About the Author

Charles Liu is a professor of astrophysics at the City University of New York's College of Staten Island and an associate with the Hayden Planetarium and Department of Astrophysics at the American Museum of Natural History. His research focuses on colliding galaxies, starburst galaxies, quasars, and the star formation history of the universe. In addition to his research publications, Liu also writes for students and general audiences; including Visible Ink Press’ popular The Handy Astronomy Answer Book and The Handy Physics Answer Book, as well as StarTalk with Neil DeGrasse Tyson and Jeffery Lee Simons. For his work with students, he has received the American Institute of Physics Science Writing Award and the Award for Popular Writing on Solar Physics from the American Astronomical Society. Until recently, he served as Education Officer and Trustee of the American Astronomical Society, and he currently serves as president of the Astronomical Society of New York. He earned degrees in astronomy, astrophysics, and physics from Harvard and the University of Arizona, and he held postdoctoral positions at Kitt Peak National Observatory and at Columbia University. He and his wife have a daughter and two sons.

Reviews

"The book is written in understandable language, but the answers are not over-simplified and provide sufficient detail for understanding the concept or feature described, making this book appropriate for readers for high school to college."— American Reference Books

"The range of topics [this book] presents is vast and comprehensive, with many fascinating informational tidbits. [T]his book remains stimulating and useful, whether one dips through its pages haphazardly or reads it cover to cover."— Book Review Digest

"What a super reference book! ... The answers are written so that a non-scientist can glean some understanding. Take this book in small bites and savor each one, then move on to the next topic of interest."— Children's Literature

"The Handy Astronomy Answer Book ... poses hundreds of heady questions about such matters as the Big Bang, sunspots, black holes, quarks, neutrinos and Carl Sagan. [A] handy reference, ... accessible writing and careful structure [convey] the pleasures of science and discovery."— Kirkus Reviews

"This clearly written and up-to-date title—it includes a readable definition and description of the Higgs boson particle—is an informative and browsable addition for young adults and adults."— Library Journal

"includes information on virtually every topic related to outer space ... this book brings the wonders of our universe to life."— Lunar and Planetary Information Bulletin

"As the third edition, it just keeps getting better and more cutting–edge with its answers. I highly recommend this book. Some of the topics become very technical while others remain very basic so the book appeals to a wide range of audiences."— National Science Teachers Association

"If you have questions about space or astronomy, this book will provide what you want to know."— San Antonio Express-News

"seamless accessibility … combined with its concise and informative prose, engages readers as they move from the Earth, across the Milky Way, and beyond. … generous illustrations throughout ... handy for working on research projects or general reading, is a recommended purchase for media centers and public libraries."— School Library Journal

"True to its title ... all that and more. Amazingly brief entries cover enormous topics."— Seattle Times