A Space Traveller's Guide To The Solar System, A - Hardcover

Mark Thompson

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0593073339 ISBN 13: 9780593073339

Publisher: Bantam Press, 2015

Synopsis

Here the astronomer and broadcaster Mark Thompson describes what a journey through the solar system might be like, from the preparations for take-off on Earth to arrival at the edge of interstellar space many years later. On the way he discusses what we know about the origins of the planets and their moons, describes physical features that would be visible and reflects on the challenges of navigation, weightlessness and living in a confined spaceship.

About this title

About the Author

MARK THOMPSON is one of the presenters on the BBC Two award winning show Stargazing Live and the resident astronomer on ITV's This Morning. When not gracing our television screens he is most likely writing about the sky, looking at it or flying through it (as a qualified pilot, not a human cannonball). He writes for a number of websites including Discovery News' Space pages and the Space Exploration Network along with a variety of other publications. He is also a regular on Radio Five Live. Born in Norfolk, Mark has had a fascination with all things in the sky ever since he was a small boy and is proud to be a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society.

Review

"Your personal star trek. In this infectiously lively and informative book ... every aspect of this virtual journey is meticulously planned. Thompson is a natural communicator and one comes away with a profound sense of the wonders of space." -- Simon Shaw * Mail on Sunday * "Your personal star trek. In this infectiously lively and informative book ... every aspect of this virtual journey is meticulously planned. Thompson is a natural communicator and one comes away with a profound sense of the wonders of space." -- Simon Shaw * Mail on Sunday * "Evocative... We're living in a golden age for space exploration, and in A Space Traveller's Guide to the Solar System, Mark Thompson draws upon much of this knowledge to serve as our tour guide to the archipelago of planets and moons that share our Sun with us... Thompson discusses not just the characteristics of the worlds encountered, but also deals with the mechanics of spacecraft and what it takes to keep astronauts alive... Fascinating gems of information glitter from the text" -- Lewis Dartnell * The Telegraph * "Every step of the way in Mark Thompson's virtual tour of the solar system there's something new and bizarre and fascinating to discover... We'll never go there ourselves, sadly. But losing yourself in this lively, infectiously optimistic book is the next best thing" -- Marcus Berkmann * The Daily Mail * "Mark is a wonderful promoter of Astronomy. He's tremendously knowledgeable about the geography of the night sky, guiding the experienced amateur and complete novice with equal skill and passion." -- Professor Brian Cox

Edition details

• Publisher: Bantam Press
• Publication date: 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0593073339
• ISBN 13: 9780593073339
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 272