Astronomy & Physics Audiobooks | Science & Technology

Starstruck: A Memoir of Astrophysics and Finding Light in the Dark

In a beautifully written, science-packed, and inspirational memoir, Egyptian-American astrophysicist Sarafina El-Badry Nance shares how she boldly carved out a place in the field of astrophysics, grounding herself in a lifelong love of the stars to face life's inevitable challenges and embrace the unknown. As a child, Sarafina El-Badry Nance spent nearly every evening with her father gazing up at the flickering stars and pondering what secrets the night sky held. The daughter of an American father and Egyptian mother who both pushed her toward academic excellence, Sarafina dreamed of becoming an astronomer and untangling the mysteries of the stars overhead. But it wasn't long before she was told, both explicitly and implicitly, that girls just weren't cut out for math and science. In Starstruck, Sarafina invites us to consider the cosmos through fascinating science lessons to open each chapter. But she also traces more earthbound obstacles-of misogyny and racism, abuse and intergenerational trauma, anxiety and self-doubt, cancer diagnoses and recovery-she faced along the way. As her career and passion for space brought her from UT Austin to UC Berkeley, and even to a Mars astronaut simulation in Hawai'i, Sarafina learned how to survive-and ultimately thrive-in a space that was seldom welcoming to women, and especially not to women of color. Honest and empowering, Starstruck sits at the intersection of the study of our cosmos-itself constantly changing-and the transformative experience of embracing resilience to pursue one's passion.

Sarafina El-Badry Nance (Author), Sarafina El-Badry Nance (Narrator)

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Marie Curie: History of the Pioneer Radioactivity Researcher

Marie Salomea Skodowska Curie was a Polish-born, naturalized-French researcher and chemist who originated radioactivity research. She was the first woman to win the Nobel Prize, the first and only woman to win it two times, and the only individual to win the Nobel Prize in 2 different clinical classifications. Her first Nobel Prize was co-won by her spouse, Pierre Curie, making them the first married set to win the reward and developing the Curie family tradition of 5 Nobel Prizes. She was the first woman to be selected as a teacher at the University of Paris in 1906. Let’s take a look at what else she accomplished in her life.

Kelly Mass (Author), Chris Newman (Narrator)

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The Shortest History of Our Universe: The Unlikely Journey from the Big Bang to Us

A complete history of the universe, spanning 13.8 billion years in an ultra-accessible, uncommonly illuminating, exhilarating chronicle of key events In this thrilling history, David Baker captures the longest-possible time span-from the Big Bang to the present day-in an astonishingly concise retelling. His impressive timeline includes the 'rise of complexity' in the cosmos and the creation of the first atoms; the origin of all galaxies, stars, and our solar system; and the evolution of life on Earth, from tiny single-celled organisms to human beings. Weaving together insights across the sciences-including chemistry, physics, biology, archaeology, and anthropology-Baker answers the fundamental questions: How did time begin? Why does matter exist? What made life on Earth the way it is? He also argues that never before has life on Earth been forced to adjust to a changing climate so rapidly, nor has one species ever been responsible for such sudden change. Baker's grand view offers the clearest picture of what may come next-and the role we can still play in our planet's fate.

David Baker (Author), Keval Shah (Narrator)

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In Light-Years There's No Hurry: Cosmic Perspectives on Everyday Life

