A Down to Earth Guide to the Cosmos

A comprehensive guide to the night sky for stargazers and amateur astronomers of all ages, from Stargazing LIVE presenter Mark Thompson To the beginner, the star-filled night sky can seem mysterious and unfathomable. But with this book as a guide the awesome nature of the Cosmos is brought down to Earth. Over the course of twelve chapters Mark Thompson, one of the presenters on BBC One's Stargazing Live and the resident astronomer on ITV's The Alan Titchmarsh Show, will take you on a journey through space, tackling the key concepts of astronomy and unlocking the secrets of the sky. From the origins of our Universe to the ever evolving techniques used to explore deep space, A Down to Earth Guide to the Cosmos traces the journey of galactic discovery that has obsessed mankind for thousands of years. Accompanying the narrative, a series of monthly sky guides focus on the astronomical highlights visible at each given time of year, with handy charts to show you exactly what to look for and how to navigate around the sky at night. As fascinating as it is accessible, A Down to Earth Guide to the Cosmos is a must for anyone who gazes up and wishes they knew more about the final frontier...

About the Author :
Mark Thompson is one of the presenters on the BBC Two award winning show Stargazing Live and the resident astronomer on ITV's This Morning. When not gracing our television screens he is most likely writing about the sky, looking at it or flying through it (as a qualified pilot, not a human cannonball). He writes for a number of websites including Discovery News' Space pages and the Space Exploration Network along with a variety of other publications. He is also a regular on Radio Five Live. Born in Norfolk, Mark has had a fascination with all things in the sky ever since he was a small boy and is proud to be a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society.

Review :
Mark is a wonderful promoter of Astronomy. He's tremendously knowledgeable about the geography of the night sky, guiding the experienced amateur and complete novice with equal skill and passion. An admirably clear and concise guide to the wonders of the night sky, which will give anyone with a hankering to rise above the humdrum a toehold in the heavens. This is a book to get people started, whether keen amateurs or clueless professionals. I was captivated... a thoroughly good read. I wholeheartedly recommend A Down To Earth Guide... as an entertaining, exciting read, but also as solid reference material for any amateur astronomer. This book alone would be a good start for any budding Patrick Moore. Mark Thompson’s book tackles what most imagine to be a very complicated topic, opening up a whole new area of our universe in the most simple and straightforward manner. The reader is given a fascinating insight into our night sky and anyone who reads it will find themselves standing outside staring into that dark and deep abyss. A fantastic book that's perfect for both those interested in the science of the stars and those looking to do some observing themselves. Wonderfully written and accessible to astronomers of all ages and levels. This brilliant book is definitely worth picking up.