The book, Postcards from the Edge of the Universe, was launched today at the European Week of Astronomy and Space Science in Lisbon, Portugal. A legacy of the International Year of Astronomy 2009 Cornerstone project Cosmic Diary, the book features articles from astronomers around the world about the hottest astronomical topics of the moment.

From sunspots to black holes, planets around other stars, supernovae and dark matter, Postcards from the Edge of the Universe 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.

Lee Pullen, one the book’s editors says, “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.”

Catherine Cesarsky, chair of the IYA2009 Executive Committee, adds, “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.”

Visitors to the book’s website, www.postcardsfromuniverse.org, will find an option to send an electronic postcard from space to family and friends — the only postal service that makes light-speed deliveries.

Postcards from the Edge of the Universe was edited by Lee Pullen, Mariana Barrosa and Lars Lindberg Christensen and was produced in a collaboration between ESO, the International Astronomical Union and UNESCO in the framework of the International Year of Astronomy 2009.

Postcards from the Edge of the Universe is available as an electronic book for free download from http://www.postcardsfromuniverse.org/ and can be ordered in hardcopy form from ESO’s shop.

Cosmic Diary blog:
http://www.cosmicdiary.org/

ESOshop:
http://www.eso.org/shop

The International Year of Astronomy 2009:
http://www.astronomy2009.org/

European Week of Astronomy and Space Sciences:
http://www.jenam2010.org/