Best Astrophysics & Space Science Books of 2026

The Baby University Board Book Set is the perfect gift for parents who want to introduce their little ones to science and STEM concepts. The set includes four educational books, each featuring colorful and simple introductions to scientific principles for babies. Written by an award-winning physicist, Chris Ferrie, these books cover topics such as quantum physics, rocket science, general relativity, and Newtonian physics. This board book set is a wonderful way to encourage early learning and makes a great newborn baby gift. Overall, this series is a unique and valuable addition to any child's library.

Behold a Pale Horse by former United States Naval Intelligence Briefing Team member Bill Cooper is a thought-provoking book that sheds light on information that has been kept hidden from the public since the 1940s. Cooper's lucid and rational approach to sensitive issues such as the assassination of John F. Kennedy, the war on drugs, the secret government, and UFOs is both informative and empowering. His predictions on world events, including the fall of the Berlin Wall and the invasion of Panama, were documented before they occurred. Although the revised edition excludes the hateful forgery Protocols of the Elders of Zion, Cooper's research and insights remain relevant and unique.

The book "Starry Messenger: Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization" by Neil deGrasse Tyson is a New York Times bestseller that offers a unique perspective on the crucial issues of our time, such as war, politics, religion, truth, beauty, gender, and race. With a cosmic perspective and the rationality of science, Tyson provides an antidote to the polarization that divides us, encouraging unity in a world where we are so often divided. His insights on global conflict and reminders of the preciousness of life are informed by knowledge of our place in the universe, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in astrophysics and space science.

A City on Mars is a thought-provoking book that explores the possibility and consequences of space settlement. The authors, Kelly and Zach Weinersmith, provide a comprehensive guide to space colonization while raising important questions about the ethical, legal, and geopolitical challenges that come with it. Through a blend of scientific research and humor, the book covers everything from space farming to space war and even space cannibalism. Overall, A City on Mars is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of humanity beyond Earth.

"On the Origin of Time" by Stephen Hawking's closest collaborator, Thomas Hertog, offers a fascinating insight into the late physicist's final thoughts on the cosmos. The book presents a dramatic revision of the theory Hawking put forward in "A Brief History of Time" and proposes a radical new Darwinian perspective on the origins of our universe. Hertog's superbly written book takes readers on a journey through the extreme quantum physics of cosmic holograms and deep roots of time, offering a striking new vision of the universe's birth that will transform the way we think about our place in the cosmos. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the mysteries of the universe and the mind of one of the greatest scientists of our time."

A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking is a fascinating exploration of the universe and its origins. Hawking tackles complex concepts in a way that is accessible to all readers, using humor and real-life analogies to explain the mysteries of the cosmos. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in astronomy or science, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its importance as a landmark volume in science writing. It is a masterful work that marries a child's sense of wonder with a genius's intellect, and it will leave readers with a profound appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the universe.

Under Alien Skies: A Sightseer's Guide to the Universe takes readers on a thrilling journey through the cosmos with renowned astronomer, Philip Plait. Using the latest scientific research and his imagination, Plait transports readers to ten of the most spectacular sights in outer space. From the frigid mountains of Pluto to the strange shadows on a planet trillions of miles from Earth, this book is a rollicking, wondrous, and awe-inspiring introduction to the universe. With 14 black-and-white illustrations and an 8-page full-color insert, Under Alien Skies is a must-read for anyone interested in astronomy and the wonders of space.

Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race is a phenomenal true story of black female mathematicians at NASA whose calculations helped fuel some of America's greatest achievements in space. The book is a powerful, revelatory history essential to our understanding of race, discrimination, and achievement in modern America. The author chronicles the careers of Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden, four African American women who participated in some of NASA's greatest successes. This book is an inspiring tribute to the remarkable women whose contributions to science and technology were overlooked for far too long.

Brief Answers to the Big Questions is the last book written by Stephen Hawking and it is a must-read for those who worry about humanity's future. The book covers a wide range of urgent questions, including the survival of humanity and the possibility of colonizing space. Hawking's final message is a hopeful one, which makes this book unique. The book features a foreword by Eddie Redmayne, an introduction by Nobel Laureate Kip Thorne, and an afterword by Hawking's daughter, Lucy. Anyone interested in astrophysics and space science should add this book to their reading list.