Product Description
In Wonders of the Solar System -- the book of the acclaimed BBC TV series -- Professor Brian Cox will take us on a journey of discovery where alien worlds from your imagination become places we can see, feel and visit.The Wonders of the Solar System -- from the giant ice fountains of Enceladus to the liquid methane seas of Titan and from storms twice the size of the Earth to the tortured moon of Io with its giant super-volcanoes -- is the Solar System as you have never seen it before.In this series, Professor Brian Cox will introduce us to the planets and moons beyond our world, finding the biggest, most bizarre, most powerful natural phenomena. Using the latest scientific imagery along with cutting edge CGI and some of the most spectacular and extreme locations on Earth, Brian will show us Wonders never thought possible.Employing his trademark clear, authoritative, yet down-to-earth approach, Brian will explore how these previously unseen phenomena have dramatically expanded our horizons with new discoveries about the planets, their moons and how they came to be the way they are. ... Read more

Product Description
National Geographic proudly presents the essential reference book for what is now officially a NEW AGE in space.

In August 2006, the International Astronomical Union redefined the word"planet" and relegated Pluto to the status of a dwarf planet, along with Ceres and Eris. Naturally, National Geographic is there to map out this new view of our solar system. In 11 Planets, David Aguilar, an expert who works on the leading edge of this astounding shift, explains and explores our new galactic knowledge.

Using spectacular computer artwork, exclusive to National Geographic, and simple engaging text, this colorful book profiles all 11 planets in our newly categorized solar system: terrestrial Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars; gas giants Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune; and dwarf planets Pluto, Ceres, and Eris. The author of the hugely popular Planets, Stars, and Galaxies now leads young minds through into this exciting new view of space, giving readers a vivid "you are there" sensation through his photorealistic artwork.

David Aguilar’s 11 Planets is a simple yet compelling introduction to the solar system as it is now classified. This beautiful volume also includes informative spreads on: The Sun Earth’s moon Mars’ moons, Phobos and Diemos Ceres, one of the new dwarf planets The Asteroid Belt Pluto and its moon, Charon Sedna and Eggland, two large Kuiper Belt objects Saturn's rings and moons Comets and the Oort Cloud Other new worlds now being discovered

This engaging volume also includes fun activities for young readers. Aguilar’s text presents the latest discoveries in space to young imaginations in a compelling and scientifically accurate way, encouraging understanding of mankind’s new view of our solar system. This is the volume that every library needs; and the book that every child should have access to as the ultimate reference for the new age in space. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Illuminating New View
48 pages, Grade 3-8 - An exciting title for the astronomic-oriented, this book updates readers about our solar system from nine planets to eleven and the easy-to-follow reclassifications of them: Rocky/Terrestrial: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars; Gas planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Dwarf planets: Ceres(new), Pluto and Eris(new). In double pages, 11 PLANETS presents each planet with illuminating photographs, digital paintings, and many visually impressive artworks and fast fact charts as well as paragraphs of texts that both informs and delights. The memory trick to remember the new planets in order among many other humorous lines makes my kid laugh really hard. We have never learnt so much so fast about our solar system and author/illustrator David A. Aguilar has brought the planets from the sky to our fingertips in the most fascinating way.

You'll Definitely Learn Something From This One!
Really?11 planets?I'm still trying to wrap my head around the whole Pluto is a dwarf planet thing, then I find out there's two new dwarf planets called Ceres and Eris.Did you know that?I sure as heck didn't!

First of all, I enjoyed the format of this book.Aguilar gives you an introduction to the `new' solar system, tells how it is formed, discusses the Sun, then breaks down each planet.Planets such as Earth, Jupiter and Saturn have additional information that tends to include information on moons and meteorites.Quite frankly, I learned a lot from this book!That doesn't mean I'll remember it, but I will remember this book because of an additional feature that I just adored: it gives you the name of the Greek or Roman god whom the planet is named after (Sun = Apollo) with a bit of additional information on that deity.I love mythology, so this was a great hook to keep me interested.And although the information is necessary and presented in an easy-to-access manner, it still bored me.I don't think this is actually the fault of the author, more of a lack of serious interest on my part.

Teachers, this could be a great way to combine a lesson on mythology with how it still influences us today.Obviously it's also a great introduction to our Solar System.

Notes on the Cover:
A big 11 with the sun bursting from behind while the 11 planets are lined up.Kudos to you if you can spot all 11 (kids will love doing that, 3 are tiny!)

beautiful book
This is a beautiful book I keep on my coffee table.I'm very happy with it.

I HATE THIS BOOK!
This is the WORST BOOKS EVER!!! It says that PEOPLE ARE MADE FROM STAR DUST!!!--- DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK! SO much weird stuff said in this book!! BEWARE!!!

Beautiful illustrations, easy to read
I bought this book for my daughter a few months ago when she turned 5, and she loves it. It has beautiful illustrations and only one page with info per planet (and sometimes another page for the planet's moons), so it's easy to read. The language is simple enough for a little kid to understand. It also talks about comets, Oort clouds and other solar systems. I like it so much that I've bought a few more for birthday presents. ... Read more

Product Description
Mind-Boggling ExperimentsYou Can Turn Into Science Fair Projects

The perfect science fair idea books . . .Spectacular Science Projects
Janice VanCleave's Solar System

• How is a comet like a dirty snowball?
• Does a planet’s distance from the Sun affect its temperature?
• How can the Moon block the Sun’s light?

