A substantive introduction to the universe with an unusually rousing approach.
Two astro-experts explain that there’s nothing to be afraid of in outer space (bwa ha ha).
Among the many astronomical wonders modern observers have discovered in our solar system and beyond, no few have turned out to be deadly—not to mention, as Arcand and Watzke point out with some relish, downright creepy or terrifying. Airless Mercury, “a two-faced world of suffering” that can hit +800⁰ F on the sun side and -290⁰ in the shade, kicks off a grand tour of select moons, planets, exoplanets, supernovas, and even farther-flung phenomena, from black holes and magnetars to colliding galaxies that will leave unprotected visitors burnt, frozen, flayed, poisoned, spaghettified, or otherwise obliterated. Meanwhile, on the way to a (theoretical) universe-ending “Big Rip,” background information on types of telescopes and galaxies, on space probes, how distant exoplanets reveal themselves, and other astronomical topics put all the thrillingly fatal scenarios on a sound scientific footing. Echoing the tone of the melodramatic headings (“Eta Carinae: An Expanding, Exploding Brain in Space”), Ball’s images of eerily grimacing planets and other fancies add lurid highlights to the visuals, which also include actual space photos provided by NASA.
A substantive introduction to the universe with an unusually rousing approach. (glossary) (Nonfiction. 9-11)Pub Date: Feb. 10, 2026
ISBN: 9781464227097
Page Count: 112
Publisher: Sourcebooks eXplore
Review Posted Online: Nov. 8, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2025
In this glossy photo essay, the author briefly recounts the study and exploration of the moon, beginning with Stonehenge and concluding with the 1998–99 unmanned probe, Lunar Prospector. Most of the dramatic photographs come from NASA and will introduce a new generation of space enthusiasts to the past missions of Project Mercury, Gemini, and most especially the moon missions, Apollo 1–17. There are plenty of photographs of various astronauts in space capsules, space suits, and walking on the moon. Sometimes photographs are superimposed one on another, making it difficult to read. For example, one photograph shows the command module Columbia as photographed from the lunar module and an insert shows the 15-layer space suit and gear Neil Armstrong would wear for moonwalking. That’s a lot to process on one page. Still, the awesome images of footprints on the moon, raising the American flag, and earthrise from the moon, cannot help but raise shivers. The author concludes with a timeline of exploration, Web sites, recommended books, and picture credits. For NASA memorabilia collectors, end papers show the Apollo space badges for missions 11–17. Useful for replacing aging space titles. (Nonfiction. 8-11)
Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2001
ISBN: 1-57091-408-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Charlesbridge
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2001
Thousands of years ago, the Komodo dragon may have inspired dragon legends in China and beyond. In more recent times, researchers from all over the world have traveled to the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia to study the Komodo dragon. This lively if somewhat haphazardly organized account focuses on the efforts of contemporary researchers, presents some of their cooler findings (female dragons can reproduce through parthenogenesis; their saliva is laced with deadly bacteria) and profiles a few captive specimens. Mostly color photographs from a variety of sources adorn almost every page, and captions add to the information. Learning about the Komodo dragon is not for the faint of heart, and the photos show the wild beasts in all their gory glory. The extensive backmatter includes brief facts about Indonesia, more information on the Komodo dragon life cycle and its use of smell and conservation information. A portion of the sales will be donated to the Komodo Survival Program. (bibliography, further reading, glossary, websites, index, author’s note) (Nonfiction. 9-11)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-1-59078-757-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Boyds Mills
Review Posted Online: Sept. 15, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2010
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