CONFERENCEPopular science books in Latvian about astronomy and space exploration written by researchers at the Institute of Astronomy, Faculty of Exact Sciences and Technology, University of Latvia. Look for them in major Latvian bookstores!
Ilgonis Vilks. Visums. Ceļvedis (Universe. Travel Guide). Publisher Zvaigzne ABC, 2018.
This book is designed as a travel guide that invites the reader to go on a mental journey not only around the Sun, but all the way to the edge of the Universe and get acquainted with the constellations, the planets of the Solar System, the largest stars, black holes, distant galaxies and other miraculous and unusual objects of the Universe.
The basis of the book is a review of the 20 constellations best visible in Latvia, which describes the brightest stars and most significant celestial objects, tells tales about the origin of the constellations, as well as gives recommendations for making observations.
In between, you can go on 10 routes that will allow you to visit planets outside the Solar System, take you to the center of the Milky Way galaxy and many other places. Historical excursions will help us understand how astronomers have managed to explore the vast universe. It also addresses unanswered questions in science, such as the mysterious dark energy and life beyond Earth.
Jānis Kauliņš. Sarkanās planētas dzīvības noslēpums (The Mystery of Life on the Red Planet). Publisher “Sava grāmata”, 2026
It is a fascinating and in-depth story about the history of Mars exploration and one of the greatest questions of humanity – whether life exists beyond Earth. The book takes the reader through the ages – from the first telescopic observations and primitive theories to modern space missions and scientific discoveries. It reveals not only the development of technology, but also the ideas, mistakes, dreams and perseverance of scientists in the search for truth.
The author explains complex processes in a simple and understandable way and shows how science is gradually approaching the answer to the possibility of life on Mars. The book combines science, history and human curiosity, making it engaging for both interested and readers without prior knowledge. The book is in two volumes (I and II) and both volumes are available together.