: “Observing the Universe,” which covers a definition of space, a history of viewing the stars, telescopes, and observatories. Other chapters include “The Violent Universe,” “Solar System,” “Earth,” “The Moon,” and “The Sun.” “Liftoff” features information on space shuttles, satellites, and rockets. “Humans in Space” discusses our exploration of the universe (animals in space, space stations, and the future of space exploration). A final “Stars and Stargazing” section describes stars, other solar systems, and what you can see in the night sky.
Validity—
DK is a reputable publisher and the book has positive reviews in Booklist, Library Media Connection, and Library Journal.
Format–
This book is in print. Information is divided into nine sections and in each section topics are examined on two pages featuring a title, large-font introductory paragraph, several medium-sized-font paragraphs of supporting information, and several photographs with captions that provide additional details.
Arrangement and Presentation:
Includes an index and references.
Diversity:
This book is available in English and is appropriate for children in grades 3-6.
Format: Encyclopedia
Item Title (APA Style):
DK. (2010). Space: A visual encyclopedia. New York: DK.
Call number:
QB46 .S693 2010
Reviewed in:
Albright, K. (2011). Book reviews. [Review of the book Space: A visual encyclopedia, by DK]. Library Media Connection, 29(6): 96 Retrieved June 17, 2012, from Academic Search Premier.
Description:
This book provides a basic introduction of a wide variety of topics about space.
Relevance and Relationship—
This book would be appropriate for the collection analyzed during my field experience hours because this encyclopedia contains current information on the topic. This encyclopedia would be an excellent resource for teachers and students during space science units. The list price for this book is $21.25 which is very affordable.
Purpose:—
This book covers a variety of topics and includes these sections: “Observing the Universe,” which covers a definition of space, a history of viewing the stars, telescopes, and observatories. Other chapters include “The Violent Universe,” “Solar System,” “Earth,” “The Moon,” and “The Sun.” “Liftoff” features information on space shuttles, satellites, and rockets. “Humans in Space” discusses our exploration of the universe (animals in space, space stations, and the future of space exploration). A final “Stars and Stargazing” section describes stars, other solar systems, and what you can see in the night sky.
Validity—
DK is a reputable publisher and the book has positive reviews in Booklist, Library Media Connection, and Library Journal.
Format–
This book is in print. Information is divided into nine sections and in each section topics are examined on two pages featuring a title, large-font introductory paragraph, several medium-sized-font paragraphs of supporting information, and several photographs with captions that provide additional details.
Arrangement and Presentation:
Includes an index and references.
Diversity:
This book is available in English and is appropriate for children in grades 3-6.
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June 21, 2012Lacy Cox
APA Citation: Bond, P. (2010). Space: A visual encyclopedia New York, NY: DK Publishing.
Reference: Encyclopedia
Call Number: Ref 478
Relevance & Relationship: Integrated Freshmen Science covers earth and space science as well as an Astronomy class. The book is listed for $24.99, but can be found cheaper online. There are other reference books about space but this is the only visual encyclopedia.
Purpose: The purpose of this book is to educate students with facts as well as visual representations of space. The book is applicable for students age 7 and up and can be used by all students at the high school level.
Validity: The School Library Journal states that it is an "exemplary" book for education. Its only two years old, but an updated copy should be purchased in the next few years to keep the high validity.
Format: This book is print and contains many pictures as the title states. Some pictures are full two page spreads and some are small pictures. Sections are spaced off to describe different topics of space.
Arrangement & Presentation: A glossary, table of contents, and alphabetical index all for multiple points of access.
Diversity: All learners including learners with special needs can enjoy this book. The pictures have great quality and explanations are easy to follow. Since the encyclopedia is mainly visual it differs from other reference books.
Citation Review: http://www.amazon.com/Space-Visual-En...
APA Citation: Bond, P. (2010). Space: A visual encyclopedia New York, NY: DK Publishing.
