From Publishers Weekly
National Geographic has always guided readers to remote regions of the world. Now it goes out of this world, with this lavish guide to the near and far reaches of the universe. Essays contributed by academics, NASA staffers and notables such as Robert Wilson (who along with Arno Penzias at Bell Labs in 1964 discovered the first evidence of the Big Bang) discuss deep space, our solar system and space travel. There are also sections on using space to study Earth and on the military and intelligence uses of space. The essays in general are readable and show the implications of astronomy for life on Earth, such as the impact of solar flares on the weather. Introductory sections explain central concepts and terms: for instance, one gives a description of the Sun’s history and mass, and defines what a sunspot is. Still, this volume will suit astronomy enthusiasts better than total novices. Everyone, however, can enjoy the gorgeous photos, such as the dramatic satellite photo of a hurricane approaching the U.S.Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist
Glover, the primary author and editor of this exceptional book, explains its concept: "I couldn't find a 'SPACE 101' book anywhere that covered all the subjects I needed at an entry level." This is the book she wanted--arranged by concepts, not alphabetically. It is organized in six chapters: "Deep Space," "Our Solar System," "Reaching and Maneuvering in Space," "Human Spaceflight," "Earth Science and Commerce from Space," and "Military and Intelligence Uses of Space." Each chapter is written and edited by a specialist in the field and divided into subchapters that average five pages in length and are in turn broken down into smaller entries. Special essays provide more in-depth information. For example, "The Great Crash of 1994," addressing a huge asteroid that crashed into Jupiter, appears in the section on comets in the "Deep Space" chapter. Explanations are clear and basic, written for the popular audience. There are numerous charts, graphs, and time lines throughout. All measurements use the metric system. Words in bold type cross-reference other entries and subentries.The appendix consists of double-page maps of the northern sky and the southern sky star charts with constellations, the moon, Mars, the solar system, the Milky Way, and the universe. In addition, the encyclopedia has more than 200 wonderful color pictures from NASA, the Hubble telescope, and satellite images, many of them covering a full page or a double-page spread. The captions clarify concepts in the text, rather than merely repeat it.We have come to expect the spectacular from National Geographic, and this new encyclopedia reaffirms our faith. Libraries and homes will both want this breathtaking book. Robin Hoelle
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Book Description
The National Geographic Encyclopedia of Space offers clear and concise explanations of the planets; telescopes; manned space flight; satellites; the origin of the universe; the contributions of Nicolaus Copernicus, Edwin Hubble, and Stephen Hawking; and much more. The Encyclopedia of Space answers such questions as How vast is the Milky Way? What makes a satellite stay up? How does deep space affect our daily climate? Arranged in six thematic chapters, the Encyclopedia of Space brings together in one accessible volume the varied aspects of space science: the solar system, deep space exploration (manned and unmanned) and discovery, satellites and orbits, and the commercial, scientific, and military uses of space. Tables, diagrams, maps, and fact boxes provide additional information and value. The encyclopedia is enriched by recently declassified intelligence material and photographs from the U.S. Navy and the National Reconnaissance Office, the latest Hubble images, and essays written by leading professionals in the field, such as Kathryn Sullivan and Sylvia Earle. Astronaut Buzz Aldrin, who landed on the Moon with Neil Armstrong, will write a foreword to the encyclopedia.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The National Geographic Encyclopedia of Space offers clear and concise explanations of the planets; telescopes; manned space flight; satellites; the origin of the universe; the contributions of Nicolaus Copernicus, Edwin Hubble, and Stephen Hawking; and much more. The Encyclopedia of Space answers such questions as How vast is the Milky Way? What makes a satellite stay up? How does deep space affect our daily climate? Arranged in six thematic chapters, the Encyclopedia of Space brings together in one accessible volume the varied aspects of space science: the solar system, deep space exploration (manned and unmanned) and discovery, satellites and orbits, and the commercial, scientific, and military uses of space. Tables, diagrams, maps, and fact boxes provide additional information and value. The encyclopedia is enriched by recently declassified intelligence material and photographs from the U.S. Navy and the National Reconnaissance Office, the latest Hubble images, and essays written by leading professionals in the field, such as Kathryn Sullivan and Sylvia Earle. Astronaut Buzz Aldrin, who landed on the Moon with Neil Armstrong, will write a foreword to the encyclopedia.

FROM THE CRITICS

Kunio Francis Tanabe - The Washington Post