Discover the cosmos: the best books on astronomy
Astronomy is the natural science that studies the celestial bodies of the universe: stars, planets, satellites, asteroids, comets and meteoroids, interstellar matter, nebulae, dark matter, galaxies, and other elements. Astronomy also examines phenomena related to each of the aforementioned bodies, as well as supernovae and cosmic background radiation.
Similarly, this science studies quasars, pulsars and black holes. Astronomy also encompasses the analysis of the origin, evolution and final destiny of the universe through cosmology., an area that relates to physics through astrophysics. If you'd like to learn more, we invite you to read our selection of the best books ever written on astronomy.
Best books on astronomy
Astrophysics for people in a hurry (2017), by Neil deGrasse Tyson
If you love stars and want to know everything about them and the rest of the cosmos, but have no experience in the subject, this book is for you. This is a title whose accessible perspective makes it easier for readers to understand.In this volume, renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson offers a fascinating introduction to the mysteries of the universe, ideal for those short on time but still very curious.
Through short and agile chapters, Tyson addresses complex concepts such as the Big Bang, dark matter, dark energy, black holes and quantum physics with clear, humorous and deeply human language. Astrophysics for people in a hurry It invites us to look at the sky with wonder and to understand our place in the cosmos, without the need for prior knowledge, but with the promise of awakening the scientific sense in each reader.
Quotes by Neil deGrasse Tyson
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«The problem, which is often not discovered until late in life, is that when you look for things like love, meaning, and motivation, it implies that they are hidden behind a tree or under a rock. The most successful people recognize that in life, they create their own love, construct their own meaning, and generate their own motivation. For me, I am driven by two main philosophies: knowing more about the world today than yesterday and alleviating the suffering of others. You'd be surprised how far that takes you.»
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"There's no shame in not knowing. The problem arises when irrational thinking and accompanying behavior fill the void left by ignorance."
Observe the sky with the naked eye or with binoculars (2022), by Jean Lacroix and Pierre Bourge
Every night, the sky offers a constant spectacle for those who know where to look patiently. However, How would it be possible to find one's way around it if one does not have the powerful material that professionals have at their disposal?How can we recognize stars and constellations and differentiate them from planets and satellites? How can we do all this at home?
This guide offers answers to all the questions in the previous section, providing the necessary advice to get started observing the sky without the need for expensive equipment. It also Specific instructions on the use of binoculars are provided, a list of useful addresses for major astronomy associations, maps, photographs, and diagrams.
Quotes by Pierre Bourge
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«I would simply like to ask why so many critics, so many writers, so many philosophers find such satisfaction in professing that the experience of a work of art is ineffable, that it escapes by definition all rational understanding; why they are so eager to admit without a fight the defeat of knowledge; and where comes their irrepressible need to belittle rational understanding, this rage to affirm the irreducibility of the work of art or, to use a more adequate word, its transcendence.»
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"Only in imaginary experience (in the folk tale, for example), which neutralizes the sense of social realities, does the social world take the form of a universe of possibles equally possible for any possible subject."
Learn astronomy with 100 practical exercises (2013), by Jordi Lopesino
This volume is for any adventurer who wants to observe the night sky, either with the naked eye or with a telescope, but doesn't know where to start. Through its pages it is possible to learn to discover the planets, find the North Star, how to point and focus a telescope and what type of telescope to choose according to the needs of each amateur.
The author also shows how to learn step by step, starting with the basics. and subsequently, moving on to the construction of an astronomical observatory. You could say that everything in this book is the author's own learning process, as an amateur astronomer who writes articles about the sky. In fact, he has an observatory on his rooftop and currently collaborates with the Minor Planet Center (MPC).
Jordi Lopesino's quotes about the book
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"Ninety percent of the images illustrating the book are taken by amateurs who dedicate themselves to taking photographs of Jupiter, Saturn, nebulae, and even astrophotographers who photograph the Milky Way. It's a book that also shows you step by step how to take those same images using very affordable means." (Interview on the Astroterrat YouTube channel.)
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"...science books and astronomy books have their audience, and a portion of them are switching to digital reading [...] we've also released the digital version, so that won't be a problem for us." (Interview on the Astroterrat YouTube channel).
A Walk Among the Stars: A Guide to the Stars, Constellations, and Their Legends (2022), by Milton D. Heifetz and W. Tirion
Look up at the sky, sigh, relax and get ready to begin this journey through the universeHumanity has always dreamed of wandering among the stars and discovering everything hidden in the firmament, and this book aims to unravel some of its mysteries. The volume, seemingly modest, is a fundamental leaf in the tree of astronomy, as it maintains the interest of less knowledgeable readers.
It might seem like it's enough for scientists to understand the concepts of science, but out there, somewhere, there's a kid yearning to discover the next wonderful thing that will take us ten years into the future. In a nutshell, Milton D. Heifetz and W. Tirion's book does just that: guide and educate in the natural sciences to promote the simplest knowledge, in order to help readers advance in the most complex teachings.
Introduction to astronomy (1987), by Jean Lacroix
As its name suggests, this is an introductory work that opens the doors to the universe to readers with no prior training in science. With a clear and didactic style, Jean Lacroix guides the reader through the fundamentals of astronomy: from the movements of the Earth and celestial bodies, to observing the sky with the naked eye or with basic instruments that can be prepared at home.
The book offers accessible explanations about the solar system, stars, galaxies, and the most relevant celestial phenomena, accompanied by illustrations and practical advice. This is a perfect material for those who want to begin their exploration of the cosmos. with a solid and understandable foundation. This work remains a classic reference in astronomical dissemination.
Practical guide for the amateur astronomer (2007), by Jean Lacroix, Nicolas Dupont-Bloch and Pierre Bourge
This very special book is addressed to all those people who feel a true passion for the sky and everything that happens there.The volume is inviting to those just starting out in astronomy as well as those who have trained as observers. The material has a very clear focus that evolves as readers delve deeper into it.
Text It offers the opportunity to discover the mysteries of the cosmos and the keys to understanding how it works., as well as how to properly select and use instruments such as binoculars and telescopes. The authors also show how to plan visual and photographic observing sessions. Throughout the pages, you can read technical tips, view star charts, observing techniques, and useful resources to fully enjoy the night sky.
