A new frontier in our solar system opened with the discovery of the Kuiper Belt and the extensive population of icy bodies orbiting beyond Neptune. Today the study of all of these bodies, collectively referred to as trans-Neptunian objects, reveals them to be frozen time capsules from the earliest epochs of solar system formation. This new volume in the Space Science Series, with one hundred contributing authors, offers the most detailed and up-to-date picture of our solar systemÕs farthest frontier. Our understanding of trans-Neptunian objects is rapidly evolving and currently constitutes one of the most active research fields in planetary sciences. The Solar System Beyond Neptune brings the reader to the forefront of our current understanding and points the way to further advancement in the field, making it an indispensable resource for researchers and students in planetary science.
Tracing the evolution of humankind's pursuit of astronomical knowledge, this resource looks deep into the furthest reaches of space. Children will follow along as the realization that the Earth is not at the center of the universe leads all the way up to recent telescopic proof of planets orbiting stars outside the solar system. In addition to its engaging history, this book contains 21 hands-on projects to further explore the subjects discussed. Readers will build a three-dimensional representation of the constellation Orion, see how the universe expands using an inflating balloon, and construct a reflecting telescope out of a makeup mirror and a magnifying glass. It also includes small biographies of famous astronomers, a time line of major scientific discoveries, a glossary of technical terms, and dozens of full-color images taken by the Hubble Space Telescope and the Chandra X-Ray Observatory.
This book serves as a fascinating progress report on the outer solar system, offering a way to better appreciate the newest findings. It unlocks some of the mysteries surrounding Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto — from the drama of their discoveries to the startling results of Voyager 2’s historic 1989 encounter with Neptune.
Everything you need to know for an out-of-this-world travel experience. My Tourist Guide to the Solar System brings you amazing digital artwork with fun facts to present space as you've never seen it before. Take a day trip to the planets and hike along the Mariner Valley on Mars and grab yourself a souvenir icy pebble from a flight through Saturn's rings. Amazing illustrations and digital artworks will take you on a spellbinding tour of the planets, moons, and asteroids. This goes beyond the realm of regular space books - it's out of this world.
A tour of outer space explores the solar system as well as stars, galaxies, and the birth of planets, and speculates on whether other intelligent beings exist in the universe.
Until the mid-1990s, scientists only guessed that the universe held exoplanets, or planets beyond our solar system. But using advanced physics and powerful telescopes, scientists have since identified more than three thousand exoplanets. This work has revealed fascinating worlds, including a planet that oozes lavalike fluids and a planet that glows bright pink. Even more fascinating, scientists think that some exoplanets might contain life. Many orbit in the Goldilocks zone, the region around a star that's not too hot or too cold for liquid water, a key ingredient for life. This book examines exoplanets, the possibilities for life beyond Earth, and the cutting-edge technologies scientists use to learn about distant worlds.
In the ten years preceding publication, the known solar system more than doubled in size. For the first time in almost two centuries an entirely new population of planetary objects was found. This 'Kuiper Belt' of minor planets beyond Neptune revolutionised our understanding of the solar system's formation and finally explained the origin of the enigmatic outer planet Pluto. This is the fascinating story of how theoretical physicists decided that there must be a population of unknown bodies beyond Neptune and how a small band of astronomers set out to find them. What they discovered was a family of ancient planetesimals whose orbits and physical properties were far more complicated than anyone expected. We follow the story of this discovery, and see how astronomers, theoretical physicists and one incredibly dedicated amateur observer came together to explore the frozen boundary of the solar system.
Blast off to the solar system! Get ready for a breathtaking journey through our cosmic community. In this interactive guide, you will: Travel through richly illustrated pages featuring the eight planets that orbit the Sun; Spark curiosity with extra facts about stars, telescopes, galaxies and more; Delve into details about the latest advances in space exploration; Explore a glossary of scientific terms; Lift the flaps for extra knowledge.
Building on collaborative work between the SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) Institute and the Lawrence Hall of Science, Messages from Space takes advantage of our fascination with extraterrestrials to catalyze study of the solar system and beyond. The activities create an exciting context for students to engage in creative learning, gaining a great deal of astronomical knowledge.The unit begins when students attempt to decode a fictitious message from outer space. Imagining that they are SETI scientists, students begin to analyze where, in the solar system and beyond, there may be conditions favorable for life. They investigate how our solar system and other planetary systems may have formed, and consider how what we know about the solar system fits into a bigger picture of the universe. Throughout, students consider whether life could exist out there and, if so, how we might communicate with those lifeforms. In doing so, students also gain valuable experience distinguishing science fact from sensationalized fiction. Messages from Space includes background information and diverse resources. Teachers do not need to have special knowledge of astronomy to present this unit successfully. All GEMS guides are thoroughly tested in classrooms nationwide and come complete with clear step-by-step instructions, assessment suggestions, literature connections, and ideas for further investigation.I must say that I enjoyed this unit more than any other GEMS unit I've used and so did my students. The underlying theme of the message held everyone's attention and was a useful hook to grasp onto throughout the unit. And the travel brochure and science fiction storiesprovided excellent opportunities for assessment.-Teacher, Alexandria, VirginiaI would strongly recommend these creative, interesting, and attention-grabbing activities. The book would also make a great organizer for a summer or after-school enrichment program at the elementary level.-NSTA RecommendsTABLE OF CONTENTS: Introduction Time Frame Activity 1: Message from Space Session 1: Making Contact Session 2: Interpreting a Message from Space Activity 2: Somewhere in the Milky WayC7S
ASTRONOMY: THE SOLAR SYSTEM AND BEYOND and its accompanying learning tools CengageNOW and Virtual Astronomy Labs shows you your place in the universe, not just your location, but also your role as a planet dweller in an evolving universe. You will learn to focus on the scientific method through the strong central questioning themes of "What are we?" and "How do we know?" Rather than memorize facts, you will be empowered to create your own understanding of your place in the cosmos. Use CengageNOW to not only enhance your conceptual understanding of the content, but to improve your grade in the course.