Figure out the answers for yourself with out-of-this world activities and experiments that help you learn about the wonders of the solar system. Janice VanCleave’s Solar System: Mind-Boggling Experiments You Can Turn into Science Fair Projects guarantees hours and hours of fascinating, hands-on, safe, low-cost science fun.Try these awesome projects at home or in the classroom: trace theEarth’s path through the celestial sphere, create a comet in your own bedroom, and build a model of Saturn and its rings.Each experiment includes an illustration and simple, step-by-step instructions, as well as clear explanations of the astronomical concepts you’re seeing at work.

Children ages 8—12
Also available in the Spectacular Science Projects Series:

Janice VanCleave’s Animals
Janice VanCleave’s Earthquakes
Janice VanCleave’s Electricity
Janice VanCleave’s Gravity
Janice VanCleave’s Insects and Spiders
Janice VanCleave’s Machines
Janice VanCleave’s Magnets
Janice VanCleave’s Microscopesand Magnifying Lenses
Janice VanCleave’s Molecules
Janice VanCleave’s Plants
Janice VanCleave’s Rocks and Minerals
Janice VanCleave’s Volcanoes
Janice VanCleave’s Weather ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good teacher resource
I am a 4th grade teacher who is applying for my National Board Certification. For my portfolio, I'm teaching a unit on the Solar System. I needed some fresh ideas for small group lessons so I got this book. It has some really great experiments and demonstrations and gives the background on the concept explored. I specifically needed lessons that integrated mathematics and I found them here! Highly recommended!

My only regret is that it didn't have reproducibles/blackline masters. Whatever blacklines I needed from the book, I made myself on the computer and printed out. ... Read more

Product Description
This series explores Earth's solar system as well as galaxies, stars, and other objects in space. Each book reflects the latest research and will teach readers basic scientific principles that aid in understanding the workings of the universe. ... Read more

Product Description
Artist Mel Bochner became a writer, he says, almost by accident. In 1965, as a young artist in New York, he was out of a job; Arts Magazine paid him $2.50 for every review he turned in, whether they published it or not; a month of review-writing paid his rent—$28.00 a month. His reviews and articles provoked a range of unexpected reactions. "At that time, artists who wrote were looked at suspiciously, as if writing somehow tainted their visual practice," he writes. A painter friend attacked him publicly for "joining the enemy." Bochner soon began testing the boundary between writing-as-criticism and writing-as-visual-art. Solar System & Rest Rooms collects both Bochner's writings on art and his writings as art, offering more than fifty pieces—reviews, art criticism, theoretical texts, interviews, catalog statements, notecards, and his groundbreaking "magazine interventions"—many reproduced in facsimile.

Bochner is a leading figure in conceptualism; his 1966 installation at the School of Visual Arts Gallery Working Drawings and Other Visible Things on Paper Not Necessarily Meant to Be Viewed as Art is considered to be the earliest exhibition of conceptual art. Solar System & Rest Rooms chronologically documents the work and ideas of this important artist over a span of forty years, as well as providing a unique perspective on the conceptual and post-minimal art scene in New York. This book offers a rare insight into what it means to be an artist whose visual practice is inseparable from the sustained practice of writing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Solar System & Rest Rooms:Language as a Form of Art.
Mel Bochner is an American conceptual artist living in New York City. After studying art at Carnegie Mellon University, where he received his BFA in 1962, Bochner studied philosophy at Northwestern University before moving to NYC in 1964. He then taught Art History at the School of Visual Arts in New York. His 1966 show, "Working Drawings And Other Visible Things On Paper Not Necessarily Meant To Be Viewed As Art," revolutionized the conceptual art movement.

He turned his attention to writing in 1965, by writing reviews for Arts Magazine.He earned pocket change for his reviews, enough to scrape together money for rent. Bochner, who considered language itself a form of art, pushed the boundaries with his critical reviews. Solar System & Rest Rooms is a chronological collection of more than fifty of Bochner's writings on art and as art, published over the course of forty years.(The curious title of Bochner's book is taken from a sign posted at the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History.)Part memoir, part art, and part portrait of the artist as a young man, Boechner's engaging writing offers insights into the New York conceptual art scene since the 1960s.

G. Merritt ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

For students and leisure browsers alike
The lively and lovely 'Exploring Our Solar System' titles by David Jefferis are top picks for introductions for elementary grades 2-4. Each 32-page survey offers lively, contemporary color photos paired with the latest facts for a powerful presentation. GALAXIES, SPACE PROBES, THE STARS, and STAR SPOTTERS each pack in solid explorations and science and make for eye-catching picks for students and leisure browsers alike. ... Read more

Product Description
Pull this amazing book out of its slipcase, open it, and keep on pulling as the panels clack-clack-clack into place to reveal a spectacular frieze of the solar system. Readers will learn fascinating facts featured on the back of each panel and in the mini paperback book included. The vast universe surrounding our planet has never been so fascinating! And this groundbreaking new format is the perfect showcase for this immense topic. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Collectors Item
Because this fold out book was written while Pluto was still a planet, those who own the book likely have a collector's item. It's a fun book for children and a great way to learn about the solar system.

