Themed Reviews (Astronomy)

Themed Reviews

Astronomy

According to wikipedia "Astronomy is one of the oldest sciences. Astronomers of early civilizations performed methodical observations of the night sky, and astronomical artifacts have been found from much earlier periods. However, the invention of the telescope was required before astronomy was able to develop into a modern science. Historically, astronomy has included disciplines as diverse as astrometry, celestial navigation, observational astronomy, the making of calendars, and even astrology, but professional astronomy is nowadays often considered to be synonymous with astrophysics."

Visit the following sites for some fascinating information and visit our Themed Reviews section for more books about astronomy.

Reviews

Astronomy
Bryson Gore
This title in the "Amazing Science Discoveries" series introduces twelve discoveries and/or theories relating to space, galaxies and planets. Each two-page spread presents a headline statement followed by a two- or three-sentence paragraph. A circular "The science of . . ." sidebar expands on the statement, and a rectangular "How do we know?" sidebar provides a brief and very general synopsis of the science used to support the theory. Some pages also contain trivia boxes or floating paragraphs. All information sections are overlaid on photographs and illustrations of space. Each discussion is limited to a bit of trivia from the broader subject. Featured subjects include the Big Bang, galaxies, black holes, energy, temperature and waves, the solar system, mass and weight, the planets, measurements and scale, exploration, and current research. Although much of the material presented is speculative, the word "theory" is never used. End material includes a glossary, an index, one-sentence biographies of several scientists mentioned in the book, and a list of dates for space-related inventions, discoveries and achievements. 2009, Stargazer Books/Aladdin Books Ltd, Ages 10 up, $27.10. Reviewer: Heather N. Kolich (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-59604-199-8

Atlas of the Universe
Mark A. Garlick
Sumptuously presented, Atlas of the Universe covers a tremendous amount of material in a relatively short book. The graphical material is wonderful, worthy of perusal for its own sake, and clearly provides details of the myriad astronomical and cosmological subjects addressed. The text, however, does not live up to the promise of the art. Written in an odd admixture of technical detail and vernacular, the descriptive material may leave the targeted young readers confused and unenlightened. The more motivated may see this shortcoming as an opportunity to explore further, but no resources are provided. There are numerous inconsistencies and mistakes, such as two values for the sun's surface temperature and an incorrect calculation of a Celsius equivalent for Fahrenheit; the Japanese Hyabusa spacecraft is claimed not to have touched down on asteroid Itowaka; and it is stated that nothing can escape from black holes—but what about Hawking radiation? I have to wonder at the precision of statements such as the diameter of Venus being precisely 7,521 miles and that the Earth's diameter is 7,926 miles—implying that the Earth is spherical. The section on astronomy is very well done and could cause readers to look at the night sky. The book's organization, however, is illogical, particularly without introductory material or a "road map" to guide the reader. It should work, though, for just dipping in and then looking around for related material. The glossary is laudable, although there are entries with no preceding discussion. The index is reasonably complete. If the errors can be tolerated or addressed, Atlas will stir imaginations. (Insiders) Glossary; Index. Recommended, Grades 5-8, General Audience. 2008, Simon & Schuster, 128pp., $19.99. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Mitchell K. Hobish (Science Books and Films (Vol. 45, No. 1)).
ISBN: 978-1-4169-5558-0
ISBN: 1-4169-5558-5

