The National Geographic Encyclopedia of Space offers clear and concise explanations of the planets; telescopes; manned space flight; satellites; the origin of the universe; the contributions of Nicolaus Copernicus, Edwin Hubble, and Stephen Hawking; and much more. The Encyclopedia of Space answers such questions as How vast is the Milky Way? What makes a satellite stay up? How does deep space affect our daily climate? Arranged in six thematic chapters, the Encyclopedia of Space brings together in one accessible volume the varied aspects of space science: the solar system, deep space exploration (manned and unmanned) and discovery, satellites and orbits, and the commercial, scientific, and military uses of space. Tables, diagrams, maps, and fact boxes provide additional information and value. The encyclopedia is enriched by recently declassified intelligence material and photographs from the U.S. Navy and the National Reconnaissance Office, the latest Hubble images, and essays written by leading professionals in the field, such as Kathryn Sullivan and Sylvia Earle. Astronaut Buzz Aldrin, who landed on the Moon with Neil Armstrong, wrote the foreword. Also published in German (2005): Die große National Geographic Enzyklopädie Weltall
A magnificent oversized book full of vivid pictures and in-depth information - for me, it simultaneously makes me wish I could be one of the people who get to explore near-Earth space and humble at the realization of just how vast the universe is and how little of it any human being will ever be able to experience.
I learned that space is pretty neat. And I'm a big nerd. I learned the relative distance in light years of all the galaxies closest to ours. Good for a cozy sunday reading...