Grandma Z
This was purchased for my Grandson who just turned 5 and is advanced for his age. He loves books on Planets and knows them all.This one was a special hit with him but should be given to a child who handles books carefully because of the pull-out and flip features on this one. It is one of his favorites. ... Read more

Product Description
Solar thermal systems available today offer efficiency and reliability. They can be applied in different conditions to meet various requirements in the residential, commercial and industrial building sectors. The potential for this technology and the associated environmental benefits are significant.

This fully updated edition of 2004’s bestselling guide offers clear guidance on planning and installing a solar thermal system, crucial to the successful uptake of this technology. All major topics for successful project implementation are included. Beginning with resource assessment and an outline of core components, it details solar thermal system design, installation, operation and maintenance for single households, large systems, swimming pool heaters, solar air and solar cooling applications. Details on how to market solar thermal technologies, a review of simulation tools and data on regional, national and international renewable energy programs are also provided.

In short, the book offers comprehensive guidance for professionals who wish to install solar thermal technology. This new edition will be a highly valued resource for architects and engineers alike who are working on new projects, electricians, roofers and other installers, craftsmen undertaking vocational training and anyone with a specialized and practical interest in this field. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Good book but lacking important sizing info !
I am an engineer and recently I had to look into designing big solar thermal systems. I agree with a previous reviewer that nothing from the US comes even close to the usefulness of the information included in this book.
The book seems to be a compilation of different materials, mostly german. I also owe the "Grosse Solaranlagen" (Big solar systems) book published by SolarPraxis in Germany:

[...]

Initially I thought that the information is redundant because the diagrams and pictures look the same in both books. Reading both I realized that this book reproduces only a part of the german book. Unfortunately it does not go into the specifics of actually sizing the system (flows, circulation pumps, pressures, solar stores). For me without that info, it is of limited use.

The book is good as an introduction to different schemes and on how to approach the problem, but it cannot be used to actually size a system.

I recommend the SolarPraxis german books if you can read them.

Not really for the general USA reader .. all SI units.
This is a very good book for the right reader ... unfortunately you need to be familiar and able to use the SI system.

[...]

It goes from simple to complex and domestic to commercial scale with calculations and illustrations. However, the concepts of design and consumption are more suited to the frugal European rather than the average middle class American (no insult intended but American energy consumption is about twice that of a European). Smaller houses, smaller more efficient appliances etc.

You should have it!!
I bought this book immediately after was published. It's a great reference book and very good introduction to solar heating systems. What I liked the most is how the book is set up. It gives you brief overview what the solar energy is, hot it works, and it explains difference between solar panels, what efficiency and solar fraction of solar panels is. And not only that... it tells you about system components, how to design residential systems, large scale systems and way more. As a technical manager for large thermal solar company I always recommend this book to my new team mates.

The bible
If you are a designer or installer of Solar Hot Water and Heating-
Buy this book.I know its expensive, but it is worth it!
Nothing I have seen from the US is even close.

One small draw back is that you will have to convert from metric. ... Read more

Product Description
An up-to-the-minute examination of the miraculous place we call home.Topics include Earth's origins, evolution, composition, waters, atmosphere, and magnetic field.Young readers will also learn about earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, global warming, the ozone layer, and the necessity of treating our fragile planet with care. ... Read more

Product Description
Some people used to think that Earth was smack-dab in the middle of the universe, with all the stars and planets held in the sky by giant glass balls. Boy, were they wrong! In this follow-up to the award-winning Boy, Were We Wrong About Dinosaurs!, Kathleen Kudlinski and John Rocco look at the mistakes, mishaps, and creativity that are part of scientific discovery. From the first humans wondering about the night sky to the demotion of Pluto to dwarf planet status, this book is an entertaining and informative look at how scientific theories change over time. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Charming but with issues
This is a welcome follow-up to the recommended "Boy, Were We Wrong About Dinosaurs".However, there are two issues that shouldn't be ignored.First, it claims Neptune was discovered before Uranus. How can you write a book entitled "Boy, Were We Wrong About the Solar System" and get something so fundamentally wrong ?[Neptune was discovered from perturbations in Uranus's orbit.]

The second issue is that the scientists are not named.Why not give a 1st-grader enough credit to remember important names like Galileo Galilei or Isaac Newton ?They'll obviously come up again later in their science education.(A third nitpick is that the also-unnamed Hubble Space Telescope uses a large mirror, not a large lens.But why not just get it right ?)I do hope more in this otherwise charming series follows, but with better fact checking, and giving just a little more credit to its readers.

Fun and informative
Just got this book from the library and read it to my young son. He enjoyed it, so we just went and picked up herdinosaur book as well. Both books have nice illustrations, engaging dialogue for youngsters, intriguing facts, and introduce the idea that science evolves. It would be nice to also introduce the concept that there were good reasons for those old, discredited ideas, but that's probably best left for another year. Right now they can just have fun with it.
One little quibble: book indicates Neptune was found due to irregularities in Saturn's orbit, and then Uranus due to perturbations in Neptune's. In fact, Uranus is closer to Saturn and was found first, and then Neptune later.