Astronomers : from Copernicus to Crisp
Connie Jankowski
The "Mission: Science" series covers core science topics as well as individual and collective biographies of scientists. For extra depth, volumes of each can be paired. Colorful pages contain illustrations, text in various fonts, and sidebars or "Did You Know?" balloons. In this volume, readers will meet famous early astronomers like Copernicus (1473--1543), who argued that our earth and other planets move around the sun, mathematician Johannes Kepler, who developed laws of planetary motion, and Galileo, who built a better telescope and discovered Jupiter's moons and the phases of Venus (not discussed here, though his conflict with the Church is mentioned). Some lesser-known astronomers introduced to middle readers are Benjamin Banneker, the first African-American astronomer, and Mary Somerville, the first woman to present her research to England's Royal Astronomical Society. Working with ever more powerful telescopes, twentieth-century astronomer George Ellery Hale founded three observatories, Edwin Hubble discovered other galaxies in the universe, and astrophysicist Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar described white dwarf stars and black holes. Especially dramatic are the pages about NASA's four huge space telescopes; female readers may be encouraged by information about present-day astronomers Jocelyn Bell Burnell (who helped discover pulsars) and Joy Crisp, who chose tools for the Mars rovers. Included are a timeline of astronomy and an illustrated list of facts about the scientists featured in the book. While each biography is very brief, the presentation is appealing enough to inspire beginning astronomers to pursue more in-depth research. Content has been contributed by Sally Ride Science. 2009, Compass Point/Capstone, $26.60. Ages 9 to 11. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7565-3965-8
ISBN: 0-7565-3965-X

Boy Were We Wrong About the Solar System!
Kathleen V. Kudlinski
Illustrated by John Rocco
The way that humans have understood the Earth and the solar system surrounding it has changed drastically over time. In the beginning, we thought the world was flat and that it was the center of the universe, but since then we have learned differently. Over time, we have learned many things about the solar system, including information about other planets, comets, gravity, and space travel. From all that we have learned in the past, one key thing that we are continually learning is that there is always more to be discovered and understood. Boy, Were We Wrong About the Solar System is a witty approach to explain all that scientists have found out about the solar system over time. It explains what used to be common beliefs and then expounds on how these ideas have changed. The text is accompanied by vivid, bright pictures that enhance the text. One flaw is that the information often lacks detail. For example, Newton is referred to as, "Another scientist [who] watched an apple fall." Although there is a time line with names and dates included at the end, this book would not be an adequate source for finding detailed information. However, it would be a good introduction for a more detailed study of the solar system. Rating: Excellent. Reading Level: Preschool; Primary. Category: Informational books; Picture books. 2008, Duttn Children's Books, 32 p., $15.99. © 2002, Brigham Young University. Reviewer: Larysa Bordner (Childrens Book and Play Review, November/December 2008 (Vol. 29, No. 2)).
ISBN: 978-0-525-46979-7
ISBN: 0-525-46979-6

Copernicus: Founder of Modern Astronomy
Catherine M. Andronik
Do you need an easily read biography for a book report or character portrayal assignment? Your first thought may not be of Nicolaus Kopernik, but this title in the "Great Minds of Science" series would be an interesting choice and one to be remembered. While doing extraordinarily well in school, young Nicolaus was curious about nearly everything and was especially fascinated with astronomy. Studying every spare moment he could find as his uncle's personal physician and secretary, he realized his heart was in the stars and focused his leisure moments studying the heavens. We also are reminded of the origin of the phrase: "Renaissance man," as Copernicus exemplified the definition of such. Readers are challenged to discern for themselves what this means. Though Copernicus' life seems idyllic to many, it was not without controversy. Copernicus' proposal that the heliocentric theory was in fact correct met with great dissention, as the previous scientists believed that the earth was the center of the universe. It was not until at least a century had passed that his findings were deemed correct--and finally accepted. Some things are never realized during our lifetime! Following the text are some activities that portray Copernicus' discoveries and findings and can easily be done at home, a chronology, a well done bibliography, and an index for further exploration. 2009 (orig. 2002), Enslow Publishers, Ages 9 to 12, $31.93. Reviewer: Elizabeth Young Eleanor Heldrich (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7660-3013-X
ISBN: 978-0-7660-3013-8

