Astronomy

I was wondering if anyone here has interests in astronomy. I am just looking for recommendations on books/documentary films that are really awe inspiring. I love looking at space photos and just recently watched some history channel film about the sun. Seen or read anything cool in this area lately?

Carl Sagan Cosmos. DVD and Book. I prefer the book, personally. It's one of my favourites across all genres.

I've been reading Arthur C. Clarke stuff lately, just re-read 2001 and now I'm reading The Songs of Distant Earth, also really good. I don't know if you wanted fiction, but his books are always based on really solid scientific speculation. Definitely kicks up my interest in astronomy.

  On 6/25/2011 at 8:36 PM, Boxus said:

I've been reading Arthur C. Clarke stuff lately, just re-read 2001 and now I'm reading The Songs of Distant Earth, also really good. I don't know if you wanted fiction, but his books are always based on really solid scientific speculation. Definitely kicks up my interest in astronomy.

arthur c clarke and carl sagan are totally new to me. i know they are huge names within the genre, but i have never read them. maybe i will soon.

I'd second the recommendation for Arthur C Clarke. I remember reading 2001 and actually learning a little about astronomy from it which really kickstarted my interest. I thought he was bullshitting about Iapetus until I read up on it. Astronomy is fascinating, but unfortunately with me being a bit dense the science loses me fairly quickly.

Sagan's Cosmos is actually really good at balancing the dense science with a basis in human history.

Cosmos is something I really should return to. I can remember it being on telly as a kid, although around that time my understanding of science was probably limited to Daleks and Cybermen. Shame on me.

Cosmos. End of.

kaini knows.

I remember reading Stephen hawkings black holes and tiny universes many years ago. he makes things very easy to take in.

john barrow and paul davies are good authors to dig into as well (sagan is truly a great place to start though)

not sure what this is about, i've only watched the first couple of minutes so far, but it looks kinda interesting. though they'll probably just end up repeating the same old

clichés about the universe as every other program like it since cosmos. OR MAYBE NOT?!

*watches*

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryUYyhpqh68

there are some good series on the science channel such as through the wormhole with morgan freeman.

an annoying host can ruin a doc for me. But this stuff is mighty interesting. Hard to fully grasp.

you know in time bandits when they are trapped in the cages held up by ropes in total blackness outside the evil fortress. Thats what Ive always imagined the end of the universe to look like

im amazed at stuff like the parallax method being thought up by people hundreds of years ago. All in the brain.

  On 6/26/2011 at 6:03 AM, data said:

not sure what this is about, i've only watched the first couple of minutes so far, but it looks kinda interesting. though they'll probably just end up repeating the same old

clichés about the universe as every other program like it since cosmos. OR MAYBE NOT?!

 

*watches*

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryUYyhpqh68

Aphex Twin - "btoum-roumada" at 31:35

  On 6/26/2011 at 12:32 AM, essines said:

Cosmos. End of.

 

 

kaini knows.

damn straight.

although i prefer to call him my copilot.

my son's religious education teacher is an old friend of mine. we're cooking up a scheme for him to show the class an episode of cosmos every week for 13 weeks. i can't think of a better thing to ignite a love of science and reason in kids than cosmos. it's dated extraordinarily well.

  On 6/25/2011 at 10:18 PM, Caretstik said:

I'd second the recommendation for Arthur C Clarke. I remember reading 2001 and actually learning a little about astronomy from it which really kickstarted my interest. I thought he was bullshitting about Iapetus until I read up on it. Astronomy is fascinating, but unfortunately with me being a bit dense the science loses me fairly quickly.

I was always interested in astronomy and cosmology, but honestly some of it never clicked until I took astronomy courses in college. Just the way experts break it down and explain the concepts I suppose. I'd also recommend the Sagan and Hawking books for that reason.

Long ago I checked out a cosmology book that literally alternated chapters with excellent sci-fi short stories. I really wish I knew the title, I'd recommend it in a heartbeat.

  On 6/26/2011 at 7:03 AM, marf said:

an annoying host can ruin a doc for me. But this stuff is mighty interesting. Hard to fully grasp.you know in time bandits when they are trapped in the cages held up by ropes in total blackness outside the evil fortress. Thats what Ive always imagined the end of the universe to look like

Man I love that movie. Most of the universe is quite empty as is. Between all the galaxies and clusters is a lot of vast, vacant space. Quite mind-boggling really. Reminds me of the Total Perspective Vortex in Hitchhiker's.

Watch the documentary called Phoenix Mars Mission - Onto the Ice. I'm in it ( no kidding), but it may be boring to those not interested in space exploration.