A fun survey for kids in grades 2-4
Kathleen V. Kudlinski's BOY, WERE WE WRONG ABOUT THE SOLAR SYSTEM! is a light-hearted examination of the mistaken theories about the solar system - and how science has changed over time. Fun drawings by John Rocco accompany light examinations of original theories and how they came to be disproven, from new technological advancements to the evolution of better telescopes. It's a fun survey for kids in grades 2-4.

A truly delightful, informative book!
I bought this for my grandson's fifth birthday--and we are having so much reading it together! Kudlinski has a wonderful way of making science real for children--and for adults, too. She explains the universe in a way that makes it amazing and inspires curiosity. And the illustrations are terrific! All around, a book that children will love, and will learn from. ... Read more

Product Description
* Provides essential guidance for electricians, technicians, builders, architects and building engineers who want to get involved in this expanding industry.
* Describes the practicalities of marketing, designing and installing photovoltaic systems
* Contains over 100 full-color illustrations, numerous case studies and examples of best practice

The installation of photovoltaic systems has become a new and rapidly expanding field of activity for the building industry as interest in solar energy grows, providing excellent business prospects. Photovoltaics for Professionals describes the practicalities of working with photovoltaics, from marketing and selling photovoltaic products to designing and installing photovoltaic systems (both grid-tied and stand-alone). The book answers all the questions a beginner in the industry would need to ask, as well as serving as an ongoing work of reference. It also provides designers and installers with a practical introduction to designing and installing high quality solar electric systems and gives a comprehensive overview of the major photovoltaic market sectors. Containing over 100 full-color illustrations, figures and photographs, it offers practical step-by-step examples and an abundance of helpful tips. The appendices include essential data on standards, codes and guidelines.

Related titles
Planning and Installing Photovoltaic Systems (2005)
978-1-84407-131-9, and Applied Photovoltaics (2007) 978-1-84407-401-3 ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Excellent Overview of Solar PV Installations
This book gives a very structured and comprehensive overview of planning and installing solar photovoltaic systems, both on and off grid. The book is concise and well illustrated with many diagrams. I recommend it highly.

Rip Off
If you want the same useless information repeated over and over, buy this book at an outrageous price. First chapters are filled with used-car salesman pitches of voodoo global warming hoax nonsense trying to sell solar power, when it is unneccessary. It is the same nonsense repeated over and over. When this tiny manual finally begins to cover actual useful PV theory, science, and procedure it falls short of better and more complete manuals like PHTOVOLTAICS: DESIGN AND INSTALLATION MANUAL.

GOOD READ
THIS BOOK IS A GOOD READ.IT COVERS SOME OF WHAT I'VE ALREADY READ IN OTHER BOOKS, BUT I'M NOT DONE YET.I BELIEVE WHAT IS COMING UP IN THE BOOK IS MORE RELATIVE TO INSTALLING AND SETTING UP SYSTEMS THAN WHAT I'VE SEEN IN OTHER BOOKS SO FAR.ALSO THERE ARE GOOD POINTERS ON OWNING A SOLAR BUSINESS.I'D RECOMMEND IT TO THOSE LOOKING TO LEARN ABOUT SOLAR BUSINESS AND BASICS ON SYSTEM DESIGN.

Excellent
Excellent book for someone who is interested in up to date information and learning more about becoming professionally involved with solar energy. ... Read more

Product Description
Save the planet...Pluto! Stink Moody, wise-cracking champion of everything small, is on a new mission: to reinstate his favourite celestial orb. Look! Up in the sky! Is it a falling leaf? A speck of dust? A speeding mosquito? No, it's Stink Moody, Solar System Superhero! When Stink learns that Pluto has flunked out of the Milky Way for being too shrimpy, he feels like he might just explode with a Big Bang. He has no choice but to take a stand for the sake of little planets (and little people) everywhere. Will our humble hero, Stink Moody, be smart enough to defeat a panel of big-shot scientists? Will he be strong enough to beat know-it-all Riley Rottenberger and her 'Team KPB'? Will Stink succeed in rescuing Pluto from a fate worse than being swallowed by a black hole? Start the countdown for a funny (and very informative) out-of-this-world adventure - and prepare to have your universe rocked! This is the fifth book in the popular and successful "Stink" series. Brimming with Megan McDonald's spot-on understanding of her audience, brilliantly concocted comedic scenarios and convincing, laugh-out-loud dialogue. This title offers National Curriculum tie-in opportunities. ... Read more

Product Description
Long before Galileo published his discoveries about Jupiter, lunar craters, and the Milky Way in the Starry Messenger in 1610, people were fascinated with the planets and stars around them.That interest continues today, and scientists are making new discoveries at an astounding rate.Ancient lake beds on Mars, robotic spacecraft missions, and new definitions of planets now dominate the news.How can you take it all in?Start with the new Encyclopedia of the Solar System, Second Edition.

