The Space Book: From the Beginning to the End of Time, 250 Milestones in the History of Space & Astronomy

Planetary scientist and professor Bell (Postcards from Mars) highlights significant events in the for-mation of the universe in chronological order. He covers the Big Bang through the formation of the Milky Way, the discoveries and theories of ancient scientists and philosophers like Pythagoras, and the development of celestial navigation including modern exploration of Mars. Bell doesn't end with 2013, however; he completes this history of the universe with projected events such as the evaporation of Earth's oceans, the dying of the last stars, and the universe's eventual end. He acknowledges the difficulty in selecting only 250 events from across the existence of time and space, addressing his de-sire to include significant events from ancient through modern history. Each event occupies a two-page spread, with clear, concise explanations accompanied by a full-color photograph. The accessible format and captivating photos invite readers to explore at their leisure, and Bell provides a list of comments and additional references for further study, many of which are online. Space and science lovers as well as the generally curious will appreciate this volume, which is appropriate even for pre-cocious youth. Photos. (May)