The universe through the eyes of an astronomer is a fascinating place and a good book can give you a glimpse of that world without requiring years of study. To taste that astonishing world, we put together a list of ten books that can blow you away. Astronomy is a great place to start reading and gift yourself understanding about the surreal world of galaxies, stars and planets. Here are our top ten picks:
1. Astrophysics for people in a Hurry by Neil deGrass Tyson
Astrophysics has always been a tough, enigmatic and an intriguing topic for beginners in the respective field and space enthusiasts alike. Mind numbing questions like the nature of space and time, our place within the universe, and what not have been tackled brilliantly by the
acclaimed astrophysicist and best-selling author Neil deGrasse Tyson.
While waiting for your morning coffee to brew, or while waiting for the bus or the plane to arrive, Astrophysics for People in a Hurry will reveal just what you need to be fluent on topics from the Big Bang to black holes, from quarks to quantum mechanics, and from the search for planets to the search for life in the universe.
2. A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking
A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking is a New York Times Best Seller. The record-breaking book remained at the top position for more than 143 weeks and sold over 10 million copies globally in 20 years. This book has become a landmark volume in scientific writing.
The renowned physicist breaks down black holes, space and time, the theory of general relativity and much more, and makes it accessible to those of us who aren’t rocket scientists. The book is a great primer for anyone who wants to learn more about the origins of the universe and where it’s all heading.
3. Light of the Stars: Alien Worlds and the Fate of the Earth by Adam Frank
Thrilling science at the grandest of scales, Light of the Stars explores what may be the largest question of all: What can the likely presence of life on other worlds tell us about our own.
In this book, the author studies the changes in the climate of other planets and asks us to strengthen our resolve to kick our bad environment practices by suggesting that those changes could take place on Earth, too. For example, he cites evidence that Mars once had liquid water and a thick atmosphere — friendly conditions for life. Apparently, climates can drastically change over time.
4. Black Holes: The Reith Lectures by Stephen Hawking
In 2016 Professor Stephen Hawking delivered the BBC Reith Lectures on a subject that fascinated him for decades – black holes. The book is assembled especially for black holes enthusiasts; from the discovery. The short 64-page book discusses everything (including formation, behaviour, and more) about the bizarre black holes and with detailed graphical illustrations.
5. Far Out: A space Time Chronicle by Michael Benson
Far Out: A Space-Time Chronicle, by author and filmmaker Michael Benson, assembles an outstanding collection of astronomical images from observatories around the world and in space. Far out is one of the most premium titles to make up for this list, from a top-selling author and filmmaker. The Hardcover version features very high-quality images.
It is an outstanding collection of breath-taking, never-before-published photographs captured via telescopes, satellites, and other sophisticated instruments from around the globe. But it’s not just an album! It’s full of excellent and informative reading material. The book suits people of all ages, from kids to older ones who love pictures. It’s the best astronomy book for a not-so-much-of-a-text fan.
6. Calculating The Cosmos by Ian Stewart
A prize-winning popular science writer uses mathematical modelling to explain the cosmos.
In Calculating the Cosmos, Ian Stewart presents an exhilarating guide to the cosmos, from our solar system to the entire universe. He describes the architecture of space and time, dark matter and dark energy, how galaxies form, why stars implode, how everything began, and how it’s all going to end. He considers parallel universes, the fine-tuning of the cosmos for life, what forms extra-terrestrial life might take, and the likelihood of life on Earth being snuffed out by an asteroid.
7. Cosmos by Carl Sagan
The Cosmos is written by astronomer, cosmologist and science populariser Carl Sagan. It is considered as one of the best non-fiction science-themed book ever. The 13-chapter reading explains the hardcore topics of the universe in a way that is easy even on a layman.
It dives into every aspect of the universe. The title takes the reader on a fascinating journey where it touches various hot topics, including anthropology, cosmology, biology, history, and astronomy. The book complements the popular TV show of the same name. The “Cosmos by Carl Sagan” is something every science person needs to read.
8. Nightwatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe by Terence Dickinson
It’s an original title for stargazers, from an award-winning author Terence Dickinson. The handbook is filled with a lot of high-quality photographs and smooth readings. It’s a practical guide to teach you everything, from choosing your first telescope to how to see the sky better and overall understanding of the universe. In other words, Nightwatch is the most significant mate for space lovers of all types.
9. Parallel Worlds by Michio Kaku
Michio Kaku, a highly renowned cosmologist on earth, will guide you to answer some of the most provocative questions like; Is our universe dying? Or could there be other universes?
And more. The best-selling author puts the most exciting title together. He will take you on a fascinating tour of cosmology, M-theory, and its implications for the fate of the universe.
10. ‘The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark’ By Carl Sagan and Ann Druyan
The book explains to laypeople just what science is, and how researchers use the process of scientific inquiry to understand the universe around us. In this stirring, brilliantly argued book, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author shows how scientific thinking can cut through prejudice and hysteria and uncover the truth, and how it is necessary to safeguard our democratic institutions and our technical civilization.
