From the origin and contents of the universe, to a greater understanding of how it works. Collins Gem Universe is a brief introduction to understanding the place of Earth in the bigger scheme of things, how it is affected by other forces in the Universe, and why we survive as we do. It explores: / the planets of the Solar System, comets and asteroids / the Moon and its relationship with the Earth / the Sun, and other stars in our galaxy, including black holes / the Milky Way Galaxy / how the planets were formed Containing profiles on key scientists who have shaped our understanding of space, Gem Universe explores our changing beliefs about how it was formed. It also looks at what is happening to our Universe now, and what may happen in the future.

Author Biography

Pam Spence gained an MSc in astronomy at the University of Sussex and worked on a research fellowship in solar physics at the Mullard Space Science Laboratory, University College London, until leaving to become Editor of the popular monthly astronomy magazine, Astronomy Now. Now a freelance astronomer and science writer, she continues to be very involved with the amateur astronomical community and is a former president of the Federation of Astronomical Sciences.