Exploring the Solar System: A History with 22 Activities.

EXPLORING THE SOLAR SYSTEM: A History with 22 Activities MARY KAY CARSON

Perhaps even the earliest human beings gazed at the night sky and wondered about the mysteries of space. People first marked the passage of time beyond a single day by noting the movement of stars and planets with the naked eye. Eventually, scientists developed increasingly sophisticated tools and methods for exploring the heavens. Carson, an author of educational children's books, explains how scientists explore the solar system today and how the development of telescopes, rockets, satellites, and other technologies have led to great discoveries about other stars and planets. Galileo Galilei's invention of the telescope enabled him to observe the orbits of planets around the sun. William Herschel's development of more-powerful telescopes led to his discovery of Uranus, two moons of Saturn, and more than 2,500 stars. Carson explains the foundations of rocket science and the moon landings. She tells how the development of space probes led to the mapping of Mars and Venus. Throughout the book are hands-on activities that prompt young readers to study the solar system. The book ends with a field guide to the solar system that lists important facts and figures about each planet and the sun, along with time lines of important dates in space exploration. For ages 9 and up. Chicago Review Press, 2006, 168 p., b&w and color images, paperback, $17.95.