11 Planets

by AGUILAR, DAVID

• ISBN13: 9781426302374
• ISBN10: 1426302371
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 2008-03-11
• Publisher: National Geographic Children's Books

Summary

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. In11 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 popularPlanets, Stars, and Galaxiesnow 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's11 Planetsis 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.

Author Biography

David Aguilar, author of Planets, Stars, and Galaxies, is the Director of Science Information at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Previously, he was the Director of the Fiske Planetarium and Science Center at the University of Colorado. He is an accomplished astronomy illustrator and an experienced educator with an enormous enthusiasm for bringing science to children. David Aguilar lives in Boston, MA.

Table of Contents

Our New Solar System	p. 6
How Our Solar System Formed	p. 8
The Sun	p. 11
Mercury	p. 13
Venus	p. 15
Errth	p. 17
Earth's Moon	p. 18
Meteorites	p. 20
Mars	p. 23
Ceres / Asteroio Belt	p. 25
Jupiter	p. 27
Jupiter's Moons	p. 28
Saturn	p. 31
Saturn's Moons	p. 32
Uranus	p. 35
Neptune	p. 37
Pluto	p. 39
Eris / Kuiper Belt	p. 41
Comets / Oort Cloud	p. 42
Other Solar Systems	p. 44
Glossary	p. 46
Planet Charts	p. 46
The Solar System in a Grocery Bag	p. 47
Acknowledgments	p. 48
Further Exploration	p. 48
Index	p. 48
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