This book conveys the thrill of observing strange and surprising features of the universe and the satisfaction gained by understanding them through modern science. Using simple analogies and a wealth of illustrations, Professor Narlikar skilfully steers us through a cosmic journey of discovery, starting from the Earth and solar system and stepping out to the farthest reaches of the universe. Each of the seven wonders represents a range of mysterious phenomena or a class of spectacular events or remarkable cosmic objects that have challenged human curiosity and often defied explanation.

On July 23, 1999, the Chandra X-Ray Observatory, the most powerful X-ray telescope ever built, was launched aboard the space shuttle Columbia. Since then, Chandra has given us a view of the universe that is largely hidden from telescopes sensitive only to visible light. In Chandra's Cosmos, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory's Chandra science spokesperson Wallace H. Tucker uses a series of short, connected stories to describe the telescope's exploration of the hot, high-energy face of the universe. The book is organized in three parts: "The Big," covering the cosmic web, dark energy, dark matter, and massive clusters of galaxies; "The Bad," exploring neutron stars, stellar black holes, and supermassive black holes; and "The Beautiful," discussing stars, exoplanets, and life. Chandra has imaged the spectacular, glowing remains of exploded stars and taken spectra showing the dispersal of their elements. Chandra has observed the region around the supermassive black hole in the center of our Milky Way and traced the separation of dark matter from normal matter in the collision of galaxies, contributing to both dark matter and dark energy studies. Tucker explores the implications of these observations in an entertaining, informative narrative aimed at space buffs and general readers alike.

Recommended for viewing on a colour tablet. Professor Brian Cox is back with another insightful and mind-blowing exploration of space. This time he shows us our universe as we've never seen it before.

For many millennia the starry night sky has been a source of wonder and awe to men and women who have tried to unravel the mystery of the billion distant lights that fill the heavens after dark. The story of the great discoverers who succeeded in explaining part of the mystery is told here with the joy and infectious enthusiasm that only a fellow discoverer can convey. David Levy, codiscoverer of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9, with his wife, Wendee Wallach-Levy, evokes that marvelous moment of Eureka! as he masterfully relates each story. He gives the reader a glimpse of the enthralling adventure of cosmic discovery through stories of the most famous and brilliant astronomers. Beyond their personal accomplishments, these scientists expanded all of humanity's understanding of the universe and our place within it.For example, Galileo's breathtaking discovery of the moons of Jupiter, new worlds that refused to orbit the sun, challenged the whole doctrine of the earth being the center of the universe. With the start of the 20th century, Shapley pushed back the envelope that had been opened by Galileo by proving that the center of our galaxy is very far beyond our own sun. And Hubble showed that even our galaxy is but a tiny part of a universe that is rapidly expanding. In describing these milestones of science, Levy reveals his own spirited conversations with such luminaries of the imagination as the discoverer of the planet Pluto, Clyde Tombaugh, and one of the world's greatest science fiction writers, Sir Arthur C. Clarke.Through Levy's unique perspective on cosmic discovery, he is able to connect his own personal life story with that of astronomers of the past and by extension with the history of the whole universe. As the codiscoverer of the spectacular comet that crashed into Jupiter, Levy formulated a whole new range of exciting questions about the universe: Do comets serve to transport the elements of life from one planet to the next? What is the evidence that a large comet once hit the earth? Will the earth someday be in danger of colliding with another such comet and will we have the technology to stop it?This fascinating book will excite any of us who have stared at the night sky in awe and amazement.David Levy and Wendee Wallach-Levy (Vail, AZ) are continuing their ongoing search for new comets. David Levy is the president of the Jarnac Observatory, science editor for PARADE magazine, a contributing editor to Sky and Telescope and Sky News magazines, and the author of Starry Nights, The Quest for Comets, and Impact Jupiter, among other books.

In the vast expanse of the cosmos, where stars glitter like diamonds in the cosmic sea, a remarkable tale of unity, compassion, and cosmic wisdom unfolds. This is the story of the Cosmic Vanguard – a team of cosmic guardians bound by a celestial purpose that transcends time and space. Guided by the ethereal resonance of the Whisperstones, ancient relics infused with cosmic energies, and armed with the cosmic insights of the Celestial Mantle, the Cosmic Vanguard embarks on a cosmic odyssey like no other. Their mission is to safeguard the universe from malevolence, to restore harmony to corrupted cosmic events, and to foster understanding among cosmic beings across the stars. Each member of the Cosmic Vanguard brings their unique resonance to the celestial dance. Amelia, the empathic soul, can connect with the emotions and destinies of cosmic beings, offering compassion and solace. Liam, the cosmic artist, weaves melodies that harmonize with cosmic energies, inspiring hope and joy in the hearts of those they encounter. Cipher, the cosmic data analyst, interprets the intricate patterns of the universe, revealing the hidden truths that shape cosmic destinies. Kael, the cosmic observer, perceives the cosmic intricacies of the universe, understanding the interconnectedness of all cosmic beings. United by their shared purpose and the celestial wisdom bestowed upon them by the Celestial Mantle, the Cosmic Vanguard embarks on a series of cosmic adventures, each chapter a new and self-contained story, yet woven into the larger tapestry of their cosmic journey. From ethereal nebulae to ancient cosmic libraries, from cosmic storms to celestial anomalies, they traverse the cosmos with courage and determination. Along the way, they encounter malevolent cosmic entities seeking to disrupt the cosmic balance and cosmic beings in need of understanding and redemption. As their cosmic dance unfolds, the Celestial Mantle grows more radiant, a testament to the power of unity and cosmic wisdom. Through their cosmic encounters, they learn that even the darkest of cosmic souls can be touched by the light of empathy and compassion, forever transforming the destiny of the cosmos. In this epic science fiction tale, join the Cosmic Vanguard as they navigate the wonders and challenges of the universe, guided by the cosmic dance that connects all cosmic souls. Together, they shape the fate of the cosmos and inspire cosmic beings to embrace harmony and understanding in the vastness of the cosmic expanse. And so, their cosmic odyssey begins, an eternal journey through the stars, forever safeguarding the universe and embracing the boundless wonders of the cosmos, guided by the cosmic dance that unites them all.

"You are about to embark on a journey that will take you to the edge of the Universe and the beginning of time. You will cross 46.5 billion light years of space, exploring 101 celestial wonders ranging from comets to quasars. You will encounter grandeur on an astonishing scale, beauty in the most unexpected places, and the most shocking natural violence." -Front flap.

Have fun exploring the stars with close-up views of space objects right from your own backyard! Take the mystery and struggle out of discovering new worlds. With hands-on tips, tricks, and instructions, this book allows you to unleash the full power of your small telescope and view amazing space objects right from your own backyard, including: • Saturn’s Rings • Jupiter’s Moons • Apollo 11's Landing Site • Orion Nebula • Andromeda Galaxy • Polaris Double Star • Pegasus Globular Cluster • and much, much more! “An observation guide, mentor, and historical tour all in one.” —Space.com