Cosmic!
Giles Sparrow
The front cover opens with an explosive pop-up and an actual, but muted, "bang" of sound as stars, galaxies and space particles fly up toward the reader. The information in the book begins with an explanation of the big bang theory and concludes with future plans for exploration of other worlds by unmanned robotic spacecraft. We have come to respect the publisher, Dorling Kindersley (DK), as an outstanding producer of educational material for young people and this is a fine example of their output. The increase of knowledge about the universe in the last 20 years is remarkable and DK brought together an excellent team of experts and artists to explain and illustrate it in this book. The page headings tell the story: From the Big Bang to the Early Universe; Looking into Space; The Planets; Our Solar System and Minor Worlds; Stars; Galaxies and Exploring Space. There are three pop-ups, two wheels to turn, three sets of fold-out pages to enlarge and enhance the illustrations and flaps to lift, all designed to help the reader better understand the text. Owning this book or even having access to it will be a treat for anyone, young or old, who has ever stepped outside on a clear, dark night to look up at the stars with curiosity and wonder. 2008, Dorling Kindersley, $24.99. Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Eleanor Heldrich (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7566-4021-7
ISBN: 0-7566-4021-0

Edwin Hubble: Discoverer of Galaxies
Claire L. Datnow
This revised edition of Edwin Hubble: Discoverer of Galaxies, from the Great Minds of Science series, is a good biography of one of the great astronomers. The author provides both a look at the astronomical discoveries of Hubble and something of his personal life. In addition to its biographical aspect, the book provides a chronology of Hubble's life and offers a glossary, suggestions for further reading, and Internet addresses of interest. The volume is also well indexed. Although the book is well illustrated, one of its weaknesses is the captions. For example, the caption of the photograph on page 50 states, "Edwin Hubble and Sir James Hopwood Jeans at the 100-inch Hooker telescope, around 1931." Perhaps the reader should assume that the person on the left is Hubble, but clarifying that would have been easy. In another example, a group photo of about 20 men and women on page 79 bears the caption "In 1921, legendary physicist Albert Einstein visited the Yerkes Observatory (above)…." The author already has made an excellent point of telling how Einstein's comments on Hubble's work were critical to the recognition Hubble received. yet does not identify which of the men in the photo is Einstein. For the record, Einstein is the eighth person from the right. One error in the text appears on page 21: "The comet, named for the British astronomer Edmund Halley, is very bright when it returns to the inner solar system…." This was certainly true when Hubble saw it in 1910, but anyone who remembers the 1986 return knows that the comet was anything but "very bright." Still, this is a minor error in an otherwise good book. (Great Minds of Science Series) Glossary; Index; C.I.P. Highly Recommended, Grades 7-8. 2007, Enslow, 128pp., $23.95. Ages 12 to 14. Reviewer: Thomas A. Lesser (Science Books and Films (Vol. 43, No. 4)).
ISBN: 978-0-7660-2791-6
ISBN: 0-766-02791-0

Galileo: Astronomer and Physicist
Paul Hightower
Author Hightower has written a detailed biography of the scientist Galileo. He was born in 1564 in Pisa, Italy, the oldest of seven children. Galileo took after his father who was a musician and skilled mathematician. His father liked to experiment and examine different ways of doing things, and Galileo was exposed early to investigative attitudes. At the age of ten, Galileo was sent to a monastery school. He studied logic, Latin, Greek, and religion, as well as how to play several musical instruments. He did well in his studies and went on to the University of Pisa to study medicine. He soon tired of medicine and began a study of mathematics. At the age of nineteen, he began to experiment with pendulums. He used his studies of the pendulum to develop a tool used by doctors to measure a patient's pulse. In 1853, Galileo left college for lack of interest, poor grades, and lack of funds. Although Galileo knew there was not any money to be made in mathematics, he nevertheless continued his studies on his own. Eventually, with the help of a friend, he found employment at the University of Pisa as a mathematics professor. Galileo then built his first telescope and began to observe the night sky. Galileo liked to test certain theories and began to explore Aristotle's scientific theories, which were based on reason and logic. Everyone did not agree with Galileo's ideas and his examination of Aristotle's work, but he eventually found work as chief mathematician and philosopher to the Grand Duke of Tuscany. A few years later, he published Letters on Sunspots in defense of Copernicanism. The Inquisition thought these writings of an Earth in motion about the sun were heretical and wrong. Galileo was convicted of heresy and placed under house arrest. In 1642, Galileo died while still under house arrest. It was not until 1992 that the Catholic Church admitted their mistakes. Color and black and white illustrations are included. Back material includes science activities, chronology, chapter notes, glossary, further reading, and internet addresses. 2009, Enslow Publishers Inc, $31.93. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Della A. Yannuzzi (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7660-3008-4
ISBN: 0-7660-3008-3

