Astronomy | FrogenYozurt.Com - Online Literature Magazine

Near-Earth Objects: Finding Them Before They Find Us by Donald K. Yeomans

On December 23, 2012, in Book Reviews, Nonfiction, Science, by Editor

Yeomans takes readers behind the scenes of today’s efforts to find, track, and study near-Earth objects. He shows how the same comets and asteroids most likely to collide with us could also be mined for precious natural resources like water and oxygen, and used as watering holes and fueling stations for expeditions to Mars and the outermost reaches of our solar system.

Why Does the World Exist?: A Guided Tour of Ideas About the Origin of the Universe by Jim Holt

On July 11, 2012, in Book Reviews, Nonfiction, Science, by Editor

Whether framed philosophically as “Why is there a world rather than nothing at all?” or more colloquially as “But, Mommy, who made God?” the metaphysical mystery about how we came into existence remains the most fractious and fascinating question of all time. Following in the footsteps of Christopher Hitchens, Roger Penrose, and even Stephen Hawking, Jim Holt emerges with an engrossing narrative that traces our latest efforts to grasp the origins of the universe.

Chasing Venus: The Race to Measure the Heavens – A History of European Astronomers by Andrea Wulf

On May 21, 2012, in Book Reviews, History, Nonfiction, Science, by Editor

Chasing Venus brings to life the personalities of the eighteenth-century astronomers who embarked upon this complex and essential scientific venture, painting a vivid portrait of the collaborations, the rivalries, and the volatile international politics that hindered them at every turn. In the end, what they accomplished would change our conception of the universe and would forever alter the nature of scientific research.

A Universe from Nothing: Why There Is Something Rather than Nothing by Lawrence M. Krauss

On March 26, 2012, in Book Reviews, Nonfiction, Religious Studies, Science, by Editor

A fascinating antidote to outmoded philosophical and religious thinking, A Universe from Nothing is a provocative, game-changing entry into the debate about the existence of God and everything that exists. “Forget Jesus,” Krauss has argued, “the stars died so you could be born.”

Space Chronicles: Facing the Ultimate Frontier by Neil deGrasse Tyson

On February 29, 2012, in Book Reviews, Nonfiction, Science, by Editor

Neil deGrasse Tyson is a rare breed of astrophysicist, one who can speak as easily and brilliantly with popular audiences as with professional scientists. Now that NASA has put human space flight effectively on hold—with a five- or possibly ten-year delay until the next launch of astronauts from U.S. soil—Tyson’s views on the future of space travel and America’s role in that future are especially timely and urgent.

Alone in the Universe: Why Our Planet Is Unique by John Gribbin

On December 30, 2011, in Book Reviews, Nonfiction, Science, by Editor

In this fascinating and intriguing new book, Gribbin argues that the very existence of intelligent life anywhere in the cosmos is, from an astrophysicist’s point of view, a miracle.

The Beginning of Infinity: Explanations That Transform the World by David Deutsch

On August 13, 2011, in Book Reviews, Nonfiction, Science, by Editor

In this new book, Deutsch applies that worldview to a wide range of issues and unsolved problems, from creativity and free will to the origin and future of the human species. Filled with startling new conclusions about human choice, optimism, scientific explanation, and the evolution of culture, The Beginning of Infinity is a groundbreaking book that will become a classic of its kind.

Falling to Earth: An Apollo 15 Astronaut’s Journey to the Moon by Al Worden

On July 22, 2011, in Biographies & Memoirs, Book Reviews, Nonfiction, Science, by Editor

As command module pilot for the Apollo 15 mission to the moon in 1971, Al Worden flew on what is widely regarded as the greatest exploration mission that humans have ever attempted. He spent six days orbiting the moon, including three days completely alone, the most isolated human in existence. During the return from the moon to earth he also conducted the first spacewalk in deep space, becoming the first human ever to see both the entire earth and moon simply by turning his head. The Apollo 15 flight capped an already-impressive career as an astronaut, including important work on the pioneering Apollo 9 and Apollo 12 missions, as well as the perilous flight of Apollo 13.

Sex on the Moon: The Amazing Story Behind the Most Audacious Heist in History by Ben Mezrich

On June 6, 2011, in Biographies & Memoirs, Book Reviews, Nonfiction, Technology, by Editor

Thad Roberts, a fellow in a prestigious NASA program had an idea—a romantic, albeit crazy, idea. He wanted to give his girlfriend the moon. Literally.

First Contact: Scientific Breakthroughs in the Hunt for Life Beyond Earth by Marc Kaufman

On April 11, 2011, in Book Reviews, by Editor

With a child’s curiosity and a reporter’s skill, Kaufman delivers a concise, thorough, and utterly fascinating summary of the search for life elsewhere in the universe—and what it means for life on Earth. If you’ve ever wondered about life beyond Earth, let Marc Kaufman introduce you to the men and women who are searching for it. His explanations will make the night sky seem more vivid and the very life around you seem more improbable and precious.