This self-contained reference follows the trail blazed by the bestselling first edition.It provides a framework for understanding the origin and evolution of the solar system, historical discoveries, and details about planetary bodies and how they interact-and has jumped light years ahead in terms of new information and visual impact.Offering more than 50% new material, the Encyclopedia includes the latest explorations and observations, hundreds of new color digital images and illustrations, and more than 1,000 pages.It stands alone as the definitive work in this field, and will serve as a modern messenger of scientific discovery and provide a look into the future of our solar system.

· Forty-seven chapters from 75+ eminent authors review fundamental topics as well as new models, theories, and discussions
· Each entry is detailed and scientifically rigorous, yet accessible to undergraduate students and amateur astronomers
· More than 700 full-color digital images and diagrams from current space missions and observatories amplify the chapters
· Thematic chapters provide up-to-date coverage, including a discussion on the new International Astronomical Union (IAU) vote on the definition of a planet
· Information is easily accessible with numerous cross-references and a full glossary and index ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Excellent Reference
I can't say anything negative about this book- the best book about the solar system I have seen.If you have this book you probably do not need another book on the planets.Very thorough with articles of interest for anyone interested in our solar system.Good diagrams, charts and pictures throughout.The only caveat is that this book is geared more towards serious readers, students or even academics.The second edition is current as of 2006. I am already looking forward to the third edition- hopefully in a few years!

Very high quality and a lot of detail
This book isn't what I think of when I hear the word encyclopedia. Rather than short superficial articles, it's a collection of 47 detailed chapters covering everything I would imagine most people would want to know about the solar system. I only read two-thirds of the book, but I thoroughly enjoyed the parts I read.

This is a high level view of the parts of the book that I read. The book opens with three chapters covering the solar system as a whole. This is followed by chapters covering the Sun, each of the planets (some planets with multiple chapters), Pluto, an overview of the planetary satellites, chapters for several of the bigger satellites (the Moon, Io, Europa, Ganymede, Callisto, Titan and Triton), meteorites, asteroids, comets and the Kuiper belt.

Although the chapters were written by different authors, the quality was uniformly high. The text was well written and as far as I can tell very complete. There were also many informative diagrams and photos. Many of the photos were quite stunning. One example is the photos of a patch of Europa's ridged plains, the details were incredible. Another nice feature is that the book justifies how we know what we know, for instance it explains the reasons it's believed that some planetary satellites have liquid water under the surface.

This book is also fairly up-to-date. One of the main requirements I had for buying this book was that it included the information gather by Huygens on Titan. I wouldn't have minded a few more pictures from Titan's surface. Obviously in a dynamic field like this no book is completely up-to-date.

I didn't think there were any significant problems with the book. One word of caution is that there may be more details here than some potential readers might want. To fully understand all the material in the book one would have to understand basic Newtonian mechanics, some electromagnetism and a little bit of chemistry. Even without this background one could still understand the vast majority of the book. Although the chapters were written by different authors the amount of repetition is pretty small.

Just to be complete I'll outline the contents of the third of the book that I didn't read. Although these parts looked good from a quick glancing through, I didn't read them in detail (I do hope to have the time to do this later) and can't comment on them. They are solar system dust, four chapters on viewing the solar system in the non-visible spectrum (x-ray, ultraviolet, infrared and radio), ground based telescopes, planetary radar, remote chemical sensing, regular and chaotic motion in the solar system, impacts, volcanism, astrobiology, exploration missions and extrasolar planets.

In summary, I think this is an excellent book covering a huge amount of material, often in great detail, on the solar system. I would expect it covers just about everything potential readers would want to know.

Outstanding...
This review refers to the 2nd Edition. The book is comprehensive and current (as of November 2006). Pluto, for example, is classified as a dwarf planet and its two recently discovered satellites are discussed.

The only criticism is that the metric system is utilized for ALL measurements. It would be very helpful to have U.S. measurements in parentheses next to their metric counterparts, since many potential buyers of this book may not be scientists or college/grad. school science majors.

Overall, the book is outstanding in every other respect and fully worthy of five stars. James.

Superb, but...
This is the best work I've read on the solar system, period. The text is wonderful but I dearly wish the author had included the American measuring system along with the metric one. I'm one of those old fogies who has to cogitate in the extreme in order to convert kilometers into miles. Oh, well.

Seriously, this book is a "must-have" for astronomy aficionados and for those who merely wish to brush up on their knowledge of our solar neighborhood.

I also wish the book had a sewn binding.Otherwise, it is a really great read and a "keeper".

An excellent layman's reference to solar system astronomy
Don't buy this book thinking it will be an entertaining reference for your twelve-year-old nephew who enjoys astronomy.This hefty tome is more akin to a college-level textbook than an encyclopedia.If you want to get adetailed, but not overly technical, overview of modern solar systemscience, this is the book for you. ... Read more

