Science
Spaceflight : the complete story, from Sputnik to Curiosity
Giles Sparrow
629.45 /Sparrow
Science
This compelling story of exploration charts and celebrates humankind in space, from Sputnik's launch in 1957 through the Apollo Moon landings and the International Space Station to future missions to Mars and beyond. Spaceflight chronicles how, in the half-century that followed Sputnik, the world was revolutionized by space travel and exploration. The opening up of Earth's orbit to satellites led to a revolution in communications, monitoring of the environment, and materials science. For the human imagination, the impact has been even greater: the voyages of robotic space probes have transformed our view of the Solar System, while Earth-orbiting satellites and missions to the Moon have forever changed our view of ourselves. This book is a celebration of human ingenuity and imagination. From the work of pioneers like Wernher von Braun, Yuri Gagarin, and Neil Armstrong to the triumphs and tragedies that followed, it reveals the people, science, and technology that have propelled us into the Space Age.
How to live in space : everything you need to know for the not-so-distant future
Colin (Science writer) Stuart
629.45 /Stuart
Science
"An amusing and informative illustrated guide to life beyond our own planet that covers everything from training for and living in space to the future of space travel and tourism. Now that suborbital space tourism is predicted to become a billion-dollar industry in the next ten years and NASA has announced its plans for landing humans on Mars in the 2030s, the dream of traveling and living in space is taking on new reality. But given that life on Earth can be complicated enough, how can we survive and thrive in the zero-gravity, absolute-zero far reaches of space? Look no further: How to Live in Space is chock-full of all the essential information you need to equip yourself for life beyond our blue planet. Grounded in space science, planetary biology, and rocket science, this accessible guide propels readers through takeoff, life in orbit, terraforming, and the long-term effects of space on the human body. Infographics and full-color illustrations help How to Live in Space to answer your burning questions, including: How do you sleep in microgravity? How do you grow food without water? Will your muscles waste away out there? How do you protect yourself from radiation? This is a light-hearted yet informative guide to a life far from terra firma"--
Added by Beth
Shoot for the moon : the space race and the extraordinary voyage of Apollo 11
Jim Donovan
629.454 /Donovan
Science
"When the alarm went off forty thousand feet above the moon's surface, both astronauts looked down at me computer to see 1202 flashing on the readout. Neither of them knew what it meant, and time was running out... On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the moon. One of the world's greatest technological achievements--and a triumph of American spirit and ingenuity--the Apollo 11 mission was a mammoth undertaking involving more than 410,000 men and women dedicated to winning the space race against the Soviets. Set amid the tensions of the Cold War and the upheavals of the sixties, and filled with first-person, behind-the-scenes details, [this] is a gripping account of the dangers, the challenges, and the sheer determination that defined not only Apollo 11, but also the Mercury and Gemini missions that came before it. From the shock of Sputnik and the heart-stopping final minutes of John Glenn's Mercury flight to the deadly whirligig of Gemini 8, the doomed Apollo 1 mission, and that perilous landing on the Sea of Tranquility--when the entire world held its breath while Armstrong and Aldrin battled computer alarms, low fuel, and other problems--James Donovan tells the whole story. Both sweeping and intimate, Shoot for the Moon is 'a powerfully written and irresistible celebration' (Booklist, starred review) of one of humankind's most extraordinary feats of exploration."--Dust jacket.
Added by Beth
Apollo's legacy : perspectives on the Moon landings
Roger D. Launius
629.454 /Launius
Science
In Apollo's Legacy, space historian Roger D. Launius explores the many-faceted stories told about the meaning of the Apollo program and how it forever altered American society. The Apollo missions marked the first time human beings left Earth's orbit and visited another world, and thus they loom large in our collective memory. Many have detailed the exciting events of the Apollo program, but Launius offers unique insight into its legacy as seen through multiple perspectives. He surveys a wide range of viewpoints and narratives, both positive and negative, surrounding the program. These include the argument that Apollo epitomizes American technological--and political--progress; technological and scientific advances garnered from the program; critiques from both sides of the political spectrum about the program's expenses; and even conspiracy theories and denials of the program's very existence. Throughout the book, Launius weaves in stories from important moments in Apollo's history to draw readers into his analysis. Apollo's Legacy is a must-read for space buffs interested in new angles on a beloved cultural moment and those seeking a historic perspective on the Apollo program.
Added by Beth
Apollo to the moon : a history in 50 objects
Teasel E. Muir-Harmony
629.454 /Muir-Harmony
Science
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of NASA's Apollo missions to the moon, this narrative uses key artifacts from the Smithsonian archives to tell the story of the groundbreaking space exploration program. Bold photographs, fascinating graphics, and engaging stories commemorate NASA's Apollo program to reach the moon. From the lunar rover and an emergency oxygen mask to space food and moon rocks, each article is accompanied by intriguing back stories and profiles of key participants. Throughout, Muir-Harmony tells the story of people who made the journey possible: the heroic astronauts as well as newspeople, NASA scientists, President John F. Kennedy, and many more. -- adapted from publisher's info
Added by Beth
Spacecraft : 100 iconic rockets, shuttles, and satellites that put us into space
Michael H. Gorn
629.47 /Gorn
Science
Spacecraft takes a long look at humankind's attempts and advances in leaving Earth through incredible illustrations and authoritatively written profiles on Sputnik, the International Space Station, and beyond.
Added by Beth
Hey, water!
Antoinette Portis
"Splashy illustrations and simple text explore water in its many shapes and forms"--
Added by Casey
The radium girls : the dark story of America's shining women
Kate (Writer and editor) Moore
363.1799 /Moore
Science
As World War I raged across the globe, hundreds of young women toiled away at the radium-dial factories, where they painted clock faces with a mysterious new substance called radium. Assured by their bosses that the luminous material was safe, the women themselves shone brightly in the dark, covered from head to toe with the glowing dust. With such a coveted job, these "shining girls" were considered the luckiest alive--until they began to fall mysteriously ill. As the fatal poison of the radium took hold, they found themselves embroiled in one of America's biggest scandals and a groundbreaking battle for workers' rights. The Radium Girls explores the strength of extraordinary women in the face of almost impossible circumstances and the astonishing legacy they left behind.
Added by Brian
The stuff of stars
Marion Dane Bauer
jE Bauer
Picture Books, Science, Nature
Explores the formation of the universe.
An intersection of art and science, breathtaking, highly abstract, and yet tangible--don't miss this one! -Casey
Lab girl
Hope Jahren
570.92 /Jahren
Nonfiction, Science, Memoir
"An illuminating debut memoir of a woman in science; a moving portrait of a longtime friendship; and a stunningly fresh look at plants that will forever change how you see the natural world,"--Amazon.com.
Added by Jason
Added by Beth