In honor of our Beautiful Introduction to Telescopes event this past week, we have put together a reading list of books about space! Hosted by the Franklin Township Astronomy Club, this program explored some of the most incredible photographs ever taken of our solar system and deep space, while also introducing some of the basics of telescope use.
Are you interested in astronomy but were unable to attend our Telescopes event? Register for our We’re All Made of Dead Stars event on Wednesday, 10/27! Participants will learn about the formation, life, and violent death of stars, discovering how we (along with everything else) are made of the material left over from ancient dead stars.
“101 Objects to See in the Night Sky is a fun and practical guide to identifying and observing 101 of the most fascinating and exciting sights in the northern night sky. Designed for newcomers to astronomy, the book explains what can be seen using the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope.” -Goodreads.com
“From the basic concepts of how to observe space to the current theories on everything from black holes to red giants.
Interest in astronomy continues to grow stronger for readers of all ages. Recent astronomy titles, like History of Astronomy, have shown consistently strong sales. The Astronomy Bible is a comprehensive guide to the study of what lies beyond our planet. With this book readers can easily navigate the night sky, identify the constellations, and find planets, comets and galaxies.” -Goodreads.com
“What is the nature of space and time? How do we fit within the universe? How does the universe fit within us? There’s no better guide through these mind-expanding questions than acclaimed astrophysicist and best-selling author Neil deGrasse Tyson.
But today, few of us have time to contemplate the cosmos. So Tyson brings the universe down to Earth succinctly and clearly, with sparkling wit, in tasty chapters consumable anytime and anywhere in your busy day.” -Goodreads.com
“The most comprehensive field guide available to the fabulous mysteries above–a must-have for any enthusiast’s day pack or home library–from the go-to reference source for over 18 million nature lovers.” -Goodreads.com
“From one of the most dynamic rising stars in astrophysics, an accessible and eye-opening look—in the bestselling tradition of Sean Carroll and Carlo Rovelli—at the five different ways the universe could end, and the mind-blowing lessons each scenario reveals about the most important concepts in physics.” -Goodreads.com
“World-renowned physicist and futurist Michio Kaku explores in rich, accessible detail how humanity might gradually develop a sustainable civilization in outer space. With his trademark storytelling verve, Kaku shows us how science fiction is becoming reality: mind-boggling developments in robotics, nanotechnology, and biotechnology could enable us to build habitable cities on Mars; nearby stars might be reached by microscopic spaceships sailing through space on laser beams; and technology might one day allow us to transcend our physical bodies entirely.” -Goodreads.com
“Time is a mystery that does not cease to puzzle us. Philosophers, artists and poets have long explored its meaning while scientists have found that its structure is different from the simple intuition we have of it. From Boltzmann to quantum theory, from Einstein to loop quantum gravity, our understanding of time has been undergoing radical transformations. Time flows at different speeds in different places, the past and the future differ far less than we might think and the very notion of the present evaporates in the vast universe.” -Goodreads.com
“Urban Astronomy shows that nighttime lighting and the resultant brightening of the sky can be combatted and demonstrates how to make the best of poor conditions. Although the unaided eye may be able to pick out only a few hundred stars, binoculars or a small telescope will reveal many times that number . . .
The book’s nine chapters cover the basics of successful urban viewing, its “enemies” — weather and streetlights — and explain how to choose viewing targets and arm yourself with the right “weapons and ammunition” to find them. The book also covers indoor astronomy.” -Amazon.com
For questions about checking these books out, please leave a comment below, call the reference desk at 732-873-8700 ext. 111, or leave a message on our chat service.
Thanks for reading,
-George, FTPL