Galileo's Telescope
Gerry Bailey and Karen Foster
Illustrated by Leighton Noyes and Karen Radford
This book is part of the Stories of Great People Series that are available in thirteen titles. A blend of narrative and non-fiction, each biography begins with the discovery of an object by Hannah and her younger brother Digby from Mr. Rummage's stall at the antique market. The objects, ranging from Mozart's wig and Galileo's telescope, to Queen Victoria's diamond and the sandals worn by Julius Caesar spurn Mr. Rummage, antique dealer, to recount fascinating stories of the objects and their famous owners. The text alternates between pages of non-fiction text to the contemporary narrative, which involves Mr. Rummage explaining some of the ideas of the text in greater detail, or answering questions from Hannah and Digby, similar to those young readers might pose as they read. The narrative is filled with attractive coloured illustrations, humourously showing the siblings wearing costumes of the period. Captioned coloured illustrations and portraits accompany the text of the book, which is written under headings. A table of contents, index and glossary are found in all books. These books would make an excellent addition to the biography section of the library as their format would appeal to younger readers while still providing essential information of the great lives portrayed. (Stories of Great People Series) Category: Non-Fiction Grades K-6. Thematic Links: Biography; Social Studies,'History. Resource Links Rating: E (Excellent, enduring, everyone should see it!), Gr. 3-7. 2009, Crabtree Publishing, 36p. Illus., Hdbk. $21.56ea. Ages 8 to 13. Reviewer: Moira Kirkpatrick (Resource Links, April 2009 (Vol. 14, No. 4)).
ISBN: 978-0-7787-3694-3
ISBN: 978-0-7787-3716-2
ISBN: 0-7787-3694-6
ISBN: 0-7787-3716-0

The Georgian Star: How William and Caroline Herschel Revolutionized Our Understanding of the Cosmos
Michael D. Lemonick
This book, a joint biography of two fascinating personalities in the history of astronomy—William Herschel and his sister Caroline—places them in the historical and social milieu of 18th-century England. In an era of aristocratic gentlemen scientists, the Herschel's were extraordinary figures. Trained originally as a musician for the Hanoverian court and from a middle-class family of musicians, William did not discover astronomy until middle age, but once he did, he became an amateur astronomer in the purest sense: one who pursues astronomy from a love of the subject. "Aperture fever," so common among amateur astronomers, might well have been coined for Herschel, with his obsession for ever-larger telescopes. Toward that end, he designed and built his own telescopes, even learning to grind his own mirrors. Caroline would become his able assistant and a capable astronomer in her own right. Herschel's work in cataloging and classifying astronomical objects laid the foundation for the New General Catalogue. His discoveries opened the solar system beyond that known to the ancients (although he considered his discovery of Uranus, the Georgian star, to be of little importance). His study of nebulae gave rise to galactic astronomy. With his telescopes, he used parallax to measure the distances to the nearer stars (albeit unsuccessfully). Written for a popular audience, this book is a readable portrait of two often overlooked founders of modern astronomy whose lives belied the notion that scientific talent is restricted to either social class or gender. (Great Discoveries) Index, C.I.P. Recommended, Grades 9-12, General Audience. 2009, Norton, 199pp., $23.95. Ages 14 to 18. Reviewer: Thomas Pinkney Davis (Science Books and Films (Vol. 45, No. 2)).
ISBN: 978-0-393-06574-9
ISBN: 0-393-06574-X

