‘So staggering you go “whoa!” every few seconds’ Guardian‘Really impressive’ Eamonn Holmes, ITV This MorningA companion book to the critically acclaimed BBC series.The bestselling authors of Wonders of the Universe are back with another blockbuster, a groundbreaking exploration of our Solar System as it has never been seen before.Mercury, a lifeless victim of the Sun’s expanding power. Venus, once thought to be lush and fertile, now known to be trapped within a toxic and boiling atmosphere. Mars, the red planet, doomed by the loss of its atmosphere. Jupiter, twice the size of all the other planets combined, but insubstantial. Saturn, a stunning celestial beauty, the jewel of our Solar System. Uranus, the sideways planet and the first ice giant. Neptune, dark, cold and whipped by supersonic winds. Pluto, the dwarf planet, a frozen rock.Andrew Cohen and Professor Brian Cox take readers on a voyage of discovery, from the fiery heart of our Solar System, to its mysterious outer reaches. They touch on the latest discoveries that have expanded our knowledge of the planets, their moons and how they come to be, alongside recent stunning and mind-boggling NASA photography. Read more

A Brief History of Time for the 21st CenturyAt the heart of our galaxy lies a monster so deadly, not even light can escape its grasp. Its secrets lie waiting to be discovered. It’s time to explore our universe’s most mysterious inhabitantsBlack HolesAt the heart of the Milky Way lies a supermassive black hole 4 million times more massive than our Sun. A place where space and time are so warped that light is trapped if it ventures within 12 million km. According to Einstein, inside lies the end of time. According to 21st-century physics, the reality may be far more bizarre.Black holes lie where the most massive stars used to shine and at the edge of our current understanding. They are naturally occurring objects, the inevitable creations of gravity when too much matter collapses into not enough space. And yet, although the laws of nature predict them, they fail fully to describe them.Black holes are places in space and time where the laws of gravity, quantum physics and thermodynamics collide. Originally thought to be so intellectually troubling that they simply could not exist, it is only in the past few years that we have begun to glimpse a new synthesis; a deep connection between gravity and quantum information theory that describes a holographic universe in which space and time emerge from a network of quantum bits, and wormholes span the void.In this groundbreaking book, Professor Brian Cox and Professor Jeff Forshaw take you to the edge of our understanding of black holes; a scientific journey to the research frontier spanning a century of physics, from Einstein to Hawking and beyond, that ends with the startling conclusion that our world may operate like a giant quantum computer. Read more

Was there a beginning of time? Could time run backwards? Is the universe infinite or does it have boundaries? These are just some of the questions considered in the internationally acclaimed masterpiece by the world renowned physicist - generally considered to have been one of the world's greatest thinkers.It begins by reviewing the great theories of the cosmos from Newton to Einstein, before delving into the secrets which still lie at the heart of space and time, from the Big Bang to black holes, via spiral galaxies and strong theory. To this day A Brief History of Time remains a staple of the scientific canon, and its succinct and clear language continues to introduce millions to the universe and its wonders.This new edition includes updates from Stephen Hawking with his latest thoughts about the No Boundary Proposal and offers new information about dark energy, the information paradox, eternal inflation, the microwave background radiation observations, and the discovery of gravitational waves.It was published in tandem with the app, Stephen Hawking's Pocket Universe.'This book marries a child's wonder to a genius's intellect. We journey into Hawking's universe while marvelling at his mind.' The Sunday Times Read more

An astonishing tour of the key astronomical events of the past century, and of all the accidents and human error involved in our pursuit of asteroids, radio waves, new stars and alien life. *Now updated to include a new Afterword.*'A riveting real-life Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.' Telegraph'‘An enjoyable tour of astronomical discoveries…His excellent book is a layman’s guide to the surprises’ - Daily Mail'Lintott's boundless enthusiasm for everything cosmic makes it hard to put this book away once you start reading.' BBC Sky at Night Magazine'Entertaining and enlightening' - The Idler.....................................................................................................................................................................................................The BBC presenter of 'Sky at Night', and Gresham Professor of Astronomy, Chris Lintott, takes us on an astonishing tour of bizarre accidents, big characters, and human error to tell the story of some of the most important astronomical events of the past hundred years.- Our first views of the earliest galaxies were brought to us by the Hubble Space Telescope when it was pointed at absolutely nothing.- The ice-covered Enceladus, one of Saturn's nearly one hundred moons, was revealed as a possible habitat for life after a by-chance fly by of NASA's Cassini probe on a mission elsewhere.- Pulsars, the spectacular remnants of long-dead massive stars, were discovered as 'scruff' in the data for measurements of the twinkling of possible radio stars.As new telescopes are built on mountaintops and in deserts around the world, aiming to transform our view of the universe once more, Chris Lintott shows us that keeping an open mind will benefit us all - whatever might still be out there for us to find.........................................................................................................................Praise for Our Accidental Universe'A scientific tour de force.' Dr Becky Smethurst'Highly recommended.' Tristan Gooley'Extravagantly entertaining ... warmly informative.' Lev Parikian'A fascinating look at the strange and alien side of space.' Dr Lucy RogersMore praise for Chris Lintott'Superbly written insights.' - Professor Brian Cox'Chris Lintott is a modest genius. He has quietly revolutionized modern astronomy.' Brian May'Lintott deftly interweaves personal experience and more philosophical ruminations.' Michael West, Nature Read more

