6 great books about space to teach you about our universe

Need some space?

You’re not the only one. With Netflix’s releases like SpaceX’s Return to Space and Countdown: Inspiration4Mission to Space, it seems that everyone has caught the cosmo bug.

Sparking a huge sensation across media and social media, these programs have catalysed a newfound interest in the universe beyond our planet. And it’s not just these shows that point to our collective obsession – WGSN’s Future Consumer report 2024 showed that we’ll be open to embracing feelings of wonder. While a general sense of awe has been on pause in recent years, it seems we’re on the upswing as people are increasingly drawn to the sense of wonder sparked by the vastness of outer space.

Luckily for us all, recent technologies are living up to the hype, giving us a clearer picture of space than we’ve ever seen before. NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has recently produced the sharpest images of space ever seen, adding fuel to the fire of the space-centric trend.

If you’re feeling drawn to discover more about the cosmos beyond our world, check out these books about space.

Books about Space

Mission Economy by Mariana Mazzucato

Mission Economy isn’t just about the moon landing of 1969. It’s also about the extraordinary efforts and collaboration that made it possible. Looking at the collaboration between the public sector (notably, NASA) and private companies, this book asks what we can achieve if we adopt this sense of boldness to tackle other big problems like climate change, disease and inequality.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Project Hail Mary tells the story of a lone astronaut who must save the earth from disaster, and he’s got one major problem – he doesn’t know how to do that. Receiving applause from the likes of Bill Gates and Barack Obama, it’s no surprise that this book has become one of the best-loved science thrillers to date.

A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking

Was there a beginning of time? Could time run backwards? Are there boundaries to our universe? A Brief History of Time asks the tough questions, eloquently laid out by one of the world’s greatest thinkers. The book begins as a review of the great theories of Einstein and Newton before diving into the mysteries that continue to perplex scientists today.

Is the Moon Upside down? by Greg Quicke

Ready to have your mind blown? Is the Moon Upside Down?  answers all the questions that you never thought to ask. The book’s author, Greg Quicke began his career as a bush mechanic and pearl diver in remote WA where he would spend countless nights staring up at the stars from his swag. Today, he’s considered one of the country’s best-known astronomers, offering a unique perspective forged on cliff tops outside Alice Springs, rather than in a university classroom. Engaging, enlightening, and all-around enjoyable, readers will be even more fascinated by the workings of the universe long after they put this book down.

Until the End of Time by Brian Greene

Until the End of Time is a gripping exploration of the cosmos and humanity’s search for purpose. World-renowned physicist, Brian Greene, guides readers through time to illuminate everything from the universe’s beginning to its precdicted end. Accompanying the science, Greene also reflects on the meaning of life and how the initial chaos of the universe eventually lead to the creation of the mind.

What’s Eating the Universe? by Paul Davies

In the constellation of Eridanus, there lurks a cosmic mystery. It’s as if something has taken a huge bite out of the universe, leaving a super-void. But why? And how? What’s Eating the Universe? explores what scientists understand about our universe, as well as the things they don’t. From the puzzles and paradoxes that have puzzled us since the days of ancient Greece to the mind-blowing solutions we’ve uncovered, the book offers guidance in approaching the outstanding enigmas that remain.  

Love this topic? Explore more books about astronomy, space, and time.