ASTRONOMER and South Wales Argus columnist Jonathan Powell has released a new book about the unusual sights and sounds of the universe.

Rare Astronomical Sights and Sounds is Mr Powell's second book, following 2017's Cosmic Debris.

In his new work, Mr Powell explores the unusual visual and aural phenomena of the stars, from ancient supernovas to the Sputnik satellite of the mid-20th century.

Mr Powell, who is also a monthly contributor to the BBC Sky at Night magazine, said he was honoured that Springer, the book's publisher, placed his new book within the Patrick Moore Practical Astronomy Series – a privilege as Sir Patrick was "a true inspiration" to Mr Powell.

"The new book covers some of the more elusive sights and sounds of the universe, with a combination of information and advice on where to hear and see some of the phenomena," Mr Powell said.

Mentioned in the book are the dramatic sounds sent back from the Apollo 13 spacecraft – NASA's third manned mission to the moon.

Recently, Mr Powell got to meet Fred Haise, one of the astronauts on the famous mission which was immortalised in the 1995 Hollywood blockbuster, Apollo 13.

Mr Haise was the lunar module pilot on the Apollo 13 mission, which was unable to land on the moon's surface because of an explosion mid-flight, leading to the iconic, since adapted message: "Houston, we've had a problem".

After Mr Haise signed a copy of Mr Powell's book, the author said: "It was a great honour to meet Fred Haise, and for him to actually sign the page where he is mentioned took the experience to a new dimension".

Rare Astronomical Sights and Sounds is available through Amazon or when ordered through local booksellers.