1001 Things Everyone Should Know about the Universe

A very good book for mature ages down to early teens. I pick this book up every once in a while before I go to bed - even though I read it several times over just to wonder over the many interesting things in our universe. It is very well written by William A. Gutsch JR. (Ph.D) former Chairman of the American Museum-Hayden Planetarium New York, former President of the International Planetarium Society, Science Editor for WABC-TV and Special Science Correspondent for ABC's "Good Morning America". This man knows this subject and how to write about it in a way that will keep you reaching for the book time after time. Out of the many astronomy books I have in my collection, this one is among the tops for facts written very interestingly. Don't let a few "out of context" opinion writers steer you wrong about this book. Excellent book of facts reading for astronomy.

My cousins gave me this book, and it took me a year to finally start reading it. When I did, it got me even more interesting in astromony that I already was. True, a few things are hard to understand. I mean who gets this: "Normally, atoms are said to be neutral because the number of positively charged protons in their nuclei are matched by the number of negatively charged electrons whirling about each nucleus."But suppose you could understand that. This book is great. It is definitly NOT for children. Whoever wrote that must obviously a child themsevles because they have nothing better to say. (You can tell that by the length and words displayed in their review.) Don't let reviews stop you. Buy this book now if, espically if you have a strong interest in our universe and other ones out there. If you don't have an interest it will probably give you one, but then why would you buy it if you don't have an interest? Some of these facts include how we've sent signals into space to contact intelligent life, odd facts about the planets (such as how Mercury's day is longer than it year) and even things about Uranus's methane gas you thought you never knew! This is the best book alive. (Actually not.)

If you're looking for an indepth study of any of the topics, you probably want another book, but for a review of the basics, it's very good. A great book for younger readers developing an interest in astronomy.

I am a science teacher and have recommended it to my teacher friends as a classroom resource. Astronomy can be a bit intimidating even for teachers! This covers EVERYTHING and makes the most difficult topics understandable. As a teacher and amateur astronomer, I've read many, many books on astronomy topics for my own enjoyment and for use in the classroom and have never found one so "reader friendly".

William A. Gutsch takes us on a delightful cruise through the universe, stopping at all the important sites. This may not be intended as "Our Universe For Dummies" but it has that same kind of clear presentation of the important facts and friendly, conversational tone. Do you have a young student in the house? Are you a student (young or old) of timely topics? Are you curious about our planet, solar system, galaxy, cosmic neighbors and universe? If so, this book is for you. It is your handbook, dictionary, and encyclopedia of the universe. Renew your acquaintance with our planetary neighbors, the sun, the moon, our galaxy, black holes, nebulas, red giants, white dwarfs, space dust and much more - all in this fun, easy to read book. Have you ever wondered how often something happens if it's only once in a blue moon? Check page 54. What about those rogue asteroids taking aim on planet Earth - feel like it's time to learn more about them? There's a whole section on asteroids and their cousins. Do you know why the zodiac is just as important to astronomers as astrologers? You'll find the answers to this and lots of other tantalizing questions - all the way to the big question of extra-terrestrials and how we might reach out to them. The strength of the book lies not only in the easy way in which you can zero in on a specific topic or question but also in the clarity and overall completeness of the survey. It's packed with easy-to-understand information. It does a superb job of being what it claims to be and therefore I don't think it has any real weakness. Read and use the fifteen chapters of this book any way that you like: read it all at once, browse now and then, or research a specific question. Any way you do it is the right (and easy) way. Have a good trip!