A long-time avid amateur astronomer living in Massachusetts, Chaple profiles the Jovian planets, that is the gas giants and their many moons, but not the former planet Pluto. His topics include the birth of the Jovian planets, Jupiter's moons as a solar system in miniature, Saturn as the crown jewel of the Solar System (the full sized one), the tipped-over world Uranus, Neptune the planet discovered on paper, Jovian planets beyond our solar system, and Voyager 2's grand tour.
Beloved science commentator Bob McDonald takes us on a tour of our galaxy, unraveling the mysteries of the universe and helping us navigate our place among the stars. How big is our galaxy? Is there life on those distant planets? Are we really made of star dust? And where do stars even come from? In An Earthling’s Guide to Outer Space, we finally have the answers to all those questions and more. With clarity, wisdom, and a great deal of enthusiasm, McDonald explores the curiosities of the big blue planet we call home as well as our galactic neighbours—from Martian caves to storm clouds on Jupiter to the nebulae at the far end of the universe. So if you’re pondering how to become an astronaut, or what dark matter really is, or how an asteroid wiped out the dinosaurs, look no further. Through a captivating mix of stories, experiments, and illustrations, McDonald walks us through space exploration past and present, and reveals what we can look forward to in the future. An Earthling’s Guide to Outer Space is sure to satisfy science readers of all ages, and to remind us earthbound terrestrials just how special our place in the universe truly is.
Did you know that astronomers have classified the planets as inner, outer and outermost? This book discusses the planetary arrangements. It also discusses a few brief facts about the planes in the solar system - some of them you are familiar with and some of them you're not. Go ahead and grab a copy today.
A comprehensive guide to the universe that focuses on the outer planets, which includes Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and beyond; discussing the evolving view of the solar system throughout history, characteristics of the planets, and the search for planets beyond the Milky Way.
"True planets, dwarf planets, and exoplanets--what's the difference? Find out the three rules scientists use to decide what makes a planet. Discover how they continue to search outside our solar system for a planet like Earth"--Provided by publisher.
Extensively revised and updated, this new edition of David A. Rothery's acclaimed geological guide to the outer solar system includes results and close-up color and black and white images from both the 1995-1999 Galileo mission to Jupiter and the Voyager space probe. Rothery, a noted planetary scientist, explains the geological aspects of the major satellites of the outer planets, from Jupiter to Neptune and the Pluto-Charon system. In particular he shows how tectonic and volcanic processes, driven by heat from within, have shaped the rigid outer layers of these worlds. Rothery also discusses the similarities and differences among them and the ways in which they resemble Earth-like planets. This fascinating book is written in an introductory style ideal for first- or second-year college courses. Amateur geologists and astronomers will also find its insights rewarding.
From ancient times, people have wanted to learn about the sky. The stars, planets, and other heavenly bodies have been observed for centuries, and theories have changed as the equipment used has improved. Though we now know that the Sun is the center of our solar system, and planets and other objects move around it, we still have a lot to learn. What is a comet made of? Why is Pluto now called a dwarf planet? What causes a solar eclipse? A lunar eclipse? This book will help you answer these questions and more. Whether you try the experiments and activities in this book for fun or for a school project, you’ll discover why so many people are fascinated by our solar system.
Earth is one of eight planets in our Solar System, that circle around the Sun. Our Solar System is just one tiny part of The Milky Way. The Milky Way is the galaxy we live in. There are hundreds of billions of galaxies in the universe.