Up

A natural history of the skies—engineer and bubble scientist Dr Lucy Rogers invites us to explore the wonders of the air, sky, and space, understand the science, and appreciate the insights this offers about life on Earth.

'My only complaint about the writing of Lucy Rogers is that there isn't enough of it' – Tim Radford, Guardian

Have you ever looked up at the sky and wondered—how do fireflies glow, or a bird take flight? What is the hue of the heavens telling us? And, what's really happening miles above our heads when we wish upon a shooting star?

Dr Lucy Rogers invites you to step outside, tilt your head back, and become part of the grand tradition of stargazers, cloud watchers, and dreamers who have, for centuries, found joy and wonder in looking up. Working her way upwards while travelling the world, she explains the science behind the phenomena you see in the air just above your head, then the sky, and then deep space.

Encompassing both marvels of nature and triumphs of human ingenuity, Up explores everything from the hypnotic dance of a cauldron of bats, to the cunning design of a condor's feather, from the physics that keeps a hot air balloon in flight, to the amazing coincidence of a solar eclipse. We learn how Monarch butterflies make their arduous annual migration from Canada to Mexico, and pick up safety tips for weathering storms as Rogers heads off to Tornado Alley.

Examining our own mastery of the skies, we discover the principles and majesty of aeroplanes, gliders, and airships, and uncover the legacies of those who have dedicated their lives to exploring and understanding the celestial canvas. As we travel up and up, Rogers points to the intriguing possibilities of future sky innovations, and also their delicate balance with the preservation of the planet.

Let Up rekindle your enchantment with the skies, expand your horizons, and deepen your understanding of the world above.