Gravity
Lisa Hill
When a roller coaster makes a rapid descent and you feel like your stomach is in your throat, you feel gravity. This force that holds the universe together influences many of our observations and experiences. Beginning with an explanation of gravity as an attraction based on mass and distance, this book provides great information on this important content area in physical science. Newton's laws of motion and Galileo's explanations of how the solar system works are applications of an understanding of gravity. Explanations of a wide variety of applications of this force (such as meteorites, satellites, microgravity, black holes, dark matter, warp speed, the pumping of the heart, and even snowboarding) will stimulate student interest. There are a number of simple, hands-on activities that will help students understand some of the often-abstract concepts associated with gravity. These include activities in weighing, acceleration, penny launching, simulation of a meteoric impact, orbiting the Moon, water freefall, creating a black hole, and making a microgravity balloon. A lot of fundamental information can be found in the eight books in the Sci-Hi series. Each would be very useful as a springboard for further research on numerous topics. The series is targeted to students in grades 6-9. Each colorful, 48-page book is enlightening, visually attractive, and easy to read. The authors approach each subject by putting core information into a magazine format with large titles, a variety of fonts, clear introductions, catchy graphics, informative sidebars, and specific examples of the content being discussed. Despite their length, there is a lot packed into these high-interest volumes. At the end of each volume is a glossary, lists of books and websites for further information, and a comprehensive index. Other features in the various books are timelines, content reviews, and quizzes. Having this series of books available can provide a good foundation and support the learning of key concepts of the National Science Education Standards for physical science. The books would be an engaging and useful resource for a middle school science classroom or school library. Grades 6-9. 2008, Raintree Publishers, 48p, $31.43. Ages 11 to 15. Reviewer: Richard Lord (National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)).
ISBN: 978-1-4109-3250-1
ISBN: 978-1-4109-3265-5
ISBN: 1-4109-3250-8
ISBN: 1-4109-3265-6

Hypatia: Mathematician, Inventor, and Philosopher
Sandy Donovan
The few facts about Hypatia have been expanded by repetition and placing them in the context of her time. Her father is known but not her mother. She was born about 350 to 370 in Alexandria when Christianity was actively promoted by Archbishop Theophilus against Neo-Platonists and pagans. Hypatia was known as a philosopher, mathematician, and teacher. She espoused no religion. "Instead, she believed in the power of rational thought and the idea that the laws of nature can be learned from observation and experimentation." Since astronomers could foretell when eclipses would take place, scientists and mathematicians were equated with soothsayers. When the Roman emperor decreed that all symbols of false gods could be destroyed, the Serapeum, a center of learning but also a temple to Serapis, was torn down by a mob led by Theophilus. After he died, he was succeeded by his nephew Cyril who was even more zealous. He spread rumors that Hypatia was involved in witchcraft. Subsequently, she was murdered by a mob of angry Christians. Sidebars add interest, along with illustrations with captions in barely readable pink print. A time line of her life and corresponding world events, capsules of facts, lists of further resources, a glossary, chapter notes, bibliography, and an index are included. This is one of the "Signature Lives" series of Ancient Greece. 2008, Compass Point Books/A Coughlan Publishing Company, $34.60. Ages 10 to 12. Reviewer: Carlee Hallman (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7565-3760-9
ISBN: 0-7565-3760-6

