Explore the cosmos through these mind-expanding reads from top experts in the field.

If you think the human journey into space has reached its peak, think again. In the mere 66 years since NASA was established, and just 121 years after the first human-piloted flight, our understanding of space has evolved tremendously. Yet, there is still so much we don’t know, which is what makes the study of space so captivating.

Space can leave your mind reeling with its complexities, but don’t worry—this feeling is part of its allure. If you’re only familiar with space through media snippets, you’re missing out on the vast expanse of knowledge shared by scientists and cosmologists. They can tell you about the universe’s unknowns, much of which may never be revealed to us.

But why not try your hand at delving deeper? Start by adding some of the best non-fiction books on space and astronomy to your collection. These books offer clear, engaging, and often humorous explanations that unpack the mysteries of the universe. From the groundbreaking Apollo missions to life aboard the ISS, and even speculations on the universe’s eventual fate, these titles are guaranteed to stretch your understanding in ways you never thought possible.

Featuring insights from some of the most renowned space communicators—like Prof Brian Cox, Tim Peake, and Carl Sagan—these books offer reliable knowledge while keeping you hooked on the wonders of space exploration.

Here’s a selection of the top space and astronomy books to broaden your horizons in 2024:

1. Space: A Thrilling Human History
By Tim Peake
Explore the courageous astronauts who have paved the way for space exploration in this captivating book by Tim Peake. With entertaining anecdotes on famous figures like Yuri Gagarin and Neil Armstrong, Peake shares his own experiences and reflections from his time as an astronaut. The book also looks at the future of human space travel.

2. Pale Blue Dot: Vision of the Human Future in Space
By Carl Sagan
Written after the Voyager I spacecraft captured the famous ‘Pale Blue Dot’ image, Sagan’s work blends philosophy and scientific facts about our solar system. This sequel to his earlier work Cosmos continues to inspire readers, offering a profound view of humanity’s place in the vastness of space.

3. Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the Universe: And Our Place Within It
By Andrew Newsam
In this accessible guide, astronomer Andrew Newsam tackles the most intriguing questions about the universe, from black holes to the possibility of life beyond Earth. Clear and engaging, the book is ideal for anyone eager to grasp the universe’s most complex concepts.

4. The End of Everything (Astrophysically Speaking)
By Katie Mack
Astrophysicist Katie Mack guides readers through various potential scenarios for the end of the universe, from the collapse of stars to the mysteries of quantum mechanics. Despite the heavy topic, Mack’s witty and engaging writing style makes for an entertaining exploration of space’s most final mysteries.

5. The Planets
By Prof Brian Cox and Andrew Cohen
Discover the wonders of our solar system in this richly illustrated book by Prof Brian Cox and Andrew Cohen. From the giant planet Jupiter to the icy world of Uranus, this book provides a fresh perspective on our celestial neighbours, packed with awe-inspiring facts and imagery.

6. Astrophysics for People in a Hurry
By Neil deGrasse Tyson
If you’re short on time but long on curiosity, Neil deGrasse Tyson’s compact introduction to astrophysics is perfect. In just 12 concise chapters, Tyson unpacks some of the most mind-bending concepts in the universe, from the Big Bang to black holes.

7. The NASA Archives (40th Edition)
By Taschen
A must-have for space enthusiasts, this comprehensive collection from Taschen showcases NASA’s most significant achievements over the last 66 years. Filled with stunning photography and details on iconic missions, including the Moon Landings and the creation of the ISS, this book is a tribute to human exploration.

8. Before the Big Bang: Our Origins in the Multiverse
By Laura Mersini-Houghton
Cosmologist Laura Mersini-Houghton presents an intriguing theory on the multiverse, suggesting that our universe is just one among many. Her personal narrative and deep dive into cosmology make this an engaging read for anyone interested in the origins of the universe.

These books not only deepen your understanding of space science but also encourage a sense of wonder and curiosity about the cosmos. So, if you’re looking to expand your mind in 2024, these titles are the perfect place to start.

The search committee, previously accused of gender discrimination, moves forward with recommending Kevin R. Johnson to lead the iconic congregation.

A prominent New York City church, recently embroiled in a gender discrimination lawsuit over its hiring process, has moved ahead with the selection of its next senior pastor. The Abyssinian Baptist Church, considered a cornerstone of the Black church in America, has chosen Kevin R. Johnson, the founding pastor of Dare to Imagine Church in Philadelphia, as its candidate for approval.

In an internal memo, which was obtained by The Associated Press, the church’s Pulpit Search Committee expressed confidence in Johnson’s ability to lead the congregation. “The Pulpit Search Committee is confident in Rev. Johnson’s ability to lead and uphold the history and legacy of our institution of faith,” the memo, dated April 13, reads. The memo further notes that the final candidate will soon be presented to the congregation for a vote.

If chosen, Johnson, 50, will continue a longstanding tradition, as no woman has ever served as Abyssinian’s senior pastor. The church, based in Harlem, gained fame through the leadership of Rev. Adam Clayton Powell Jr., a political figure who served as pastor from 1937 to 1972 and later served in Congress for 26 years.

The vacancy was created after the death of Calvin O. Butts III, who had served as senior pastor for several decades before passing in 2022. Johnson, who had worked under Butts as an intern and assistant pastor, is expected to fill the top position, though the final decision is still contingent on a vote by the congregation.

Johnson’s selection has stirred controversy, particularly after the Rev. Eboni Marshall Turman, a former assistant pastor of Butts, was among the interviewees. Marshall Turman, who was not chosen as a finalist, filed a federal lawsuit against the church and the search committee, claiming gender discrimination. The church has denied the allegations.

Marshall Turman responded to the church’s decision by saying, “The blessing of Baptist polity is that we ascribe to the distinctive of the ‘priesthood of all believers’… With the help of God, the power to call a pastor ultimately rests with the congregation.”

Johnson holds a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary, a Doctor of Education degree from Columbia University, and is a 1996 graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta. His candidacy follows a controversial resignation from Bright Hope Baptist Church in 2014, after which he founded Dare to Imagine Church.