Exploring the fascinating world of stars, this book invites young readers to discover their origins, life cycles, and impact on Earth. Expert David Aguilar presents a captivating journey through the galaxy, highlighting various types of stars, including the largest and most explosive. With engaging insights about star nurseries and the enchanting "diamonds in the sky," it aims to ignite curiosity and wonder in stargazers, making the night sky's twinkling dots come alive with knowledge and imagination.
David A. Aguilar Books
David A. Aguilar is a passionate science communicator whose works reveal the fascinating connections between the universe and ourselves. As former Director of Science Information and Public Outreach at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, he blends his expertise in astronomy with an artistic sensibility, evident in his compelling illustrations and writings. His award-winning books explore the cosmos, from our solar system to distant galaxies, making complex scientific concepts accessible and captivating. Aguilar's approach brings the wonders of space to readers of all ages, inspiring a deeper reflection on our place within the universe.






Luna: The Science and Stories of Our Moon
- 64 pages
- 3 hours of reading
Delve into the multifaceted significance of the moon, examining its position in the night sky and the solar system, as well as its profound influence on human history and culture. The book offers a comprehensive exploration of the moon's impact on various aspects of life, providing insights into how it has shaped our understanding of the universe and inspired countless generations.
Travel the near and far reaches of the solar system in this lively, beautifully illustrated Smithsonian nonfiction book! Ready for a wondrous celestial journey? How about a trip to our close neighbor Mars, home to the largest volcano in the solar system? Or to Europa, a watery lunar world with a really deep ocean? Or beyond the beyond to mysterious Planet 9, an unseen giant lurking in the far outer regions of space? This extraordinary book puts you right there: breaking through colorful gaseous hazes; exploring the surface of red-hot or ice-cold planets; hurtling through rings of flying, frozen ice chunks; and rocketing on out to deep space. Astronomer David Aguilar is our navigator on these seven wonderful trips through our solar system—journeys that someday may actually happen! The SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION is the world’s largest museum and research complex. Founded in 1846, it includes nineteen museum and galleries, the National Zoological Park, and nine research facilities. Its vast collections house 138 million artifacts, specimens, and works of art, which represent our nation’s rich heritage, art from across the globe, and the immense diversity of the natural and cultural world.
13 Planets
- 60 pages
- 3 hours of reading
Profiles each of the planets in Earth's solar system, including Pluto, Ceres, Eris, Haumea, MakeMake, the sun, the Oort cloud, comets, and more.
Space Encyclopedia: A Tour of Our Solar System and Beyond
- 208 pages
- 8 hours of reading
Explore the universe through the lens of National Geographic, featuring the latest discoveries and stunning NASA space photography. This book offers a comprehensive look at our understanding of space, highlighting groundbreaking research and captivating visuals that reveal the mysteries of the cosmos.
The heartfelt and funny memoir of a boy who built himself a prosthetic arm out of the world-famous toy bricks. David Aguilar was born missing part of one arm, a small detail that seemed to define his life and limit people's ideas of who he was and who he could be. But in his funny and heartfelt memoir, David proves that he can throw out the rulebook and people's expectations and maybe even make a difference in the world--and all with a sense of humor. At only nine years old, David built his first prosthesis from LEGO bricks, and since then he hasn't stopped creating and thinking about how his inventions, born from a passion for building things, could fuel change and help others. With a voice full of personality and heart, David tells his powerful story, of family and friendship, of heartbreak and loss, and ultimately of triumph and success, as he continues to dream big and build a life and a better world--piece by piece.