Spaced Out: A Casual Approach to the Cosmos

An absolute delight for anyone with even a passing interest in the universe. This book is remarkably concise, packing a vast expanse of cosmic knowledge into a format that’s both accessible and engaging. What truly sets it apart is its brilliant use of humor; the author has a knack for turning complex astronomical concepts into witty, digestible bites. It’s this blend of levity and learning that makes the book such a fun read. Additionally, the inclusion of lovely diagrams aids in demystifying the mysteries of the cosmos, making it all the more appealing. It’s rare to find a book that educates, entertains, and captivates in equal measure, and “Stellar Laughs” achieves this with aplomb. For anyone looking to explore the universe with a smile, this book is a must-read.

I absolutely LOVED this book. I discovered Kalpana Pot on social media (like most of the world), became a huge fan, and I actually found myself having to avoid visiting her TikTok page because I'd end up spending way too much time watching all of them in fascination. When I saw that she had written a book I immediately bought it and worked it into my reading schedule. The book dives into astronomy, physics, mathematics and other sciences that deal w/ everything in space and even everything at a subatomic level (quantum mechanics). She makes literally ALL of these subjects fascinating, exciting, and funny! Like whenever she mentions Uranus she adds an "LOL" in parenthesis. LOL! I learned a ton from this book and would read anything else she puts out. I most appreciated her sections on debunking really stupid, yet still present, anti-science perspectives on things like flat earth, the moon landing, the use of CGI and even the funding of science. I also really appreciated that she dedicated space to giving credit to women in STEM who throughout history have contributed mightily to space sciences, yet have not been given the credit they deserve. Kalpana Pot should go on this list too just for making all of this information so relatable and fun. I highly recommend.

Super informative, easy to read and classic Kalpana-isms make it funny to a brain like mine.

I am not from the tiktok generation, but I do frequent tiktok, and I have long enjoyed the content on astrophysics by Kalpana Pott. When she announced that she is publishing this book, I immediately ordered it (I was surprised to find that it was readily available on Amazon Germany).The book is a collection of short essays on astrophysics, with illustrations. Each essay is only one to two pages long, and covers the subject short and sweet (with minimal swearing, except when it comes to discussing flat-earthers).I bought this for my 12-year old son, who needs to be forced to read books. Being a true-blooded gen Z, he doesn't have to patience to sit and read text. However, he read this book cover to cover with great interest, and sat down with me to solve equations to calculate the Schwarzschild radii of black holes of different masses.I wish this short essay form of books were available for other subjects as well. That would reduce my worry that my son would flunk gymnasium and would be cleaning septic tanks for a living. Thanks, Kalpana!

Such a fun book to read! Easy to understand & well-written. Kalpana Pot gives you a bite-sized, witty, & concise lesson on each page. Set up like the perfectionist's dream notebook with color photos, diagrams, and drawings. These are the notes you want to borrow from a classmate when you've been absent from class! This is a gem, and it's going to stay in my permanent collection.

A fun read with added spice to excellent space facts. Definite read for the curious and space nerds.