"A look up at the night sky reveals a treasury of wonders. Even to the naked eye, the Moon, stars, planets, the Milky Way and even a few star clusters and nebulae illuminate the heavens. For millennia, humans struggled to make sense of what's out there in the Universe, from all we can see to that which lies beyond the limits of even our most powerful telescopes. Beyond the Galaxy traces our journey from an ancient, Earth-centered Universe all the way to our modern, 21st century understanding of the cosmos. Touching on not only what we know but also how we know it, Ethan Siegel takes us to the very frontiers of modern astrophysics and cosmology, from the birth of our Universe to its ultimate fate, and everything in between."--

One of the most stunning features of the night sky, and Earth's home, the Mily Way is fertile ground for exploring the mysteries of the universe. This book will provide an overview of how astronomers have attempted to uncover our Galaxy’s past, and how current models of its structure may account for some of the most recent observations. Indeed, the distribution of chemical elements in our Galaxy serves as a ‘fossil record’ of its evolutionary history and is a powerful tool for studying the formation and evolution, not only of the Milky Way, but also of other galaxies. In their journey through the history of our Galaxy the authors answer many fascinating and intriguing questions, such as: what can the Milky Way tell us about the Big Bang? What were the very first stars like? Are we able to find any of these first stars, still shining today, but born at a time when no metals had been formed and the gas and the Galaxy consisted of only hydrogen and helium? How did the main biogenic elements form and how are they distributed throughout the Galaxy? Are there regions of our Galaxy where Earth-like planets such as ours might more easily form? The text is addressed to the curious or interested reader and is intended to unveil to a general popular science audience some of the topics about the structure and evolution of our Galaxy which are now the subject of hot debate amongst professional astronomers around the world.

"You are here: Universe - Milky Way Galaxy - Solar System - Third Planet from the Sun, Earth. Our place in the universe determines what we see in the night sky and the length of every day. Help students learn how the patterns they see fit into the grand scheme of the universe. Connect directly to the Next Generation Science Standards to answer this big question: What is the universe, and what is Earth's place in it?"--

When we look up at the night sky you can see millions of stars, but what do you think we could see in space if we left Earth? If we could hop into a special ship and blast off, traveling billions of miles away from Earth, we’d see the Milky Way galaxy. In this book, readers take an incredible journey through that galaxy, exploring the universe and learning how it was formed and what will one day happen to these enormous groups of stars. From mysterious dark matter to the black holes at the center of galaxies, readers will also dive into the mysteries of the universe scientists have spent years trying to decipher.

Although a mere speck in the vast cosmos, humans have managed to piece together an incredible understanding of the Universe. Discover its magic and unravel its mysteries with this book. Starting from a launchpad on Earth, set off on an enthralling journey to the Solar System, the Milky Way, and finally to the very edges of the known Universe. Space: From Earth to the Edge of the Universe features fascinating facts, an engaging narrative, and rich photographs that help you comprehend the vastness of this world that we exist in. The book has been divided into seven chapters covering intriguing concepts such as spacewalking, getting close to the Sun, and the Planetary Nebulae. Detailed illustrations and explanatory artworks give you a deep insight into the limits of galaxies, what lies in our neighboring worlds, the rings and moons of other planets, and much more. Discover the technology and spacecrafts behind the extraordinary journeys undertaken by astronauts, study the planets, asteroids, and galaxies and immerse yourself in the important space discoveries of our time. Featuring the latest spectacular images from NASA and other sources, Space will take you on the expedition of a lifetime.

Learn about the planets, stars, black holes, matter and galaxies.

How do we know Earth isn't flat? What are the benefits of space exploration, and is it good value? How and why do scientists study the Universe? This series answers questions like these, while tackling key curriculum topics relating to Earth, Space, and the Universe. The series encourages critical thinking to support the modern science curriculum and includes features on "space science in the home" and "what it means for us", showing the relevance of space science to our everyday lives.

Come along for the captivating hunt for planets like our own Envisioning Exoplanets traces the journey of astronomers and researchers on their quest to explore the universe for a planet like Earth. Exoplanets--worlds beyond our solar system--were once dismissed as science fiction. But now, with more than 4,000 confirmed exoplanets, countless possibilities exist for what remains to be uncovered in the universe. This book follows the exhilarating progression of exoplanet research from its earliest stages operating on the fringes of scientific research to the newest developments of renowned agencies around the world searching for planets capable of hosting life. Featuring provocative questions about the universe and more than 200 remarkable illustrations from Michael Caroll, Ron Miller, and other key members of the International Association of Astronomical Artists, Envisioning Exoplanets is an intergalactic visual voyage.