Space & Astronomy Bargain Book Box

Space & Astronomy Bargain Book Box (15 Books)

Launch your library into the stratosphere with this stellar collection of fifteen books. This box is a universe in itself, covering everything from the history of rocketry and the race to the Moon, to the latest photography of black holes and the search for extraterrestrial life. Featuring big names like Neil deGrasse Tyson, Ann Druyan, and Samantha Cristoforetti, as well as stunning photography and deep-dives into relativity, this is the ultimate package for the cosmically curious.

1. The Greatest Adventure: A History of Human Space Exploration by Colin Burgess A comprehensive and highly readable history of humanity's journey to the stars. Burgess chronicles the triumphs and tragedies of spaceflight, from the earliest rocketry pioneers and the Cold War space race to the International Space Station and the future of Mars exploration.

2. Mercury by William Sheehan Often overlooked, the closest planet to the Sun is a world of extremes. This book offers a detailed biography of Mercury, tracing the history of our observations—from ancient astronomers to the MESSENGER mission—and revealing a cratered, scorched world that holds key secrets to the formation of our solar system.

3. Once Upon a Time I Lived on Mars by Kate Greene In this unique memoir, physicist and writer Kate Greene recounts her time living in a geodesic dome on the slopes of Mauna Loa, Hawaii, as part of a NASA isolation experiment simulating life on Mars. She explores the boredom, the isolation, and the profound human questions that arise when we leave Earth behind.

4. Diary of an Apprentice Astronaut by Samantha Cristoforetti European Space Agency astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti takes readers on her journey from rigorous training to her 200 days aboard the International Space Station. It is an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the physical and mental demands of becoming an astronaut.

5. Out There: A Scientific Guide to Alien Life, Antimatter, and Human Space Travel by Michael Wall A fun, pop-science guide for the "cosmically curious." Space.com writer Michael Wall tackles the biggest questions in the universe with humor and clarity, exploring the realities of warp drives, the search for ET, and what we would actually do if we made contact.

6. Starborn: How the Stars Made Us - and Who We Would Be Without Them by Roberto Trotta A fascinating look at how the night sky has shaped human history. Trotta argues that without the stars to guide navigation, timekeeping, and religion, our civilization would look completely different, exploring the deep connection between the cosmos and our culture.

7. Chasing the Moon by Robert Stone The companion book to the PBS documentary series. This volume reframes the Space Race, looking beyond the technical achievements to the political maneuvering, the public fascination, and the diverse cast of characters—including engineers, astronauts, and politicians—who made the Apollo landings possible.

8. Cosmos: Possible Worlds by Ann Druyan The sequel to Carl Sagan’s legendary Cosmos. Ann Druyan, Sagan’s collaborator and widow, continues the legacy with a visionary tour of the universe. She explores the evolution of life, the future of humanity, and the scientific daring that allows us to understand our place in the vastness of space.

9. The World at Night: Spectacular Photographs of the Night Sky by Babak Tafreshi A breathtaking collection of astrophotography from the "The World at Night" project. These images capture the beauty of the Earth's landscapes set against the backdrop of the Milky Way, star trails, and celestial events, celebrating the connection between our planet and the sky.

10. The Cosmos Explained: A History of the Universe from Its Beginning to Today and Beyond by Charles Liu A visually engaging and accessible history of... everything. Liu breaks down the life story of the universe, from the Big Bang and the formation of the first stars to the evolution of galaxies and the eventual heat death of the cosmos.

11. No Shadow of a Doubt: The 1919 Eclipse That Confirmed Einstein's Theory of Relativity by Daniel Kennefick A gripping historical account of the 1919 solar eclipse expeditions led by Arthur Eddington. Kennefick details the scientific adventure and the post-war political tensions involved in proving Einstein right and changing our understanding of gravity forever.

12. The Sky Is for Everyone: Women Astronomers in Their Own Words by Virginia Trimble An inspiring anthology of essays by women who have broken barriers in astronomy. These personal stories chronicle the challenges and triumphs of female scientists across the 20th and 21st centuries, offering a powerful perspective on the evolution of the field.

13. Welcome to the Universe in 3D: A Visual Tour by Neil deGrasse Tyson Experience the cosmos in a new dimension. This book uses stereoscopic images to present the universe in 3D, allowing you to float through nebulae and gaze at distant galaxies as if you were looking out a spaceship window.

14. Einstein's Shadow by Seth Fletcher The inside story of the Event Horizon Telescope and the decades-long quest to capture the first-ever image of a black hole. Fletcher follows the scientists who linked telescopes around the globe to create an Earth-sized camera, culminating in the historic photo of M87*.

15. Diamonds Everywhere: Awe-Inspiring Astronomy Discoveries by Tom Kerss Astronomer Tom Kerss takes readers on a tour of the universe's most glittering secrets. From diamond planets to the gems hidden in the night sky, this book highlights the awe-inspiring beauty and the surprising chemistry found in the cosmos.