Cosmos: the infographic book of space

The universe is virtually impossible to fathom owing to its immense size, extreme temperatures, and vast time spans. In this terrific work, astrophysicists Lowe (formerly Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope Network) and North (Cardiff Univ.) help to make the cosmos more comprehensible. By using infographics to present the universe in a visual manner, the authors provide an enormous amount of information on every page. Colorful and informative, the images are organized into major themes, including space exploration, the solar system, the sun, stars, and galaxies. All provide the most up-to-date knowledge, including recent discoveries such as exoplanets (more than 1,800, all discovered since 1989) and the distant objects of the Kuiper Belt. Many will leave readers awestruck, such as the infographic of Giant Stars. The sun, with a mass 330,000 times than that of the Earth, appears minute when compared with red giants such as UY Scuti and Betelgeuse. Overall, Lowe and North succeed brilliantly in showcasing the universe and in providing a better understanding of its scope and processes. VERDICT An enjoyable and informative read that will appeal to anyone with an interest in the cosmos or for those who appreciate the astonishing. © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

The universe is virtually impossible to fathom owing to its immense size, extreme temperatures, and vast time spans. In this terrific work, astrophysicists Lowe (formerly Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope Network) and North (Cardiff Univ.) help to make the cosmos more comprehensible. By using infographics to present the universe in a visual manner, the authors provide an enormous amount of information on every page. Colorful and informative, the images are organized into major themes, including space exploration, the solar system, the sun, stars, and galaxies. All provide the most up-to-date knowledge, including recent discoveries such as exoplanets (more than 1,800, all discovered since 1989) and the distant objects of the Kuiper Belt. Many will leave readers awestruck, such as the infographic of Giant Stars. The sun, with a mass 330,000 times than that of the Earth, appears minute when compared with red giants such as UY Scuti and Betelgeuse. Overall, Lowe and North succeed brilliantly in showcasing the universe and in providing a better understanding of its scope and processes. VERDICT An enjoyable and informative read that will appeal to anyone with an interest in the cosmos or for those who appreciate the astonishing.