Why Space Will Freak You Out: The Scariest, Strangest Parts of the Universe

by Kimberly K. Arcand, Megan Watzke, Robert Ball (Illustrator)

Overview

In this photo-illustrated outer space book by two NASA scientists, readers will have a blast exploring the scary, creepy, horrific parts of the universe. From rotten-egg moons to zombie planets to spaghettification to real-life death stars, they'll find out just how bonkers space truly is. Open this book if you want to be freaked out just a tad . . . and make sure to read with the lights on!

Topics include:

• The terrifying two-faced planet (Mercury)
• The stormiest world in the solar system (Jupiter)
• The anti-freeze and fertilizer moon (Titan)
• The saltwater tomb (Enceladus)
• The planet cloaked in darkness (Tres-2B)
• A world being eaten by its own star (Wasp-12B)
• An expanding, exploding brain in space (Eta Carinae)

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781464227097
Publisher:	Sourcebooks
Publication date:	02/10/2026
Pages:	112
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.28(d)
Age Range:	6 - 10 Years

About the Author

Dr. Kimberly K. Arcand was working in biology when she was hired for NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory in 1998. Since she always wanted to be an astronaut when she was little, this opportunity brought Kim close to the cosmos but without the long distance commute. Today, Kim uses data to tell stories about science, whether in the form of a 3D print of an exploded star, a virtual reality application of a pulsar, or a sound of a black hole. Outside of work, Kim likes to hang out with her family including her husband, two grown-up children, her parents, two dogs, and a cat. She's a big fan of nature and loves to be outside gardening, walking and looking for her next rainbow.

Megan Watzke has been interested in space and exploration since she can remember. She earned her degree in astrophysics in college, even though she wasn't the best student in her classes. After college, she found a graduate program that taught people with science backgrounds how to write. That led her to current career as a science writer, where she loves making science understandable for everyone, including kids. Megan has learned a lot about what is creepy and freaky from her own four kids, who she lives with and her wife in Seattle, WA.

Robert Ball has worked in the creative sector for over thirty years. He started as a graphic artist in the games industry, became an art director for a branding agency, and finally chose life as a full-time illustrator in 2014. Robert has created art for book covers, toy and game packaging, and advertising clients. He grew a loyal fanbase through his project for HBO's Game of Thrones, in which he illustrated a poster for each episode. Robert lives in London in a house full of books where he gets under the feet of his partner Anya and is a full-time butler to their dog, Conker.