Space Atlas, Second Edition - 2nd Edition by James Trefil (Hardcover)

About the Book

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.

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"This second edition of what's now become a classic off-Earth atlas runs the gamut from constellation star guides to annotated planetary maps based on the latest wave of space missions (including Messenger's voyage to Mercury and New Horizons' flyby of Pluto). Because it's a National Geographic production, there are lots of magazine-quality photos and sumptuous graphics." -GeekWire

"Full of charts, maps, and stunning photographs, the Space Atlas is a deeply informative and beautiful book...Anything notable in space gets a proper treatment in this book and the depth of information is incredible, all while remaining accessible and easy to understand." -Boingboing.net

"National Geographic's Space Atlas combines updated maps, lavish photographs, and elegant illustrations to chart the solar system, the universe, and beyond...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."
-Leonarddavid.com

"Not only did I thoroughly enjoy reading Buzz Aldrin's forward, I really loved losing a sense of time and space staring at the nearly sparkling images of nebulae in the book." -Scirens.com

"Author James Trefil educates us and pushes the limits of the reader's imagination. You will love this book!" -EDN Network

"This new edition captures the latest discoveries and describes what they will mean to our future with beautiful images and perspectives that make this an essential book to have - on paper - in your home." -SciFi Generation

"I don't often tell you to go out and get yourself a copy, but in this case, I have to stress it, and tell you that you would be missing out so much, if you didn't get a copy of this brilliant book for your own home." - Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

"It is SO WORTH IT...I personally love the star charts and foreword by Buzz Aldrin."
--Instagram: @notthepathtonarnia

"This book has a way of touching your soul and making you think." -Ms. Nose in a Book

"You guys...this book is gorgeous! It is coffee table eye candy!...For me, this book would be totally worth the price for the images alone." -Jackie Reads Books

"If space interests you at all, even a little, this book is a must-have." -Literary Quicksand

About the Author

JAMES TREFIL, Clarence J. Robinson Professor of Physics at George Mason University, is internationally recognized not only as a distinguished scientist but also as an expert in making complex scientific ideas understandable. He is the author of numerous magazine articles and books on science for the general public, including National Geographic's The Story of Innovation. He lives in Fairfax, Virginia, with his wife.