Books in Space Mysteries series

In September of 2015, the scientific world was buzzing: gravitational waves had been detected. It was a dramatic and conclusive demonstration of Einstein's theory of general relativity, the most complex and far-reaching theory in the history of physics. Through detailed diagrams, relatable analogies, and informative sidebars, this text cuts through the complexity and sophistication, providing an accessible introduction to the physics of waves, the implications of general relativity, and the ways in which gravitational waves can bring new understanding of the universe around us.

A wormhole is a tube-like distortion of time and space connecting distant places in the universe. Wormholes have been featured in many movies, but can they really exist? Wormholes are a prediction of scientific theories, and the precision of mathematics allows them to be described, even before they have ever been seen. Untangling complex physics theories with accessible language and captivating imagery, this book explores the development and evaluation of scientific theories behind wormholes. Supporting the Next Generation Science Standards' emphasis on scientific collection and analysis of data and evidence-based theories, this book will help students grasp the importance of mathematical models of reality, laying the groundwork for a deeper understanding of the nature of science.

Advancements in space exploration over the years have shown us that Mars does not have alien beings living on its surface, as it does in movies and books. Mars is on the edge of the solar system's habitable zone. It has water, one of the necessary conditions for life as we know it, though only in the form of ice. Scientists believe that Mars had liquid water in the past and so they continue to look for signs of life. Readers will find out what life on Mars would be like, see vivid photographs, and learn the details of upcoming NASA missions.

Dark energy is a mysterious force causing the universe to expand in an accelerating manner. Although Edwin Hubble discovered observational proof of expansion in 1929, the first direct evidence for dark energy came from supernova observations in the late 1990s. Untangling complex physics theories with accessible language, informative sidebars, and captivating imagery, this text explores the development and evaluation of scientific theories behind dark energy. Students will learn about the tools and methods scientists use to unravel dark energy's origins, dynamics, and effects on the universe.

Scientists believe that the universe is mostly made up of dark matter, a mysterious substance that is different from the ordinary matter people can touch, smell, see, and interact with. Dark matter cannot be directly observed, but it can be studied by examining its effect on ordinary matter. Simplified explanations of complex scientific concepts and fascinating images will help students understand how physicists employ Kepler's laws of planetary motion, gravitational lensing, particle colliders, and other theories and tools to learn about dark matter. Informative sidebars explore related timely topics in depth, while a Further Reading section provides several resources for additional study.

This engaging volume guides readers into the hearts of massive stars on a journey toward understanding one of the universe's most fascinating occurrences, a supernova event that signifies the end of a star's life. By exploring the origins of star formation and stellar evolutionary paths, students will come to understand the conditions that lead to the explosive deaths of massive stars, including an in-depth look at the groundbreaking detection of Supernova 1987A, the closest supernova observed in the past four hundred years. Additionally, readers will learn about the supernova research currently being conducted by universities across the world and by space agencies such as NASA.

Our sun is our constant companion, giving us a seemingly endless supply of light, heat, and energy. But it will have an end. Like all stars, the sun had a beginning, and it will die, too. This book details how this will happen and the likely effects the sun's end will have on Earth. Readers learn how gravity and nuclear fusion work together in the birth and death of stars. This captivating glimpse into the far, far future will awe enthusiasts of astronomy.