Moon: An Illustrated History: From Ancient Myths to the Colonies of Tomorrow (Sterling Illustrated Histories)

"Moon: An Illustrated History chronologically presents 100 milestones in the Moon's development and exploration. Starting 4.5 billion years ago when the Moon formed, this stunning volume moves from the hypotheses of the Moon's formation (4.5 billion years ago) to sixth-century BCE predictions of solar eclipses, from the twentieth-century Space Race between the US and the Soviet Union to private space companies and possible future lunar colonies. Find out about lunar calendar systems and cults in the Bible; how lunar brightness was used to estimate stellar distances; how advancing telescopes in the seventeenth century allowed us to eye the Moon more closely; how author Jules Verne inspired the Father of Astronautics; the originals of the Saturn V Moon Rocket; the Apollo missions, and so much more."--Amazon From the moon's formation to its potential for future exploration, this richly illustrated volume presents 100 milestones in lunar history. This colorfully illustrated history chronicles the development, observation, and exploration of the moon. Astrobiologist and science writer David Warmflash takes us on a thought-provoking journey from the hypotheses of the Moon's formation to predictions for building a lunar infrastructure. The story is told in 100 vivid and varied milestones and moments, including: Tidal forces slow Earth's spin and push the Moon farther away The Greeks grasp why the Moon widens from a crescent to a full moon and shrinks to darkness Edmund Halley creates the science of geophysics and sets the stage for studying space radiation The Moon proves Albert Einstein's general relativity theory The successful Apollo 11 lunar landing paves the way for future science missions A new generation of moon probes are launched Praise for Moon "With this book, and its rich illustrations, astrobiologist David Warmflash weaves a tale of lunar geology and humanity's relationship to the dusty orb." —Space.com "This fine book should be considered required reading for armchair lunar explorers, young and old." —Scott Parazynski, MD, NASA Space Shuttle astronaut (STS-66, 86, 95, 100, 120) and author of The Sky Below "This beautifully artistic book is filled with colorful images, delicate drawings, and fact-filled prose about the lunar body that influences our planet. Naturally, I enjoy the chapter "Beginnings of Lunar Field Science" revealing the Apollo 12 crew of Conrad, Gordon, and Bean's contribution to the study of the Moon. But for me the book's joy lies in learning about the moon myths of the Earth's early civilizations. Moon: An Illustrated History is a valuable addition to my bookshelf, a terrestrial tool that I recommend to explorers, historians, and lovers of the Moon." —Amy Sue Bean, daughter of moonwalker, astronaut, and artist Alan Bean, lunar module pilot on Apollo 12, commander on Skylab 3

From the moon's formation, to its potential for future exploration, this richly illustrated volume presents 100 milestones in lunar history. With dazzling images on every spread, and illuminating text by astrobiologist Dr. David Warmflash, Moon: An Illustrated History chronologically presents 100 milestones in the Moon's development and exploration. Starting 4.5 billion years ago when the Moon formed, this stunning volume moves from the hypotheses of the Moon's formation (4.5 billion years ago) to sixth-century BCE predictions of solar eclipses, from the twentieth-century Space Race between the US and the Soviet Union to private space companies and possible future lunar colonies. Find out about lunar calendar systems and cults in the Bible; how lunar brightness was used to estimate stellar distances; how advancing telescopes in the seventeenth century allowed us to eye the Moon more closely; how author Jules Verne inspired the Father of Astronautics; the originals of the Saturn V Moon Rocket; the Apollo missions, and so much more.