We have all, I think, wanted to be astronauts at some point in our lives. The possibility of space exploration and traversing the “final frontier” of space has captured the imaginations of countless people.
Multiple private companies are now sending amateur astronauts, even civilians, into orbit. Suddenly, the possibility of traveling to outer space seems a bit more reachable. Even if you can’t see yourself ever actually setting off in a rocket ship, you can get a taste of what it’s like by exploring the multiple books written by astronauts and scientists about space. Your Abilene Public Library has the following books (and more) available to borrow.
Get a solid foundation of the science that led to space exploration from space historian Roger D. Launius, in his book “The Smithsonian History of Space Exploration: from the Ancient World to the Extraterrestrial Future.” In this book, Launius covers the thousands of years of development that led to humanity’s ability to venture into space. He also speculates about the future of space exploration and possible colonization of other planets.
Retired astronaut Clayton C. Anderson, also known as “Astro Clay,” spent over 150 days aboard the International Space Station. He provides a firsthand perspective on life as an astronaut and uses humor and wit to answer questions in his book, “It’s a Question of Space: An Ordinary Astronaut’s Answers to Sometimes Extraordinary Questions.” Anderson writes about everything from living on the International Space Station to how to become an astronaut.
Looking to the future, physics professor Michio Kaku explores the possibilities of building sustainable colonies on Mars, achieving interstellar travel, and even human immortality in his book “The Future of Humanity: Terraforming Mars, Interstellar Travel, Immortality, and Our Destiny Beyond Earth.” Beginning with a prologue that outlines the multiple past catastrophes that nearly led to the extinction of humanity, Kaku lays the foundation for why humanity must reach for the stars if we wish to survive as a species long term.
If you prefer to explore space travel through fiction, you have multiple options available. Andy Weir, author of New York Times’ bestselling novel “The Martian,” brings us a new novel, “Project Hail Mary,” starring an amnesiac astronaut who is Earth’s only hope of survival. He wakes up on a ship hurtling through space with no memory of who he is and must piece together his mission from observation.
Mary Robinette Kowal gives us an intriguing look at what might-have-been in her alternate history novel “The Calculating Stars.” After a meteorite strike devastates the world in the 1950’s, humanity’s only option is to race to space in an effort to save at least a portion of humanity.
These books and much more are available at your Abilene Public Library. Give us a call at 325-677-2474, or go online to www.abilenetx.gov/apl, to reserve a book or movie of your choice. We would love to hear from you!
