How to Read the Solar System

November 15, 2014

From ancient stargazers to scientists at today's powerful orbiting and ground-based observatories, humanity has long been engrossed in the quest to observe and comprehend its own space in the universe. While technology has changed dramatically over the millennia, the drive to understand our planet's nearest neighbors remains as exhilarating as ever. Coauthors North (researcher, Cardiff Univ. Sch. of Physics and Astronomy) and Abel (copresenter, BBC's The Sky at Night; assistant director, Saturn Section of the British Astronomical Association) provide amateur astronomers with the latest and greatest advances in the field that will enable them to explore the cosmic neighborhood on their own. Beginning with a brief historical overview of scientific observation and celestial mechanics, the authors then take readers on an enlightening tour of the solar system, from the Sun to Neptune, before turning to other objects, including asteroids, comets, and dwarf planets (where you will find Pluto). Individual chapters contain discussions of historical and current observations and intriguing notes about landscapes, mechanics, and orbiting moons. VERDICT This fascinating read supported by the latest research will engage and enchant. Recommended for anyone with an interest in astronomy and fans of the show Cosmos with Neil deGrasse Tyson.

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