DK Guide to Space [Hardcover]

Peter Bond (Author)

Book Description

Series: DK Guides | Publication Date: April 26, 1999

A look at space that's out of this world! The DK Guide to Space takes the reader on a fascinating journey through our universe, using the latest space photography from the Hubble Telescope in a large format to create a dramatic guide to the exploration of space. The NASA photographs are supported by clear artwork explaining complex ideas. Space exploration, astronomy, and cosmology are explored in clear, concise text. Packed with information, this stunning photographic book will capture the imagination of both space enthusiasts and those who are just beginning to learn about our universe. Stunning presentation of the latest NASA and Hubble telescope photography. Over 300 dazzling color photographs.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

If you're a space fanatic, you'll love this big guide to all things astronomical. All the heavenly bodies in our solar system--all nine planets and their moons, comets, asteroids, and the sun--are shown in amazing photos and illustrations that give you a feel for what they're like up close. You'll also find out about objects far away from our little planet, like distant stars, nebulas, and galaxies, with telescope images and incredible facts. For instance, did you know that Eta Carinae is the weirdest star known to science? It's being torn apart by constant explosions, and it's the only star known to emit natural laser light! You'll find out how a star is born, how it dies, and how galaxies full of stars fit into the universe. The last part of the book tells the story of human efforts to learn about space, from rockets and shuttles to space stations, satellites, and radio telescopes listening for alien broadcasts. DK Guide to Space is filled with color photos of cool things like Jupiter's Great Red Spot, Mexican Hat galaxies, and the freeze-dried food astronauts eat. It's a great reference for space nuts. (Ages 9 to 12) --Therese Littleton

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6-Aimed at a younger audience than Sue Becklake's The Visual Dictionary of the Universe (DK, 1993), this tour of the solar system and beyond is illustrated almost entirely with photos: big, enhanced-color shots that capitalize on the beauty and dramatic power of the best space photography. In the customary one spread per topic format, Bond begins with a glimpse of modern stargazing before moving to the Sun, passing each planet in succession, and launching outward past Pluto and the Kuiper Belt. He sails past stars, nebulae, and galaxies before looping back to visit several spacecraft and space stations, and concludes with a spread of summary charts and Web sites. Midsized blocks of text tucked between illustrations contain an easily digestible mix of basic facts and colorful factoids: of the Sun's 27 million degree core, for instance, the author writes, "If the head of a pin were this hot, it would set fire to everything within 62 miles." Picture captions extend the text with additional or reiterated information. Despite a few design bobbles, such as an occasional superimposed label that is hard to see, or a rare view of Venus without clouds that is partly lost in a gutter, this oversized volume is a better-than-average addition, eminently suitable both for browsing or research.
John Peters, New York Public Library
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: DK CHILDREN (April 26, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789439468
• ISBN-13: 978-0789439468
• Product Dimensions: 13.9 x 10.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,588,736 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #55 in Books > Teens > Education & Reference > Science & Technology > Astronomy

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars OUTSTANDING Space Book!, March 7, 2000

By 

Leslie A. Harris "Leslie in Texas" (Midlothian, Tx USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: DK Guide to Space (Hardcover)

What more could I say! The photos are fantastic! The info is current to 1999. The book being oversized only enhanced the outstanding photography. Real photos from the Space Shuttle, satellite photos. There is one of Mt. Everest that makes it look like a tiny hill. Amazing! The books goes planet by planet showing at the lower left it's size as compared to earth. Great for school or homeschool or just looking! It's a great bang for the buck! If you love space, it's packs an amazing punch!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book for the Space Enthusiast, March 26, 2010

By 

Stephen (SUGAR LAND, TX, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dorling Kindersley Guide to Space (Hardcover)

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, just recently read it from cover to cover. Even though it was written in 1999, the information is still relevant and very educational. I really like all of the Dorling Kindersley books, but found this to be one of the best. The pictures are terrific. Space is so cool!

5.0 out of 5 stars My neice LOVES this book!, October 13, 2007

By 

JoJo (Orlando, FL USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: DK Guide to Space (Hardcover)

I didn't see the book myself, as I had it shipped directly to her for her birthday. But, her mom has said the pictures are just spectacular, and very educational. For those of you who have kids that are interested in the planets, I would recommend this book. It's something they can keep forever.