How seeing Earth through the eyes of an astronaut brings new wonder and meaning to life on our planet. One stifling summer night, the poet and journalist Marjolijn van Heemstra lay awake, unable to sleep—like so many of us feeling anxious and alienated, deeply exhausted yet restless. Amid the suffocating stream of daily obligations, the clamor of notifications and increasingly dismal headlines, she longed for a way to rise above the frenzy, for a renewed sense of meaning and connection. Then she learned about the overview effect—a permanent shift in consciousness many astronauts experience when beholding Earth from outside the atmosphere—and wondered: could the perspective of outer space offer the internal space she sought? The lyrical account of van Heemstra’s yearlong quest to experience the overview effect on Earth, In Light-Years There’s No Hurry invites us to lift our gaze above eye level and discover our connections with the cosmos, our planet, and each other. We follow as van Heemstra’s cosmic awareness expands and she finds herself feeling simultaneously lighter and more grounded. Compared with the complexity of the universe, daily life on Earth begins to seem more manageable, while understanding the improbability of our collective existence gives her new patience and tenderness for her neighbors. The grand rhythms of light-years and eons become a source of restoration and relief—a comforting, necessary reminder to slow down and zoom out. Contemplating the solace a cosmic perspective offers in our chaotic, divided world, In Light-Years There’s No Hurry is a moving meditation on what it is to be human amid the vastness of the universe.

Marjolijn Van Heemstra (Author), Mounya Dahma (Narrator)

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Astrotopia: The Dangerous Religion of the Corporate Space Race

As environmental, political, and public health crises multiply on Earth, we are also at the dawn of a new space race in which governments team up with celebrity billionaires to exploit the cosmos for human gain. The best-known of these pioneers are selling different visions of the future: while Elon Musk and SpaceX seek to establish a human presence on Mars, Jeff Bezos and Blue Origin work toward moving millions of earthlings into rotating near-Earth habitats. Despite these distinctions, these two billionaires share a core utopian project: the salvation of humanity through the exploitation of space. In Astrotopia, philosopher of science and religion Mary-Jane Rubenstein pulls back the curtain on the not-so-new myths these space barons are peddling, like growth without limit, energy without guilt, and salvation in a brand-new world. As Rubenstein reveals, we have already seen the destructive effects of this frontier zealotry in the centuries-long history of European colonialism. But Rubenstein does more than expose the values of capitalist technoscience as the product of bad mythologies. She offers a vision of exploring space without reproducing the atrocities of earthly colonialism, encouraging us to find and even make stories that put cosmic caretaking over profiteering.

Mary-Jane Rubenstein (Author), Elizabeth Klett (Narrator)

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The Universe in a Box: A New Cosmic History

Brought to you by Penguin Will we ever truly understand our cosmic home? This is the story of the technologies that allow us to look up, to learn and to discover our place in the cosmos. We are part of an incredible chain of events stretching 13.8 billion years into the past and even further into the future. But what does that future hold? And how do scientists study the entire universe? The Universe in a Box is Andrew Pontzen's tribute to simulations - the remarkable computer codes that, over the last century, have allowed us to understand the distant past and far future of the universe. It reframes what we think we know about galaxies, black holes and matter itself. And it reveals the stories of the pioneering scientists who unlocked the mysteries of space, from redshift to improbable dark materials that pass, ghostlike, through solid rock. Illuminating, provocative and bold, this is the story of our home, the cosmos, through simulations: mini-universes inside computers. 'I was enlightened, amazed, and profoundly impressed' Philip Pullman, author of His Dark Materials 'An electrifying new history of the universe' Hannah Fry, author of Rutherford and Fry's Complete Guide to Absolutely Everything ©2023 Andrew Pontzen (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Andrew Pontzen (Author), Andrew Pontzen (Narrator)

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Blue Machine: How the Ocean Shapes our World

Brought to you by Penguin. FINANCIAL TIMES 2023 HIGHLIGHT All of the Earth's ocean, from the equator to the poles, is a single engine powered by sunlight - a blue machine. In a book that will recalibrate our view of this defining feature of our planet, physicist Helen Czerski dives deep to illuminate the murky depths of the ocean engine, examining the messengers, passengers and voyagers that live in it, travel over it, and survive because of it. From the ancient Polynesians who navigated the Pacific by reading the waves to permanent residents of the deep such as the Greenland shark that can live for hundreds of years, she explains the vast currents, invisible ocean walls and underwater waterfalls that all have their place in the ocean's complex, interlinked system. Timely, elegant and passionately argued, The Blue Machine is one of the biggest stories ever told. The understanding it offers is crucial to our future. Drawing on years of experience at the forefront of marine science, Helen Czerski captures the magnitude and subtlety of this complex force, showing us the thrilling extent to which we are at the mercy of this great engine. ©2023 Helen Czerski (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Helen Czerski (Author), Helen Czerski (Narrator)

