Log on to www.postcardsfromuniverse.org to send e-postcards from space to family, friends

WASHINGTON - Visitors to the website of a book that features articles from astronomers around the world about the hottest astronomical topics of the moment can now send an electronic postcard from space to family and friends-the only postal service that makes light-speed deliveries.

All they have to do is log on to www.postcardsfromuniverse.org.

The book, titled ‘Postcards from the Edge of the Universe’, is a legacy of the International Year of Astronomy 2009 Cornerstone project Cosmic Diary.

It was launched at the European Week of Astronomy and Space Science in Lisbon, Portugal.

Postcards from the Edge of the Universe is available as an electronic book for free download from the website and can be ordered in hardcopy form from ESO’s shop .From sunspots to black holes, planets around other stars, supernovae and dark matter, the book unveils the mysteries of today’s research, looking at cutting-edge astronomy from around the world.

Articles by 24 frontline astronomers from all corners of the globe explain their science in accessible language.

This book is based on a hand-picked selection of the best posts and science writing from the astronomy blog Cosmic Diary, one of the twelve Cornerstone projects of the International Year of Astronomy 2009 (IYA2009).

The contributions have been compiled into an edited anthology that gives an enthralling snapshot of contemporary astronomy.

The four-page popular-science articles all have a personal flavour, as each contributor has selected their own research topic, giving the reader a personal insight into work at the forefront of astronomy.

“The strengths of the Cosmic Diary are all here in this book:

modern science, accessible writing and fascinating topics. The diverse areas covered mean there’s something for everyone, whatever their level of space science knowledge. We’re very happy to be offering this as a legacy of the International Year of Astronomy 2009,” said Lee Pullen, one the book’s editors.

Catherine Cesarsky, chair of the IYA2009 Executive Committee, added: “Releasing this book means that the spirit of IYA2009 and the Cosmic Diary endures, allowing people all over the world easy access to modern astronomical research as presented by the scientists themselves.” (ANI)