10 Things We've Learned about Space

A very readable, narrative exploration of ten key things we've learned about space over the past few decades, focusing both on the achievements as well as how our understanding of the cosmos has changed from the kinds of things we might have learned in school.

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A great deal has been discovered about space over the past few decades. This accessible new book from acclaimed popular science writer Rhodri Evans encapsulates what we've learned from recent advances in our knowledge of the cosmos.


It details the Viking landings on Mars and offers a brief summary of previous attempts to reach Mars. It follows Pioneer and Voyager in exploring the outer solar system, and from Skylab to MIR and the International Space Station, it examines humankind's exploration in space since Apollo.

It describes the Russian landing on Venus and the exploration of that planet over a number of decades by both the United States and the USSR/Russia. It reveals what we have learned from space-based telescopes such as the Hubble Space Telescope.

10 Things We've Learned about Space reveals what we have learned from Galileo about Jupiter and her moons, and contemplates what future missions might reveal. It also asks what more robots might be able to reveal of Mars's secrets.

Cassini has expanded our knowledge of Saturn and her moons, as has chasing comets - not just Rosetta, although this has been the crowning glory so far.

Humankind has at last visited the Pluto, with New Horizons, but what further knowledge, Evans asks in conclusion, might the future bring.