Earth and Space: Photographs from the Archives of NASA

Description

Take a tour of the universe with this breathtaking collection of photographs from the archives of NASA. Astonishing images of Earth from above, the phenomena of our solar system, and the celestial bodies of deep space will captivate readers and photography lovers with an interest in science, astronomy, and the great beyond. Each extraordinary photograph from the legendary space agency is paired with explanatory text that contextualizes its place in the cosmic ballet of planets, stars, dust, and matter-from the Earth's atmosphere to solar flares, the Jellyfish Nebula to Pandora's Cluster. Featuring an introduction by beloved 'science guy' Bill Nye, this engaging volume offers up-close views of our remarkable cosmos, and sparks wonder at the marvels of earth and space.

NASA (the National Aeronautics and Space Administration), established in 1958, is the United States agency of scientific research, technological development, and exploration in space. Its vision since its inception has been 'to reach for new heights and reveal the unknown so that what we do and learn will benefit all humankind.' Responsible not only for landing the first men on the moon in 1969, NASA's technological research has led to the development of the first weather and communications satellites, over 130 flights within 30 years of space shuttle missions, the landing of rovers on the Mars surface, as well as the establishment with 16 other nations of an International Space Station in 2000. Since the retirement of the space shuttle missions in 2011, NASA has continued its scientific research with several aims, most notably to land humans on Mars and to launch the Next Generation Air Transportation System. Bill Nye the Science Guy is a science educator, television host, actor, writer, scientist, and former mechanical engineer. Nye is the CEO of the Planetary Society, an organization that sponsors and supports space technologies, and advocates for space learning and space exploration. Nirmala Nataraj is a writer and editor with a background in science writing-particularly cosmology, ecology, and molecular biology-with a focus on photography, architecture, and the arts. She lives and works in the San Francisco Bay Area.

"Delve into the great beyond with these awe-inspiring photos from NASA's archive." -- Entertainment Weekly "This glorious, pictorial tour of the universe opens with a foreword by everyone's favorite science guy, Bill Nye, who rightly reminds readers of the fragility of our planet. Following an introduction by the author, more than 100 photos gleaned from NASA's archives are showcased, beginning with photos depicting Earth from space (first captured by the Apollo program) and progressing through photos of the individual planets. Solar flares, nebulae, comet dust, satellite galaxies, and more are all here as well, in stunning color-enhanced images. Each picture is accompanied by a descriptive caption, offering information on the location of the phenomena, related planetary or interstellar history, and when and how the photo was taken." -- School Library Journal