Sunday Times BestsellerHow did life on Earth begin? What is the nature of space and time? What are the chances that we will discover life on other worlds?Think you know our planet?Think again.Forces of Nature takes you from the mid-Atlantic ridge in Iceland, the volcanoes of Indonesia and the precipitous cliffs in Nepal, to the manatees off the coast of Florida and the northern lights of the Arctic, in search of the fundamental laws that govern our world.These universal laws shape everything, from the structure of snowflakes to the elegant spirals of the galaxies. By seeking to understand the everyday world – the colours, structure, behaviour and history of our home – we can step beyond the everyday and approach the Universe beyond. Read more

Discover the fascinating and cutting-edge science behind the greatest question of all: is there life beyond Earth? For millennia, we have looked up at the stars and wondered whether we are alone in the universe. In the last few years, scientists have made huge strides towards answering that question. In The Aliens are Coming!, comedian and bestselling science writer Ben Miller takes us on a fantastic voyage of discovery, from the beginnings of life on earth to the very latest search for alien intelligence. What soon becomes clear is that the hunt for extra-terrestrials is also an exploration of what we actually mean by life. What do you need to kickstart life? How did the teeming energy of the Big Bang end up as frogs, trees and quantity surveyors? How can evolution provide clues about alien life? What might it look like? (Probably not green and sexy, sadly.) As our probes and manned missions venture out into the solar system, and our telescopes image Earth-like planets with ever-increasing accuracy, our search for alien life has never been more exciting - or better funded. The Aliens are Coming! is a comprehensive, accessible and hugely entertaining guide to that search, and our quest to understand the very nature of life itself. Read more

A new interpretation of nearly 40 years of interstellar signals and the prophetic message they contain• Contains extensive analysis of pulsar data, revealing new ideas about the origins and functions of pulsars• Provides proof of an extraterrestrial communication network• Includes information about the formation of crop circles and force-field-beaming technologyIn 1967, astronomers began receiving and cataloging precisely timed radio pulses from extraterrestrial sources, which they called pulsars. These pulsars emit laserlike radio beams that penetrate through space much like searchlight beams. Paul LaViolette, who has been researching pulsars for over 25 years, shows that while these pulsars have long been assumed to be spinning stars, the true nature of these radio sources has been grossly misunderstood.In Decoding the Message of the Pulsars, LaViolette shows that pulsars are distributed in the sky in a nonrandom fashion, often marking key galactic locations, and that their signals are of intelligent origin. Using extensive scientific data to corroborate his theory, he presents evidence of unusual geometric alignments among pulsars and intriguing pulse-period relationships. Equally compelling is the message LaViolette contends is being sent by these extraterrestrial beacons: a warning about a past galactic core explosion disaster that could recur in the near future. Read more