Reference: Encyclopedia
Call Number: Ref 478
Relevance & Relationship: Integrated Freshmen Science covers earth and space science as well as an Astronomy class. The book is listed for $24.99, but can be found cheaper online. There are other reference books about space but this is the only visual encyclopedia.
Purpose: The purpose of this book is to educate students with facts as well as visual representations of space. The book is applicable for students age 7 and up and can be used by all students at the high school level.
Validity: The School Library Journal states that it is an "exemplary" book for education. Its only two years old, but an updated copy should be purchased in the next few years to keep the high validity.
Format: This book is print and contains many pictures as the title states. Some pictures are full two page spreads and some are small pictures. Sections are spaced off to describe different topics of space.
Arrangement & Presentation: A glossary, table of contents, and alphabetical index all for multiple points of access.
Diversity: All learners including learners with special needs can enjoy this book. The pictures have great quality and explanations are easy to follow. Since the encyclopedia is mainly visual it differs from other reference books.
Citation Review: http://www.amazon.com/Space-Visual-En...
Read
April 26, 2015Space: A visual encyclopedia. (2010). New York: Dorling Kindersley Limited.
Citation by: Katheryn Campbell
Type of Reference: Encyclopedia
Call Number: Ref 478
Content/Scope: Offers never-before-published NASA photographs, charts, and stories from NASA astronauts and experts. There are 256 pages, and the encyclopedia recommends users grades 2-7.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: Published in 2010, the encyclopedia is accurate regarding the information it contains. The School Library Journal considers it to be not only eye-catching, but exemplary. DK publishing is also a reputable source.
Arrangement/Presentation: The encyclopedia offers a glossary, table of contents, and an alphabetical index all for multiple points of access. It also contains an overall introduction of information, as well as nine chapters.
Relation to Other Works: This is the only DK published encyclopedia on space I could find, but there are many other space encyclopedias published by National Geographic.
Accessibility/Diversity: This encyclopedia is recommended for students 2nd- 7th grade, although it is accessible to all elementary grades. The glossary helps students understand the heavily, difficult terminology about space. The ESL and ELL students can benefit from having visual aids to help with the difficult terminology.
Cost: $24.99
Professional Review: Albright, K. (2011). Space: A visual encyclopedia. Library Media Connection, 29(6), 96.
Citation by: Katheryn Campbell
Type of Reference: Encyclopedia
Call Number: Ref 478
Content/Scope: Offers never-before-published NASA photographs, charts, and stories from NASA astronauts and experts. There are 256 pages, and the encyclopedia recommends users grades 2-7.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: Published in 2010, the encyclopedia is accurate regarding the information it contains. The School Library Journal considers it to be not only eye-catching, but exemplary. DK publishing is also a reputable source.
Arrangement/Presentation: The encyclopedia offers a glossary, table of contents, and an alphabetical index all for multiple points of access. It also contains an overall introduction of information, as well as nine chapters.
Relation to Other Works: This is the only DK published encyclopedia on space I could find, but there are many other space encyclopedias published by National Geographic.
Accessibility/Diversity: This encyclopedia is recommended for students 2nd- 7th grade, although it is accessible to all elementary grades. The glossary helps students understand the heavily, difficult terminology about space. The ESL and ELL students can benefit from having visual aids to help with the difficult terminology.
Cost: $24.99
Professional Review: Albright, K. (2011). Space: A visual encyclopedia. Library Media Connection, 29(6), 96.
March 4, 2016
I was using this book (borrowed from the library) as a supplement for our class on the Solar System and I liked it so much that I bought it so we can take our time and look through it as our leisure. The photographs and illustrations are beautiful and informative. I love the "factoid" format - it makes reading through it much easier for the boys.
January 15, 2013
I really liked this book. I decided to get it from the book fair because it looked interesting. It has a lot of good information and is filled with amazing pictures. I would recommend this to anybody who wants to learn more about space.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews