What We See in the Stars

In high school, I was an excellent student in every subject that had to do with Languages, Literature, History and so on and so forth. Maths was the very bane of my existence, Physics and Chemistry were very effective sleeping methods and once or twice, I ‘'fell asleep'' while I was awake, overlooking the schoolyard. There were two exceptions, though. Biology and Technology. I've always been fascinated by the perfect way in which every living organism functions and Technology was always full of projects and projects were a cause for a feast for me. Now, one day, our Technology professor gave us an assignment that I have kept to this day, some 15-odd years later. She told us to create a project about the field of Science we loved most and I chose Astronomy. Not to blow one's trumpet, but it was a blast and one of the finest (and thankfully, there were many) moments in high school.

Who doesn't love gazing at the night sky? Especially when we're away from our light- polluted cities (you who live in rural areas know that you have my eternal admiration and envy...) and the sky above us appears darker, richer, intimidating, endless and eternal. Watching documentaries and reading about Space makes you feel humble, it makes you realise that you are tinier than tiny, a speck of dust in the mysterious universe. Books such as this one should be ideal for those who wish to start reading about the planets, the constellations and all the magic that happens right above our heads and little gems for those of us who have read extensively on the subject.

Kelsey Oseid has created a lovely book that succeeds in being both aesthetically beautiful and extremely informative. Full of impressive sketches coloured in celestial blue, white and gold, the mythological figures that gave their names to the planets and the constellations come alive. It provides information on the myths, the stories and the scientists that made the most significant discoveries and observations. The readers learn all about the wonderful world above our heads, from the zodiac to the dwarf planets in a language that is clear, simple, but not simplistic. I don't think it is suitable for children since there are quite a few scientific references and technology, but the teenagers will have no issues with it if they are interested in this glorious infinity we call Space. It is a jewel for every bookcase and a wonderful addition to the books that aim in making certain fields of Science more approachable to the laymen.

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