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Discover 101 incredible facts about the Universe
Astronomer Tom Kerss takes a tour around the cosmos unveiling astounding facts in his new book, Diamonds Everywhere
A new release
Collins and Royal Observatory Greenwich have announced the release of a new astronomy title, Diamonds Everywhere.
Written by astronomer, author and astrophotographer Tom Kerss, this hardback book is aimed at inquisitive minds. It features beautiful photography and showcases Kerss’ extensive knowledge of the universe and its idiosyncrasies.
Diamonds Everywhere joins other astronomy titles in the Collins range including: 2024 Guide to the Night Sky, Night Sky Almanac 2024, The Sun and Astronomy Photographer of the Year
Look for gems
The title, Diamonds Everywhere, is inspired by the wealth of knowledge that is offered to us by the Universe, as well as the presence of these precious gemstones throughout the Solar System, and beyond. Did you know that the carbon-rich exoplanet 55 Cancri e is thought to be covered in a layer of diamonds 100km deep? Untold riches a mere 41 light-years from Earth.
Diamonds Everywhere is packed full of eye-opening facts and pertinent questions: Why is Mercury’s core so big? Can a day be longer than a year? Explosions? Aliens? Superconducting strings? What’s causing these strange signals from space?
“Any one of the 101 topics explored could provide a lifetime of research for a budding astronomer,” says Tom Kerss, “but you needn’t become a professional researcher to engage with the cosmos: astronomy is for all of us, and we can all benefit from sharing in the collective effort for knowledge.”
‘Some stars are so cool, you could touch them without scolding your hand’ reads the title of one chapter. “The surface temperatures of brown dwarfs vary, but one particular subclass – Y-type stars – are the coldest of all,” explains Kerrs. “Their surface temperatures are typically only a few hundred degrees Celsius above absolute zero. That corresponds to a temperature of some tens of degrees Celsius. Your skin has a temperature of around 35°C, and a warm mug of tea is just a bit hotter. Were it possible to touch the surfaces of these Y-type stars, you would be able to feel the warmth without even scolding your hand!”
Knowledge for all
Diamonds Everywhere aims to inform and inspire its readers with complex concepts, fun facts and recent discoveries delivered in an engaging and accessible way. It is the latest of several books from Tom Kerss, who writes for both adults and younger readers.
Alongside 2024 Guide to the Night Sky, Night Sky Almanac 2024, The Sun and Astronomy Photographer of the Year, Diamonds Everywhere would make a wonderful gift for night sky admirers and amateur astronomers.