A Meeting with the Universe; Science Discoveries from the Space Program. NASA EP-177

Quarto--format is approximately 9 inches by 12 inches. ix, [1], 221, [1] pages. Wraps. Profusely illustrated (most in color). Appendix. Index. Bevan French is an Adjunct Scientist in the Department of Paleobiology at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, where his research focuses on samples of extraterrestrial materials and terrestrial impact craters. Stephen P. Maran is an American astronomer who is known for his books, articles, and lectures. Maran was an astrophysicist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center for 35 years. He was the Assistant Director of Space Sciences for Information and Outreach from 1995-2004. Maran was awarded a NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal in 1991. He was awarded the 1999 Klumpke-Roberts Award, the 2007 George Van Biesbroeck Prize and the 2011 Andrew Gemant Award. Planet 9768 Stephenmaran, discovered in 1992, was named in his honor by the International Astronomical Union. The Space Age is an era of exploration, discovery, and scientific achievement without parallel in history. We have reached not one, but more than a dozen new worlds. A Meeting with the Universe is the story of what we learned about the universe and ourselves by going into space. It is not a textbook for scientists. It is written for everyone who shared the excitement and wonder of the last few years - students, teachers, scientists, engineers, other professional people, and curious citizens of all kinds. It is not a NASA history. It is a history of space exploration - by NASA, by universities, by other government agencies, and by industries - all of whom have played major roles. The book was written and edited entirely by a group of NASA scientists, all of whom are deeply involved in space science activities and many of whom actively participated in the discoveries they describe. The success in producing an exciting book reflects the skill, perspective, dedication, and enthusiasm of the writers.…