Hubble Space Telescope

The Universe in a Mirror: The Saga of the Hubble Space Telescope and the Visionaries Who Built It
$29.95
This is a story of a normal thing, something we don't look at with wonder but simply accept as something that "is." In that way, the book reminds me of "The Box" by Marc Levinson.

The story has an undeniable appeal. The Hubble photographs themselves have universal interest - they are how we show what we know about the universe. More than photographs, Hubble has given us "galactic pin-ups" -- super-beautiful photos that are eye-catching and exciting. Our knowledge of and interest in space has expanded enormously because of the Hubble telescope.

Hubble has shaped our knowledge and our expectations for science. This book has plenty of photos to augment the story, along with very nice charts and diagrams. The center section is full-color reproductions of Hubble portraits of our solar system, other galaxies, and deep space.

The main story line -- how Hubble was mis-designed, and how human genius repaired it, is marvelous.

And it's depressing: Most chapters of this book tell the story of a telescope that almost wasn't. The book is a showcase of getting things done (poorly) through the government: the byzantine decision making, the labyrinths of committee meetings and agendas, the conflicting priorities, the zero-sum nature of bureaucratic planning, the paralysis attendant upon failures. It is utterly dismal how much "science" depends on massaging the government budget process. In America! What a shame.

Space Views From the Hubble Telescope 2010 Wall Calendar Publisher: Pomegranate
$19.99
Space from the Hubble Telescope 2010 Wall Calendar : Not since Galileo turned his telescope toward the heavens in 1610 has any event so changed our understanding of the universe as the deployment of the Hubble Space Telescope. Orbiting 600 kilometers (375 miles) above Earth, Hubble provides stunning views of the universe that cannot be made using ground-based telescopes or other satellites.

Deep Space: Featuring Hubble Space Telescope Images (Interactive PC/Mac CD-ROM)
$39.99
Explore the deepest reaches of the universe with this incredible interactive CD. Filled with hundreds of awesome images and amazing facts, this multimedia program lets you explore the last frontier with the very best images from the Hubble Space Telescope. High Resolution, High Quality Color Images: This CD features a complete collection of Hubble images from the Space Telescope Science Institute's, plus 32 superb earth-based astronomical photographs. As an added bonus get the complete story of the Space Telescope's spectacular servicing missions and 16 exciting planet views.

Hubble Space Telescope 2010 Standard Wall Calendar 12 X 12
$11.99
Hubble Space Telescope Wall Calendar: This calendar is filled with stunning images of the universe that surrounds us, captured by the marvelous Hubble Telescope. This is a visual treat and is perfect for those studying space, novice or advanced, and all those who simply appreciate the beauty of the heavens above us. Each month includes a small descriptor of the image featured.