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Invisibility: The History and Science of How Not to Be Seen

A lively exploration of how invisibility has gone from science fiction to fact Is it possible for something or someone to be made invisible? This question, which has intrigued authors of science fiction for over a century, has become a headline-grabbing topic of scientific research. In this book, science writer and optical physicist Gregory J. Gbur traces the science of invisibility from its sci-fi origins in the nineteenth-century writings of authors such as H. G. Wells and Fitz James O'Brien to modern stealth technology, invisibility cloaks, and metamaterials. He explores the history of invisibility and its science and technology connections, including the discovery of the electromagnetic spectrum, the development of the atomic model, and quantum theory. He shows how invisibility has moved from fiction to reality, and he questions the hidden paths that lie ahead for researchers. This is not only the story of invisibility but also the story of humankind's understanding of the nature of light itself, and of the many fascinating figures whose discoveries advanced this knowledge.

Gregory J. Gbur (Author), Derek Dysart (Narrator)

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Comet Madness: How the 1910 Return of Halley's Comet (Almost) Destroyed Civilization

Since the dawn of civilization, humans had believed comets were evil portents. In 1705, Edmond Halley liberated humanity from these primordial superstitions, proving that Newtonian mechanics rather than the will of the gods brought comets into our celestial neighborhood. Despite this scientific advance, when Halley's Comet returned in 1910, newspapers gleefully provoked a global hysteria that unfolded with tragic consequences. In Comet Madness, author and historian Richard J. Goodrich examines the 1910 appearance of Halley's Comet and the ensuing frenzy sparked by media manipulation, bogus science, and outright deception. As the comet neared Earth, scientists and journalists alike scrambled to get the story straight as citizens the world over panicked. As a result, workmen shelved their tools, farmers refused to plant crops they would never harvest, and formerly reliable people stopped paying their creditors. Others suffered mental breakdowns, and some took their own lives. Comet Madness reveals how humans confront the unknown, how scientists learn about the world we inhabit, and how certain people-from outright hucksters to opportunistic journalists-harness fear to produce a profit.

Richard J. Goodrich (Author), Peter Lerman (Narrator)

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The Jupiter Sun: The Greatest Achievement in Human History

This book was inspired by my previous work of Science Fiction in: 'The Book To End All Books'. At the climactic conclusion of that book, I realized that we didn't have the 1,000 years I gave humankind to create a 2nd sun in the sky. We would be extinct by then and long buried in the debris of our own destruction. So, I decided to put all the speculative knowledge that I had learned from my science fiction novel into use in this book in hopes that perhaps humanity would be wise enough to give it a try. We can do this. We can ignite Jupiter and create a 2nd sun. And, I also answer the question - Why would we do this? Humanity has some major challenges to its continued existence that are caused by our technology. But now we have the opportunity to use our advanced space and rocket technology and our laser Fusion Reactor technology to combine them into a major project for the world to take on. We can use our current knowledge of nuclear fusion and space travel to send a team to create a station on the four moons of Jupiter and shoot high energy red laser beams into the hydrogen core of Jupiter to ignite the gas giant into a 2nd sun in our sky. Don't worry - Jupiter is five times further away from us than our present sun, so it would not create any significant amounts of additional heat. It's also 1,000 times smaller than our 1st sun, so again, we have nothing to fear from increased heat. BUT, we would gain twice as much FREE AND SUSTAINABLE SOLAR ENERGY from another sun and this could be utilized by both the Earth and Mars to save our species.