Product Description
Without sacrificing any of the detail or breadth of the full-size edition, the essential reference source for maps of every planet, moon, or small body investigated by NASA missions is now available in a convenient, portable format. Featuring over 150 maps, 214 color illustrations and a gazetteer that lists the names of all features officially approved by the International Astronomical Union, The Compact NASA Atlas of the Solar System includes the full range of information gathered from NASA missions throughout the Solar System.Compiled by the US Geological Survey, this atlas includes: -Geological maps -Reference maps -Shaded relief maps -Synthetic aperture radar mosaics -Color photo-mosaics that present the features of planets and their satellites This 'road map' of the solar system is the definitive guide for planetary science and should be part of every cartographers and astonomer's collection. Ronald Greeley is a Regent Professor in the Department of Geological Sciences at Arizona State University.He is a team member of the Galileo mission to Jupiter and of the Mars Pathfinder lander.Greeley is currently a co-investigator for the European Mars Express mission.Raymond Batson spent his 35-year career with the United States Geological Survey.He has worked in terrestrial mapping and in lunar and planetary mapping.Batson served as co-investigator or team member on most NASA planetary missions, including the Apollo lunar lander missions, the Mariner Mars and Venus/Mercury mapping missions, the Viking 1 and 2 Mars mapping missions, the Voyager missions to the outer planets, and the Magellan Venus radar mapping mission. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Beautifully done, good to excellent coverage
As an amateur astronomer, my interest tends more to deep-sky objects rather than planetary astronomy, but I spent some time looking at this atlas, and it really is a striking catalog of our current knowledge of the solar system. The atlas contains beautiful closeups of every planet except Pluto, although the coverage for Venus isn't that extensive, but then since Venus is mostly clouds, I don't know how much would be served by that, unlike the cloud-cover of Jupiter, which shows many stable bands and also the pink and red spots. There are also maps of a number of the moons of Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus, allowing you to see their heavily marred and cratered surfaces, which are very reminiscent of Mercury or our moon.

The atlas only contains maps for the large Galileian satellites of Jupiter and the same for the larger, closer moons of Saturn, but I don't know if this is because of limitations in the spacecraft that took the photos or the distances involved from the spacecraft to the moons. The maps of Mars are perhaps the most interesting in terms of surface details, and features like the enormous, 17-mile high and 400-mile across volcano, Nix Olympica, and the great gorge on Mars, really stand out. Another thing that was interesting was the discovery of the first asteroid with its own small planet. The atlas features over 150 maps, 214 color illustrations and a gazetteer. Overall, this is a stunning and beautifully done atlas of the solar system, which, despite its not being cheap, should still be of interest to amateurs and professionals alike.

Very good reference but a few glaring flaws
The Compact NASA Atlas of the Solar System is a very good reference for those working with spacecraft.Spacecraft images don't come with names already on them and it is often difficult when looking at some MGS images which crater is which and what they are called.When it comes to most of the inner planets, and Saturnian, Uranian, and Neptunian moons, the coverage is quite good and very useful.However, I can't say the same for Venus and Jupiter's moons.While there is excellent coverage for Mars as far as number of sections, Venus is not covered as well even though we have similar scale maps.I agree with the authors that if the same scale was used for both, the Venus maps would take up a large number of pages.However, the same number of quadrants would have been nice.Secondly, the coverage of the Jovian moons is lacking.The maps are from the Voyager era and while that may not be as big of a problem for Ganymede or Callisto, it is a problem for Io and Europa.The coverage of Europa from Galileo has greatly improved over Voyager's coverage and an updated map would have been nice.Io's map is also from Voyager.The fact that much of the anti-jovian side has been covered in great detail by Galileo but it was not included in the atlas save a small image of that mosaic not incorporated into the map.in addition, surface changes in the 20 years between Voyager and Galileo have made the included map quite out of date.

Save those two flaws, it is a pretty good reference for those interested in the solar system. ... Read more

Product Description
Looking for facts, diagrams, glossaries, ready-to-use lessons, and hands-on activities to teach some serious science in an atmosphere of fun? Use this resource book to supplement your Magic School Bus¨ rides! ... Read more

Product Description
Anyone with a little extra cash and a plane ticket can take a “grand tour” of Europe. But a tour of the Solar System? Now that’s an experience deserving of the word grand. Introducing the new edition of the book praised as “spectacular” (London Times), “eye-boggling” (Future Life),“concise and informative . . . the colorful and imaginative paintings steal the show” (Chicago Tribune), with “page after page filled with new color paintings, each the well-controlled evocation of a spectacular scene” (Scientific American).Originally published in 1981 and revised in 1993, The Grand Tour, an astronomy classic with 196,000 copies in print, takes readers on an imaginative trip through every corner of the solar system, in much the same way as Cook’s once took travelers on a grand tour of the Continent.

Completely updated and revised and drawing on discoveries made by Voyager I and II, Magellan, Galileo, the Hubble Space Telescope, the Mars Global Surveyor Mission and other space initiatives, The Grand Tour is a dazzling journey that combines lush art and up-to-the-minute science. One hundred new paintings give travelers an unprecedented view of phenomena such as Saturn’s rings from Saturn itself; the rusty-red dune fields of Mars; the rugged surface of Mercury, saturated with impact craters; and the Kuiper Belt of planetesimals, the largest of which is Pluto—now considered a half-planet. From the vast reaches of Jupiter to tiny frozen Rhea, like a snowball orbiting around Saturn, it is a journey of astonishing proportions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

book w/o cover
book took longer than I thought it would since I had paid for expidetited shipping. But included a holiday so I should have just sent it regular rate. Also, book came with the cover, but the cover was not attatched to the book. Happy Birthday surprise. oh well.

