Space And Astronomy On File

Since earliest times, humans have contemplated the world beyond planet Earth. In the last fifty years, space exploration has become a truly international activity; coverage of the International Space Station reinforces our ongoing fascination with outer space. With a wide array of tables, charts, maps, and line drawings, Space and Astronomy On File presents the most up-to-date facts, figures, and explanations on this aspect of scientific study. An invaluable resource for students, teachers, and general readers, this addition to the critically acclaimed On File series features material from a vast range of international organizations, academic institutions, research foundations, and national and international databases that will: * Reveal the many achievements and varied technologies in space research * Explain the locations, types, origins, and evolution of astronomical objects, from galaxies to meteorites * Provide users at all levels with information to enable them to incorporate this resource into their studies * Combine with Weather and Climate On File to make a unique resource of Earth's atmosphere, space, and space exploration.

Contains a referential glossary of astronomy-related terms, biographies of important astronomers and astronauts, and a chronology of notable events contributing to the science.

Presents new, tested experiments related to the intriguing fields of space science and astronomy. The experiments are designed to promote interest in science both in and out of the classroom, and to improve critical-thinking skills.

Presents a comprehensive reference to astronomy and space exploration, with articles on space technology, astronauts, stars, planets, key theories and laws and more.

Contains a history of the subjects of space and astronomy, providing definitions and explanations of related topics, plus brief biographies of scientists of the twentieth century.

An alphabetical dictionary containing over 1,500 entries on topics dealing with space, space flight, and space technology.

"... the book reminds us of an important lesson in the postwar era of big science: that government policy may lead initially to tremendous support for various fields of science and technology." --Science "... a triumph of historical analysis." --Choice "This is an excellent record of the beginnings of the NASA plantetary astronomy program in the years 1958-70." --American Historical Review "The historical circumstances that led to this country's great leap into space were unique, but it is clear that there are many lessons to be learnt from this enthralling tale and Tatarewicz tells the tale well." --Annals of Science When NASA went looking for expertise on the moon and planets following Sputnik, they found that astronomers had long since turned their telescopes away from our planets and toward the stars. Where were the scientists who could help the United States explore the solar system? The answer, as this important new study shows, was that NASA had to create them This story of the precipitous rise and decline of planetary astronomy is an important case study of science in an age of state-managed research and development. It demonstrates that the lines between science, technology, politics, and society are anything but fixed and impermeable.

Profiles more than 130 scientists from around the world who made important contributions in the fields of space and astronomy, including John Couch Adams, Albert Einstein, and Plato.