From left to right: 'Silicon chips and you', 1979 [Library shelfmark: HP1.80.2165] 'Cosmos', 1983 [Library shelfmark: SP1.83.388], A brief history of time: from the big bang to black holes', 1988 [Library shelfmark: SP1.203.0461].
The 1980s were a time for scientific advancements in varied fields from space exploration to computer technology.
Silicon chips first appeared in the 1960s. Years of technological developments meant that by the 1980s they could be used to create greater computing power, leading to the shrinking of devices. Home computing began in earnest as computers moved away from the realm of specialists, and towards the mass market home and offices.
Books on popular science
The appetite to embrace new technology and science was constant throughout the decade. Books which communicated scientific ideas became bestsellers.
'Cosmos', about the origins and evolution of the universe and space was written by American astromoner and scientist Carl Sagan. It was first published in 1980 and was broadcast as a television series the same year.
Towards the end of the decade, Stephen Hawking's 'A brief history of time: from the big bang to black holes' was published. It tackled concepts like quantum mechanics, relativity and cosmological phenomena in a style intended for readers with no prior knowledge of science or scientific theories.
To read more about 1980s popular science, see also:
Further 1980s essays and videos are available in our 1980s retrospective 'Back to the future: 1979-1989' website.