Around the solar system in 300 (or so) pages
Of all the sciences, astronomy has always been my personal favorite, and it's typically a pleasure to look through a book filled with pictures of planets and stars.The Grand Tour by Ron Miller and William Hartmann is one such pleasure.

The Grand Tour offers a look at the solar system (outside of the sun), but unlike most such books, does not opt for the standard start-at-Mercury and end-at-Pluto approach.Instead, Miller and Hartmann treat their book as a travel guide for some aliens from another star.Such visitors would notice the biggest objects first and work their way down to the smaller worlds.

Thus, the book starts with Jupiter, providing some general statistics (gravity, size, etc.) and a small essay about the largest planet.The big feature, however, are the pictures:both photographs and wonderful paintings that offer views that we haven't received from telescopes or probes.The first in this chapter is an example:a view of Jupiter from the surface of Europa as the planet eclipses the sun.

We then go through the other "major worlds": the remaining gas giants take the next three slots, followed by Earth, Venus and Mars.Then the chapters begin to alternate between moons and planets:Ganymede and Titan precede Mercury, and then five more moons are listed (including our own) before Pluto comes up in a chapter shared with its companion, Charon (this edition of the book was written in 2005, prior to Pluto's demotion from planetary status, though the debate is discussed).There are a few other major worlds, down to the asteroid Ceres, and then a section on selected smaller worlds (moons, asteroids, and comets).

If you are well-versed in astronomy and want to learn more about the planets, the Grand Tour doesn't offer all that much that you haven't read before.(On the other hand, if you're unfamiliar with this topic, the material is well-written and informative.)But I don't think that's the real purpose of this book:instead, it is to provide both real and speculative views of the star system, and here it succeeds very well.

Grab Your Ticket and Take the Grand Tour...
Quite a few astronomy books have a tendency to be either dry and boring or so technically advanced that they are beyond the grasp of the casual folks interested in space topics. NOT THIS ONE! The Grand Tour: A Traveler's Guide to The Solar System is a brilliantly fresh and exciting book full of engaging commentary and breath-taking photos, illustrations, and art. In every sense, it is a grand tour! It's entertainment and education wrapped into one power-package.

For those interested in and / or beginning study in comparative planetology, this is an excellent primer, chock full of lots of foundation concepts. For those teaching solar system science, this is a must have resource! For librarians, this is a jewel for your collection! For artists and art-lovers who enjoy space themes, this book presents some fantastic material. For extremely advanced astro-folks, this book may not fully satisfy the hard-core science-minded, but hopefully, they can appreciate its value in generating excitement for space topics and exploration.

I knew when I saw the book's cover I was in for a real treat--a holiday in the solar system, and I wasn't disappointed. A big fan of the Red Planet Mars, I was especially interested in the Tour's Mars commentary and images. I agree with the author's opening comments about the red planet: "Mars is unchallenged as the planet of intrigue. Rover's have crawled its surface, robotic arms have reached out and analyzed its minerals, and orbiters have sent back data from overhead--and Mars just continues to grow more fascinating and provocative, in terms of its possible similarities to Earth-like conditions" (84). I absolutely love the eerie, other-worldly space art view of Mars from its moon Deimos, page 85. The section called "Phobos and Deimos: Moonlets of Mars" is very impressive (pages 248-253).

Other note worthy illustrations (I offer descriptive labels here for your information. In the book, the author comments on the images in well-placed captions) are the following:

"Pluto eclipsing the Sun as viewed from Charon" page 3 / space art
"Saturn seen from Rhea" page 34/ space art
"Ribbon like Clouds" page 36 / Voyager photo
"Magnificent View of Saturn by Cassini Spacecraft" page 37 / photo
"Saturn's Rings as possibly viewed from its atmosphere" page 39 / space art
"Titan illustrated--then and now" page 117 / space art

This tour is well-worth the "ticket" price, and you don't even have to pack! :)

Great reading, great viewing
I prefer photographs (or images made from spacecraft) over paintings, and I bought this book to raise my kids' interest in space. Well, it was my prejudice. The book has loads of the newest images, including some from the Cassini-Huygens mission, and the paintings are great, in the sense that they are not fantasy, but "down-to-earth" renderings of wiews we could have if we were there. Much better than I expected. And it is not only the images. Great text, great reading.

Fascinating, well-written survey of the worlds of the solar system
This excellent coffee-table book is a fascinating exploration of the solar system.It is gratifying to see this book, now in its 3rd edition, revised regularly to reflect the many continuing new discoveries of the last 25 years.

This survey, written for the layman, thoroughly covers all of the important worlds of our solar system.It also discusses our solar system's formation and what we know about extrasolar planets.

Most books on the solar system introduce each planet in turn from Mercury outward to Pluto.This book starts with Jupiter and proceeds in descending order by size.This unusual approach emphasizes that these worlds vary as a continuum, encouraging comparison between small planets and large satellites, between satellites and asteroids, between asteroids and comets.