Are you ready to master Quantum Physics fast through just 4 bizarre discoveries, even if you’ve got zero prior experience or training in the subject? Then keep reading...Silver Medal Winner of the Independent Publisher Book AwardsIn 1965, the great American physicist Richard Feynman famously proclaimed, “I think I can safely say that nobody understands Quantum Mechanics." Is there any wonder why?Particles that pop in and out of existence...Infinite universes and branching realities…Most people, unfortunately, were never taught how wonderful and spectacular Quantum Physics really and truly is in school...And the ones who do receive formal training are overwhelmed with advanced mathematics that only makes sense to a fraction of the population...In this book, we will break through the confusion and reveal to you the most important ideas of Quantum Physics, told through the amazing true story of just 4 bizarre discoveries – many of which were made completely by accident!In Quantum Physics, Into the Light, you’ll discover:How one young physicist accidentally discovered quantum physics with a math trick and changed our entire understanding of light and matter forever.The true secret nature of light (get ready to be extremely confused).How a playful riddle about a dead cat started as a joke but later smashed our entire interpretation of reality forever.Why and how Newton got gravity wrong (and Einstein got it right).How a man you’ve never heard of took us to the brink of a Theory of Everything (and why we’re not there yet).Proof there’s a black hole at the center of the Milky Way.Einstein’s top-secret letter to President Roosevelt that saved the Allies in WWII.How to build an atom bomb, step by step.The secret of why clocks on GPS satellites run slower than Earth clocks (and how time travel might work).How we calculated the exact age of the Earth (and the universe too).The deadliest, most destructive threat in our universe (and why we’re still alive).How quantum physics has built our modern world (and will shape our future).The real science behind worm holes, string theory, alternate realities, parallel universes, and the multiverse, and more!You could try to piece the story together yourself… But this process would take hundreds of hours!This book will immediately increase your understanding of Quantum Physics, as well as show you why it matters in your life…Even if you have no prior experience – the book starts with the assumption you know nothing about quantum physics (yet).Even if you are not “good at math” - the equations are explained in plain English.Even if you don’t have the time - only the most impactful concepts are included with absolutely zero fluff.Updated and expanded for 2025:Bonus 1 - Simulation Theory: Discover why Quantum Physics has physicists wondering if we're actually inside the Matrix.Bonus 2 - Fermi's Paradox: Where are all the Aliens? John Stoddard's answer will inform (and surprise) you.Bonus 3 - "Strange Facts" Historical Anecdotes: Ever wondered about the personal quirks, dramas, and squabbles of the world's greatest physicists? Find out here.Bonus 4 - Expanded Glossary: Key terms are highlighted throughout the text and listed in the Glossary for fun and easy learning.Bonus 5 - Expanded Equations List: All Equations are consolidated at the end of the text for convenient review to boost comprehension.So if you’re ready to master the secrets of Quantum Physics fast, then scroll up and click the “Buy now with 1-Click” button to get your book instantly. Read more

"This is Frank Close's masterpiece — his best book, and one of the very best introductions to physics for the layperson. Close is a master expositor." — The (London) Sunday Times"Close's writing is beguiling, mingling personal and historical anecdote with carefully measured doses of exposition in such a way as to guide the reader painlessly into rather deep intellectual waters." — Nature "Life, intrinsically related to asymmetries, is the theme of this book, and Close offers us an absorbing and scientifically correct account of symmetry and its deep implications." — CERN CourierThis thought-provoking work by a physicist and popular science writer explores the origins of asymmetry from the molecular level to that of the universe at large. Frank Close takes the readers on a tour of asymmetry that ranges from the development of human embryos to the mysterious Higgs boson, or "God particle," and ongoing research at Switzerland's CERN laboratory. Read more

Collins Shorts – insight in an instant.Professor Brian Cox shows us our universe as we've never seen it before. In this short he explains how this vast and complex universe – the subject of human fascination and scientific exploration for thousands of years – will end. Taken from his bestselling, mind-blowing exploration of space, Wonders of the Universe.Collins Shorts are a fresh look at the ebook short, with the emphasis on vibrant design, animated content and expert authors who can provide accessible insight. They satisfy your thirst for knowledge without the need for time commitment.This ebook will work on all e-readers but delivers its full punch on devices that support colour and animation. Please note the extent is between 20 to 40 pages, depending on your settings. Read more

'A gem of a book' Carlo Rovelli, author of Seven Brief Lessons on Physics'A unique and beautifully written masterpiece' Max Tegmark, author of Life 3.0Could there be a civilization on a mote of dust? How much of your fate have you made? Who cleans the universe?Through more than fifty Koans - pleasingly paradoxical vignettes following the ancient Zen tradition - leading physicist Anthony Aguirre takes us across the world from Japan to Italy, and through ideas spanning the age, breadth and depth of the Universe. Using these beguiling stories and a flair for explaining complex science, he covers cosmic questions that giants from Aristotle to Galileo to Heisenberg have grappled with - from the nature of time to the origin of multiple universes to the meaning of quantum theory.Playful and enlightening, Cosmological Koans invites the reader into an intellectual adventure of the highest order, giving us what Einstein called 'the most beautiful and deepest experience' anyone can have - a sense of the mysterious. Read more

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and thought, ‘Is there anybody out there?’ The Search for Life explores the possibility of other life in the Universe, from the prospect of ancient bacteria on Mars to the likelihood of contacting an interstellar civilisation. Delve into extra-terrestrial possibilities, from the first suggestions of alien life to cutting-edge missions actively seeking to answer one of life's biggest questions – are we alone? Read more

