Space: The 10 Things You Should Know

I discovered the author of this book, Dr. Becky Smethurst, by watching her educational astrophysical/astronomical/cosmological videos on YouTube. I am not an astrophysicist, astronomer or cosmologist, nor do I profess any kind of advanced amateur knowledge in those disciplines. But what I do have is an extreme curiosity about our Solar System, our Milky Way Galaxy, and the wonders of the universe at large. I am especially curious about the genius behind the discoveries and scientific advancements that have led to our current understanding of the cosmos.Becky has a real gift for explaining the complicated science, math, theories and etc. behind these advancements in very understandable ways. She also excels at providing the historical background to the advancements. Her book is a perfect encapsulation of this teaching approach. Thus, if you are as fascinated as I am with this subject matter, I highly recommend you get her book. It is a perfect primer for grasping the big cosmological picture and, on a personal note, it has inspired me to pursue greater understanding of our wonderful and beautiful universe. I'll keep watching her excellent videos too. She is a wealth of knowledge!

Nice little book that is perfect for people who are curious about space and how scientists figure out what's going on out there.It's written in a manner that gets the points across in a not too sciency way, so it isn't intimidating to the average reader.

The author is a beaming star on YouTube and in real life. Oxford Fellow in Research and down to Earth explaining what theories are and 10 modern topics of Space. I have a degree in Physics and enjoy her history and show and tell You Tube shows. This is her first book - nice blue hardback binding in paper cover.

A nice read that fits well with Dr. Becky’s YouTube channel. Covers 10 topics that will catch you up to today’s state of knowledge in astrophysics. Each chapter cold be done in a commute leg or the whole book in a longish air trip. Written conversationally, it very easy to follow and there was no math to scare away the math-phobs.

This i a great little book. If you savor the experience you can read it in two sittings. Dr. Becky is a great lecturer, if you've seen her on Youtube you know what I mean. As a matter of fact she writes like she talks. The current state of our knowledge-as of the books publication-is masterfully laid out. Even if you've been studying astronomy for decades you might find something you were unaware of in this book. Frankly, I thing it should be part of elementary school curriculum.

The book is wonderful! I can't wait to read it. 5 stars to Dr. Becky..Delivery... placed under a bush that has 2 inches of rain. The thin cardboard box fell open and the water had already started to warp and ruffle up the pages. Not too happy about that. I have it under some heavy stuff now to try and press it flat again.

The book was a lot smaller than I expected, but that doesn't mean it wasn't absolutely worth it. It's a fantastic book about all things Astro-Physics and Cosmology. The subject matter is exactly what you'd expect from Dr Becky and concentrates on all the information about the Universe, and the history of how we know what we know now. I would highly recommend this book for anyone interested in Cosmology.

Dr Becky is an engaging scientist who presents 10 very complex subjects in a way most regular people can understand. Whether you're just curious about the the universe or looking for a gift for someone, I highly recommend this book. I finished it in one sitting. I'd also recommend this book for kids who are showing an interest in the sciences. Be sure to follow Dr Becky on social media. She is fun, engaging and does a great job of bringing the world of astronomy down to earth.

I like popular science books and particularly ones about space. If you do too then buy this book and enjoy it. In ten brief essays the book covers a lot of ground, well space really.But if you have friends or relatives, even a partner who doesn't get it - why you like all those 'boring' documentaries etc. Then buy this book for them. If Dr. Becky can't convey to a sceptic the excitement of the Universe, then no one can.

I bought this book shortly before it's release having followed the authors wonderfully informative YouTube channel for some time. Reading the book it is very easy to understand the concepts Dr Becky is talking about, her conversational style which has made her YouTube channel so popular, makes comprehension very easy. Her enthusiasm for the subject shines through in every chapter making the book a delight to read. I look forward to more literary insights from Dr Smethurst in future, but until then I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Absolutely amazing.

Superb. Dr. Becky’s enthusiasm and humour very evident. You can expect complex astronomical ideas explained in terms that anyone could grasp...think Pink Floyd’s ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ artwork (the Spicegirls get a mention too!) Black holes get a special, extended , useful explanation. If you want to really, really want to know why in the beginning there was ‘nothing’, or why aliens probably do exist, then this is the book for you. Would make a great Christmas present too.

Although this book was very basic and unfortunately just reiterated things I already knew I particually enjoyed having Dr. Becky's voice reading out in my mind. It reads in a very similar way she presents herself on her youtube channel. The book is a very easy read and I was happy to buy it as a thanks for her YouTube content. I do hope she finds the time to write a more detailed follow up similar to "Six Easy Pieces" by Feynman with more visual diagrams and greater explanation.I would thoroughly recommend this book to someone who has a basic interest in space or enjoys her youtube content. I would not recommend this to someone more akin to more in depth books.Should she or her publishers ever read this review I would greatly appreciate a means of having my copy signed!

Dr Becky, as she is known to viewers of her YouTube channel, has a delightful way of explaining the most incredible fundamental forces in the known universe to non-astro physicists like myself. Just like her vlogging, this book has the same voice of a smart impassioned educator revealing the remarkable ways that human beings have pieced together the story of the creation of the universe and everything in it. No mean feat for a book so concise and understandable. The book is surprisingly easy to read and understand and includes Dr Becky's now trademark sence of humour. No singing or bloopers however. I can't wait for the inevitable followup, "What Space Did Next." Gonna happen for sure.