Books & Arts in 2009

Kepler's interpretation of the supernova of 1604, De Stella Nova, interwove the science of astronomy with astrology and theology in an attempt to determine the correct birthdate of Jesus, explains Martin Kemp.

Nature invited some of its regular reviewers to name their pick of this year's book publications.

A gripping account of the spread of the bird flu virus across southeast Asia holds lessons for the global management of pandemics such as swine flu, explains Ab Osterhaus.

A collaborative effort between a photographer and a chemist could show scientists how to make the small scale more intuitive, says Jeremy Baumberg.

Michael Nielsen enjoys a rich and stimulating collection of essays on the way in which massive computing power is changing science, from astronomy to zoology.

Jack J. Lissauer explains how the great astronomer's insight into planetary orbits is still revealing new views of the Universe four centuries on — from extrasolar Earths to black holes.

The story of Earth's glaciers and ice caps is key to understanding climate science, but this kaleidoscopic account lacks a strong narrative, argues Johannes Oerlemans.

Henner Busemann enjoys a hymn to the passionate collectors who fuelled the science of meteorites.

Shared experiences on global voyages linked Darwin and his fellow naturalists, explains Alistair Sponsel.

Nicky Clayton, a biologist and psychologist who studies the behaviour of birds, and who is also a salsa and tango dancer, collaborated with Rambert Dance Company to create a work commemorating Charles Darwin. As The Comedy of Change tours the United Kingdom, she explains how communicating via motion is common to both dance and the natural world.