News

A “heart” from Pluto as New Horizons’ flyby begins

Now just five days away from its close encounter with dwarf planet Pluto, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft beams back the first image to be received since the 4 July anomaly that sent the spacecraft into safe mode, indicating that all systems appear to be functioning normally. The flyby sequence of science observations is officially underway.

Book Reviews

The Secret Life of Space

Authors Couper and Henbest are great storytellers with an eye for a colourful character, says reviewer Andy Sawers. Novice stargazers looking for an introduction to the great milestones and personalities of astronomy will want to read it, while knowledgeable astronomers will enjoy the enthusiastic storytelling, he adds.

Book Reviews

Moon: Nature and Culture

Edgar Williams’ book examines the psychological, philosophical and spiritual significance of our nearest neighbour in space. Reviewer Ian Welland states that the author had done extensive research, but the book should be considered a cultural and historical account of our interpretation of the Moon, rather than a full scientific account.

Book Reviews

Living Among Giants

Space artist and author Michael Carroll takes you on a voyage of discovery through the outer Solar System, exploring not only the science of these worlds, but lets your imagination soar to picture what it would be like to stand on Ganymede or Titan. “Carroll’s artwork is stunning… this brilliant book will have you hooked from the beginning,” says reviewer Keith Cooper.