Not for everyone, but if you have an interest in the space programs of the US and USSR/Russia, this is essentially a biography of them. I found it intNot for everyone, but if you have an interest in the space programs of the US and USSR/Russia, this is essentially a biography of them. I found it interesting, not exciting.
I'm glad I listened but wouldn't recommend unless you have a high interest....more
The grumpus23 (23-word commentary) How we know what we know about our terrestrial neighbors in our solar system. Eloquently and clearly explained for bThe grumpus23 (23-word commentary) How we know what we know about our terrestrial neighbors in our solar system. Eloquently and clearly explained for both layperson and authority....more
Just okay...while some of the facts were interesting, I cringed at every bad attempt at humor. Likely would have earned another star with that simple Just okay...while some of the facts were interesting, I cringed at every bad attempt at humor. Likely would have earned another star with that simple elimination....more
More and more of these near-earth objects are being discovered everyday. This book chronicles the various types of objects that Earth encounters as weMore and more of these near-earth objects are being discovered everyday. This book chronicles the various types of objects that Earth encounters as we go merrily along our orbit around the sun and march through the galaxy, the search efforts to find them, and the options we have should we discover one on a a collison course with this place we call home.
Nothing to worry about now (as far as we know) but on April 13, 2029, flyby of asteroid Apophis will be one for the record books. On that date, Apophis will become the one of the closest flybys of an asteroid of its size when it comes approximately 19, 400 miles (31,300 kilometers) above Earth's surface. On average, an asteroid the size of Apophis, 1,066 feet (325 meters) can be expected to impact Earth about every 80,000 years. For perspective, if the distance to the moon equals one, then this asteroid will pass within 0.08 lunar distances. ...more
This is a book that educates. Astronomy is one of my interests/hobbies and I still learned a lot from reading this. I especially enjoyed the historicaThis is a book that educates. Astronomy is one of my interests/hobbies and I still learned a lot from reading this. I especially enjoyed the historical aspect regarding the discoveries of the outer planets. To live those times when skies were light pollution free and ordinary folk could contribute so much *sigh*.
The book is written by two astronomers with opposing viewpoints as to whether Pluto should be designated a planet. The first part of the book is the historical timeline bringing us to the crucial vote in August 2006 and then each author makes his case for Pluto's planetary status at the end of the book.
It was very enlightening to have all the facts from both sides of the debate presented to you (other than just the sensational media version) for you to make your own decision. It was surprising to learn that it is mainly in the US that Pluto's demotion caused so much controversy. Why? Because of the Disney character.
So, Pluto, planet or not? In my opinion, no. The facts presented in the book have changed my opinion and will allow you to make your own informed decision too. ...more
I give up...dull, dry and too much about his ex-wife and current wife that are not germaine to the subject of the book in my opinion. I had such high I give up...dull, dry and too much about his ex-wife and current wife that are not germaine to the subject of the book in my opinion. I had such high hopes going in but it met none of my expectations.
Books I cannot finish are like a failed relationship. They don't make me angry but instead disappointed for the loss of what could of been....more
Oh, to have been an astronomer in the heyday in the early 1900s. I've always wanted to be an astronomer (was never good in physics). Now I know what tOh, to have been an astronomer in the heyday in the early 1900s. I've always wanted to be an astronomer (was never good in physics). Now I know what time I would have ideally wanted to be one. Everything was new...the telescopes, the country, the skies were free from light pollution, and the glory of discovery. Oh, to dream....more
Astronomy has been a hobby of mine for nearly 40 years. This little book gave a great synopsis of the night sky for beginners and then had profiles ofAstronomy has been a hobby of mine for nearly 40 years. This little book gave a great synopsis of the night sky for beginners and then had profiles of the brightest stars visible from Earth. I learned many new things about star types, star lore, and especially cool was what the sky would look like from a planet orbiting these stars.
Did you know from the star Vega, our sun would be the north star in their sky? ...more
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