Hubble: Imaging Space and Time (Hardcover)

by David Devorkin (Author), Robert Smith (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist
The Hubble Space Telescope began taking spectacular photographs of the cosmos just as the Internet spread its web on Earth, granting public access to these astonishing, beautiful, and unprecedented images. So cherished were these glimpses into the universe, when NASA announced in 2004 that it would end the shuttle missions necessary to service the telescope, the protest was vehement enough to rescind the decision. This handsome volume celebrates the technological and scientific breakthroughs that have made the Hubble such a resounding success. The full, up-to-date story is told in glorious photographs and the equally sparkling commentary of Hubble experts DeVorkin and Smith. From a profile of the brilliant astronomer Edwin Hubble (1889–1953) to detailed explanations of how the spectacular photographs of such phenomena as the Orion Nebula (its portrait required 150 orbits) were taken, the authors cover the people, science, and aesthetics of the stellar Hubble era. Not only are the telescope’s contributions to science beyond quantification, DeVorkin and Smith aver, the images the Hubble has gathered have also had profound effects on our imagination and spiritual growth. --Donna Seaman

Product Description
In the spirit of National Geographic’s top-selling Orbit, this large-format, full-color volume stands alone in revealing more than 200 of the most spectacular images from the Hubble Space Telescope during its lifetime, to the very eve of the 2008 final shuttle mission to the telescope. Written by two of the world’s foremost authorities on space history, Hubble: Imaging Space and Time illuminates the solar system’s workings, the expansion of the universe, the birth and death of stars, the formation of planetary nebulae, the dynamics of galaxies, and the mysterious force known as "dark energy."

The potential impact of this book cannot be overstressed: The 2008 servicing mission to install new high-powered scientific instruments is especially high profile because the cancellation of the previous mission, in 2004, caused widespread controversy. The authors reveal the inside story of Hubble’s beginnings, its controversial early days, the drama of its first servicing missions, and the creation of the dynamic images that reach into the deepest regions of visible space, close to the time when the universe began.

A wealth of astonishing images leads us to the very edge of known space, setting the stage for the new James Webb Space Telescope, scheduled to launch in 2013. Find the stunning panoramic of Carina Nebula, detailing star birth as never before; a jet from a black hole in one galaxy striking a neighboring galaxy; a jewel-like collection of galaxies from the early years of the universe; and a giant galaxy cannibalizing a smaller galaxy.

Timed for the 2008 shuttle launch and coinciding with the 400th anniversary of Galileo’s first telescope, Hubble: Imaging Space and Time accompanies a high-profile exhibit at the National Air and Space Museum and will be featured on the popular NASM website.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: National Geographic; illustrated edition edition (September 30, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1426203225
• ISBN-13: 978-1426203220
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 11.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #25,232 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #6 in	Books > Outdoors & Nature > Ecology > Star-Gazing
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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars HUBBLE:IMAGING SPACE & TIME, October 29, 2008

By	J. Flynn - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a picture book, beautifully done. This is not a highly technical text but mostly a collection of extraordinary photos from what is arguably the greatest achievement of the US space program. From this relatively small telescope, unhindered by the earth's atmosphere, we have an amazing array of objects that link art with science. Absolutely stunning.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars astonishing, November 13, 2008

By	Charles Bayne "taxicab33" (Rockville,MD) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is an incredible book showcasing the unbelievable wonders of outer space. Anyone who has looked up into the night sky will love this one. The swirling colors, brilliance, and unimaginable size will give you an awe and appreciation of the vastness and complexity of our universe. It is like looking thru the eyes of God. Each page brings a more brilliant image. Makes one feel pretty humble.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book!, November 30, 2008

By	Gillian Winzinger "Gwinzi" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I got this book for my brother and looked through it before giving it to him. It's a large format, and the pictures are great. The information int he book is probably not as in-depth as would be a book less focused on the photographs, but for anyone who just wants to see the beautiful images, this is a perfect book.