Part I covers the 28 largest worlds in the solar system, fromJupiter to Ceres.Part II covers selected interesting worlds, such as Halley's Comet, asteroids Vesta, Eros, Hektor, and Chiron, and moons Amalthea, Mimas and Miranda.Part III discusses extrasolar planets.A glossary covers terms such as centaurs, differentiation, millibars, and retrograde.

The illustrations and photography are especially worthwhile. Miller and Hartmann dramatically illustrate the wonder and majesty of space with a mix of actual photographs and artist's renditions.

The book reflects the current indecision regarding Pluto.However, the authors opine that the solar system is most sensibly viewed as having eight planets, with Pluto the largest Kuiper Belt object and Ceres the largest asteroid.

Two other newly-discovered trans-Neptunian objects receive a chapter: Sedna, possibly the first known Oort Cloud object, and 2004 DW (now called Orcus), the largest-known TNO at press time.

Press time for this book was spring 2005.The book therefore includes a Huygens image of Titan taken in January, but just missed the uproar caused by the July discovery of 2003 UB313/"Xena".

Surprisingly, there is no table listing the diameters, periods, and other vital statistics of the planets and moons.The only other drawback that comes to mind is that there is no chapter devoted to the Sun.

On another plane, Miller and Hartmann use the solar system's diversity to emphasize our good fortune in having such a wonderful Earth, and remind us to take better care of our home.They also speculate about the possibility of past or present life on Mars, Europa, Titan, and extrasolar planets.They conclude by speaking of a Copernican revolution, away from Earth and humanity as the literal and figurative center of the universe, towards a humbler view of our place in the cosmos.

The unorthodox presentation and the spectacular illustrations earn this book a place in any library on astronomy. ... Read more

Product Description
One of the best ways to get power to remote, off-grid locations, whether in developed or developing countries, is through the use of solar electric systems.

This practical guide describes how to plan, design and install solar electric systems in a manner that is hands-on, graphic and technically complete. Highly illustrated chapters cover:solar energy basics,components of solar electric systems, (modules, batteries, regulators, inverters and appliances),installation practice,details on planning and servicing systems,water pumping, refrigeration,grid-interconnect, and village electrification.

Substantially updated from the bestselling 1995 edition and containing extensive new material, this is the must-have guide for electric technicians and designers, development workers and anyone who wants to install their own off-grid system.
... Read more

Product Description

Ice, Rock, and Beauty is a book for anybody who lives in the solar neighborhood, and takes an interest in its significance to us as residents.

Human experience of the Solar System is changing rapidly. Techniques of observation from Earth-based telescopes continue to develop, while missions such as Voyager, Galileo, Cassini, and the Hubble Space Telescope have yielded many stunning images.

So although most people have some knowledge of the essential structure of the Solar System, relatively few are familiar with the amazing diversity of objects that travel with and amongst the planets in their journeys around the Sun.

The book gathers images from a rich pool, many from national and international organizations such as NASA and ESA, some directly from academic astronomers, and a few from private individuals. Together they tell a story of the Solar System, and of its beauty, that has not been told before.

Customer Reviews (1)

Fascinating
There are introductory sections that explore the Solar System zone by zone, using 'thumbnail' images and clear text to address profound issues such as the lasting impact of the Copernican Revolution. The main parts of the book are set out in two-page spreads, each with a large image facing related text. This attractive layout makes it easy to dip in, to take the stunning images one at a time. Some of the objects are familiar, such as the now much-imaged rings of Saturn, and some are not, like the crazy pathways of Cruithne or the model of the Oort cloud. Each spread has a helpful graphic, a schematic representation of the Solar System that helps the reader to know where they are, and the text is divided into three sections. One of these provides concise and straightforward factual information about the feautured object, and another does the same job for the source of the image. The main texts are full of stimulating insights, thoughtful personal comments, and unexpected takes. The theme running through is of the impact of remote objects on human awareness and human life. This is no mere catalogue of the diversity of Solar System bodies, but a book that puts humanity into the science. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (21)

Not cool
This was supposed to a gift for my dad. I waited 6 weeks for my book then a week before Christmas they told me they lost it. They ruined Christmas.

Its in There!
Everything you needed to know about solar water and space heating is in this book!Written by 2 people who have been doing it for many years and have seen many succeses and a few failures. I appreciate their candor. Written for anyone to understand.Read this book before making any real plans and you will avoid some mistakes.Well worth reading!

Great Book
I was a little upset having read the chapter 1 only to find out that several systems described in detail the author would never recommend using. I was thinking to myself why did I waste time reading about those. But that's where the accurate part comes in. And by knowing why the author doesn't really even use those systems you get to participate in the pleasure of knowing everything there is to know about solar water heating.

With this complete book and a simple how to directions on plumbing almost anybody could build a system for their own specific climate and needs.
If you just want to find out about solar water heating and are thinking of buying an "off the shelf" solution this book will guide you to a great choice.

www.solarpanelkitsreviewed.com

Wagan Solar ePanel 12 Power Supply
Sunforce 39810 SHARP Polycrystalline Solar Kit - 80W

Nothing special.
content on solar heating..

Nothing special; good or bad.

MJL

Great compact manual
I don't know a heck of a lot about solar technologies. But after reading just the first few chapters I feel confident enough to build a simple flat panel solar water heater. ... Read more