Given that it includes literally everything in existence, it's not surprising that the Universe is the source of some of the greatest mysteries in physics. How big is it? How did it begin? And, perhaps more worryingly, how will it end? Through cosmology, the study of the evolution and structure of the Universe, experts have been attempting to untangle these tricky topics for centuries. Explore the secrets of the cosmos with astronomer Dr Greg Brown as he entertains our fascination with impossible questions in this pocket guide to everything that ever was and ever will be. Read more

Moons come, quite literally, in all shapes and sizes. Our Moon is just one of more than 200 moons in the Solar System that we’ve identified so far. Scientists have discovered moons made of rock, others of ice. There are moons with atmospheres or with oceans hidden beneath their surfaces, and even some with active volcanoes. Others could perhaps be suitable for life! Astronomer Anna Gammon-Ross of Royal Observatory Greenwich travels through the Solar System, hopping from one moon to the next, to discover not only what these natural satellites have in common, but also what makes each one unique. Read more

As one of the five planets that can be seen in the night sky without the aid of a telescope, Mars has been a source of fascination for millennia. Astronomer Patricia Skelton investigates our relationship with Mars, beginning with the earliest observations and the conundrums they generated and ending with our ambitious plans for the future. She explores how the Red Planet helped solve the mysteries of planetary motion, sparked furious debates about other life in the Solar System, became an early target of space exploration and has since been a testing ground for remarkable new technologies. Read more

From a planet with a hexagonal storm to the home of the Solar System's largest volcano, our neighbouring bodies are unique and fascinating places. Where else would you find somewhere with days longer than its years? Humanity’s understanding of planets has changed drastically since ancient times when early astronomers mistook the lights they saw in the sky for wandering stars. We’ve come a long way since then, but there’s still so much we don't know. Discover more in this essential guide to planets in the Solar System and beyond by astronomer Dr Emily Drabek-Maunder of Royal Observatory Greenwich. Read more

Scientists and astronomers from many different fields have contributed over the centuries to the rich knowledge we have of the Sun and its relationship with the Earth. What is the Sun made of? What is the solar wind? What could magnetism have to do with the Sun? What does it all mean for us here on Earth? And what of the deep scientific mysteries that remain unresolved? Understanding our closest star has never been more important. Delve into the secrets of the Sun in this guide from Brendan Owens, Astronomer Emeritus for Royal Observatory Greenwich. Read more

Black holes seem like the stuff of science fiction, but the reality behind these astronomical objects is even more peculiar. The science behind black holes is notoriously complex, but this concise introduction reveals how general principles form the basis of our understanding of them, before exploring the possibilities of time travel, wormholes and spaghettification (not as tasty as it sounds!). Astronomer Dr Ed Bloomer gives you a whistle-stop guide to the fate of the Universe, the mechanics of a black hole and, most importantly, instructions for what to do should you fall into one! Read more

Whether stargazing with the naked eye or observing deep space with the largest telescopes in the world, humans have a seemingly never-ending fascination with the stars. It’s only in the last century or so that the natures of these distant lights have been revealed – and it’s more incredible than any legend. Astronomer Dr Greg Brown of Royal Observatory Greenwich takes a short diversion from obsessing over black holes to illuminate us about the lives of stars – ending in black holes, naturally. Read more

Constant debatings about faith and rationality, creationism and evolutionism lead us to believe that the dawn of human beings on Earth is still an enigma. This book, however, presents the possibility of union between science and spirituality, based on an overall view of human origin.Roselis von Sass portrays the beginning of a new era: the era of the birth and life of the first human beings. The author reveals through logical arguments that the human being, in his biological dimension, descends from an incredibly high-developed animal. In ancient times, primates called ‘babais’ lived on this Planet, having reached the apex of the evolution of their species and which were the necessary link for the reception and development of human beings. To this day, scientists search for the missing link in the evolutionary chain without finding it, since this species has become extinct. ‘The Birth of Mankind’ also tells about the seven cradles of humanity, places where the first human beings appeared. Among these cradles is a region on the African continent that has been identified as such by current science. Interesting aspects about the distribution of human beings across continents, the habits of the first inhabitants of the Earth, characteristics of Neanderthal men and the Ice Age are also part of this surprising narrative. The book shows how, over the ages, human beings have made great transformations in the way they live and see the world, which have influenced our Planet in a decisive way for their further progress. Read more