In the latest of our series of bite-sized reviews, Physics World editors give their verdicts on new science titles
Come Rain or Shine: the Fascinating Facts and Surprising Science Behind our Weather
By Laura Tobin
If you’ve ever watched a TV weather report in the UK over the last 15 years, you may well have come across ITV forecaster Laura Tobin. Having originally studied physics and meteorology at the University of Reading, Tobin does a delightful job in her new book Come Rain or Shine explaining the physical underpinnings of the weather. As well as covering basic physical concepts such as temperature and pressure and exploring the role of the oceans, atmosphere and clouds, Tobin also describes how to read and decipher weather maps. One gripe: she bizarrely refers at one point to “physicians” not “physicists”. Matin Durrani
- 2026 New River Books
Gravity: Life’s Ups and Downs
By David Howe
Have you ever wondered how reliant sewage systems are on gravity? Or what Alfred, Lord Tennyson had to say about the water cycle? Or perhaps how humanity has fought the pull of gravity throughout the history of flight? Wonder no longer, as David Howe’s latest book Gravity explains all. Howe is a former professor of sociology at the University of East Anglia who in retirement has pivoted to writing popular books about the natural world. Targeted at a lay audience, the science in Gravity is not complex but is used as a springboard to interrogate human society, the natural landscape, history and literature. It’s an unusual mix and will have great appeal for the right reader. Kate Gardner
- 2026 Lutterworth Press/Boydell & Brewer
It Could Be Otherwise: Science in the Age of Uncertainty
By Stuart Firestein
It might sound strange to suggest that optimism and failure make for good bedfellows. But that is the case made by author and Colombia University biologist Stuart Firestein in his new book It Could Be Otherwise, which is equal parts a treatise on the philosophy of science and an examination of how science impacts society in our increasingly complex world. Indeed, as the book’s title suggests, uncertainty and curiosity to make sense of the unknown is a key part of the scientific method. Firestein makes a solid case for the idea of “optimism” to be equally important for progress, making this an interesting read for all those involved in the sciences today. Tushna Commissariat
- 2026 Basic Books
What is Space Exploration For?
By Tony Milligan and Koji Tachibana
Written by philosophers Tony Milligan and Koji Tachibana, What is Space Exploration For? is part of a series claiming to explore “the core elements shaping our world”. Space exploration, they say, is all about valuing and pursuing knowledge – often in ways that improve our lives here at home. But the duo go further and propose that “a broader expansion of our human activities in space gives the best (or perhaps the last) chance of a flourishing future for humanity and for the Earth”. With chapters addressing the need to send humans into space, as well as the political, military and environmental ramifications of such ventures, the authors give us a holistic – and engaging – view of the cultural, climate and existential impacts of space exploration. Kyla Rushman
- 2026 Bristol University Press
