Award-winning astronomer and Professor at the
University of New South Wales, Lisa Harvey-Smith at six years old, was yearning
to know why?
This questioning gave birth to her hobby of astronomy
which led her to astrophysics. Her book Under
the Stars: Astrophysics for Bedtime is a work of brilliance. It opens up
for children, a view into the Universe that children ask questions about.
Lisa is extremely thorough with her narrative which
is light-hearted, interesting and humorous!
I found the Illustrations by Mel
Matthews added a playful aspect to an enthralling presentation of facts and
research, which by no means is as serious to read as you might expect.
As I read through each page, I realised how little
I knew about these subjects and how much there is to learn. But just like a
child, I was fascinated and drawn to all the incredible information that had
been provided. And this was presented in an explanatory way that anyone,
regardless of age, can understand.
The book is set in five parts under main headings. Part
One, The Earth, addresses nineteen
issues that include Constellations,
Comets, Gravity, The Problem of Space Junk and Why is the Sky Blue?
In Part Two, The
Solar System, thirteen areas have been explored, mainly the planets and
their activity, with other tasty morsels added. Part Three, Extrasolar Space opens up about Pulsars, Spotting Exoplanets, Supernova,
and how a Star Becomes a Black Hole amongst
others.
Part Four, The
Milky Way, talks about Our Galaxy and Visiting a Black Hole. Part Five rounds
up with The Universe which explains
about The Big Bang Theory and How Big Is the Universe, these being just
two of the headings addressed.
There is no need to read the chapters in sequence.
It can be approached in any way that takes the reader’s interest. After the
Introduction in which Lisa shares her beginnings of a passion that grew with
time, whatever you read anywhere in this book, you will come away richer in
knowledge and increased awe at the unknown that exists about our Universe.
As the Australian Government’s Ambassador for Women
in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Lisa is a role
model for younger people, especially young girls interested in what has for
ages, been touted as a male place only in science and astronomy.
Title:
Under the Stars: Astrophysics for Bedtime
Author:
Lisa Harvey-Smith
Illustrator:
Mel Matthews
Publisher:
MUP, $39.99
Publication
Date: October 2019
Format:
Hardcover
ISBN:
9780522876086
For
ages: 12+
Type:
Junior Non-Fiction