Michael Mathiesen (Author), Michael Mathiesen (Narrator)

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Soviet Space Program: Sputnik, Vostok, Soyuz & Luna

This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. Introducing the 'Soviet Space Program' Book Bundle: Embark on an Epic Journey through History and Beyond! Book 1: 'Sputnik's Legacy: From Beeping Satellite To Space Exploration Milestones' unveils the awe-inspiring story of Sputnik, the iconic beeping satellite that ignited the space race. Explore the profound impact of Sputnik on scientific progress, technological advancements, and the geopolitical landscape. Discover how this humble satellite paved the way for groundbreaking space exploration milestones and forever changed our understanding of the universe. Book 2: 'Vostok: The Pioneers Of Human Spaceflight' takes you on a thrilling journey through the pioneering era of human spaceflight. Immerse yourself in the courageous exploits of Yuri Gagarin, Gherman Titov, and other trailblazing cosmonauts who dared to venture beyond Earth's atmosphere. Witness their triumphs, struggles, and the indomitable spirit that propelled them to become the pioneers of human space exploration. Book 3: 'Soyuz: Bridge To The Stars - The Story Of Russia's Spacecraft' uncovers the fascinating tale of the Soyuz spacecraft, the backbone of the Soviet space program. Explore its evolution from a symbol of Cold War competition to a bridge of international cooperation. Book 4: 'Luna Revealed: Soviet Moon Missions And The Quest For Lunar Exploration' takes you on an exhilarating expedition to the moon. Delve into the Luna program's lunar missions, from groundbreaking soft landings to the retrieval of precious moon samples. Experience the thrill of lunar exploration and uncover the secrets of our celestial neighbor through the eyes of the Soviet Union's ambitious lunar missions. Don't miss your chance to own this remarkable book bundle. Order your copy of the 'Soviet Space Program' today and embark on an unforgettable adventure into the history and wonders of space exploration!

A.J.Kingston (Author), Digital Voice Madison G (Narrator)

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Quantum Spirituality: Science, Gnostic Mysticism, and Connecting with Source Consciousness

• Explains how the perennial principles of Gnosticism, a repository of Judeo-Christian mysticism, describe major theories of quantum physics, such as the Big Bang, parallel universes, the Holographic Universe theory, and Einstein's Relativity • Shows how these teachings reveal consciousness as the creator of reality • Reveals how to harness quantum spirituality for personal empowerment, access to higher levels of consciousness, and manifestation From the dawn of history, a universal wisdom tradition has existed that explains humanity's purpose in the cosmos and our relationship to the Master Source Consciousness. This mystical philosophy was harnessed by the ancient seers known as Gnostics, who were in direct contact with Source Consciousness. As Peter Canova reveals, not only do the ancient teachings of Gnosticism contain important spiritual truths, but they profoundly align with the modern sciences of quantum physics and psychology. They can also provide us with a transformative path to higher consciousness and practical tools to create your own reality. Merging modern science and ancient wisdom, Canova explores the perennial principles of Gnosticism and shows how they describe major theories of quantum physics, such as the Big Bang, parallel universes, the Holographic Universe theory, and Einstein's Relativity. He recounts the Gnostic story of Sophia from a scientific standpoint, showing how it describes the fall of spiritual consciousness into material existence. He also provides in-depth evidence that Jesus taught a hidden, mystical Gnostic initiation rite. Explaining how the Master Consciousness created and shaped all life, including humans, the author reveals how Source gave us a critical role to fulfill in the cosmos, including the ability of our thoughts to affect the material world. He describes Carl Jung's role in the spiritualization of psychology and how this can be used by the modern spiritual seeker to pursue a path of enlightenment and personal fulfillment. Ultimately showing how enlightenment is a process wherein outer manifestations arise from inner experience--including synchronicity and dreams--the author reveals how each of us can harness the power of quantum spirituality to transform our world on both an individual and collective level.

Peter Canova (Author), Kevin Moriarty (Narrator)

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Astronomy & Physics Audiobooks in Science & Technology