Tycho Brahe: Pioneer of Astronomy
Don Nardo
Some would say the greatest revolutions are not fought on the battlefield, but in the laboratory. The Signature Lives series illustrates the revolutions inspired by Tycho Brahe, Robert Hooke, Gerardus Mercator, and Sir Isaac Newton. In 150 years of the "Scientific Revolution," beginning in 1550 and ending around 1700, these four men generated ideas and used common sense as well as meticulous data collection to prove and publish new theories. These new theories in turn sparked more ideas and led to laws that still stand today. These biographies illustrate four very different yet equally fascinating ways of thinking scientifically. Each beautifully designed book transports readers to another time. Using period paintings and modern photographs, the brilliantly designed pages provide personal accounts of challenges and triumphs. The layouts are outstanding, with sidebars that further define content, timelines comparing events of the scientists' lives to historical events, "facts at a glance," and additional resources including the Facthound website to enhance learning. Although some material is more appropriate for middle school students, certain sections of the books can be read to or by students in upper elementary grades. What were the similarities and differences among the scientists' lives? Of the four scientists, Mercator was poor, Newton's family had money but he was given a meager allowance while in college, Brahe was very wealthy, and Hooke's parents were middle class. All left home at a young age. Tragedies abound in each biography. Mercator was sent to prison for heresy, Brahe lost his nose in a sword duel, Hooke was a sickly child, and Newton moved to escape hardships. Yet young readers will share the joys that each scientist discovered as they investigated. Hooke took a job with Robert Boyle and had an extensive group of friends yet was equally gifted at clock building, architecture, and drawing. Newton had a mathematical mind that rivaled his curiosity. Mercator treasured faith, family, and the science of mapmaking. And Brahe pursued economic excellence, family, scientific observations, and political savvy. As readers compare lives that seem so different on the surface, they will undoubtably ask: "How did each of these men find intellectual opportunity?" Although all had different talents, their love of learning and urge for discovery surpassed even their desire to eat. Each was a true genius, an avid scientist, and a lifelong learner. Can we as teachers pass along some of those traits to our students? Can we show them the way? Based on what I read from the biographies of Mercator, Brahe, Newton, and Hooke, there is a path and it is found by reading and discovering the greatness in the lives of scientists who lived long ago. While each of these books is worth independent reading by students, there is even greater value in a classroom exploration that contrasts and compares them so that students can find their own genius in the discovery. Grades 5-7. 2007, Compass Point Books, 112p, $31.93. Ages 10 to 13. Reviewer: Teri Cosentino (National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)).
ISBN: 978-0-7565-3309-0
ISBN: 0-7565-3309-0

Skygazers: From Hypatia to Faber
Lisa E. Greathouse
After describing what an astronomer does and how to become one, the author presents brief one-to-four page biographies of nine important astronomers. They are Hypatia of Alexandria, Nicolaus Copernicus, Galileo Galilei, Isaac Newton, Caroline Herschel, Henrietta Swan Leavitt, Carl Sagan, Margaret Geller and Sandra M. Faber. The chronological presentation allows the reader to follow the advancement of discoveries and the inventions that have made the discoveries possible. Facts are stated in a straightforward informational style. There are little sidebars entitled, "Did You Know?" that add interesting tidbits of information. For example, "Did You Know? Galileo taught himself how to grind the lenses for his telescope." There are other sidebars in black that summarize Galileo's legacy and Newton's Laws of motion; that talk about the Columbia and Challenger space shuttle missions and suggest ways for the reader to view the night sky. Part of the "Mission.Science" series, this also includes an alphabetical quick reference guide to the nine astronomers, a glossary, an index, a timeline, a bibliography and how to find information on the Web through FactHound. Photographs, paintings and drawings all add further information except for the action photo of the roller coaster, which is very blurry and has no caption to explain its connection to Newton's Laws. Otherwise, this is a serviceable introduction to astronomers and astronomy. 2009, Compass Point Books, Ages 9 to 11, $26.65. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7565-4075-3

The Universe In A Mirror : The Saga of the Hubble Telescope and the Visionaries Who Built It
Robert Zimmerman's book will leave the reader wondering how NASA has ever achieved success in anything. Cumbersome bureaucracy, incompetent administrators, and complicated subcontractor relationships plagued the Hubble Space Telescope from its conception to its launch and operation. NASA's failures have been as spectacular as its successes, and the Hubble began as a stunning failure. Zimmerman documents the complete history of the HST with a very thorough analysis of the reasons that the telescope's first images were out of focus and the suggestions for correcting the problem. The reader is introduced to scientists, engineers, and administrators who had a role in producing or repairing the Hubble. Some were heroic; some were not. Some were selfless; some were petty in their dealings with others. Zimmerman also describes all the potential difficulties with "Big Science," where budget considerations are a primary factor in deciding what gets done, and he provides information on what will probably be the final days of the Hubble's operation. As of the time of this writing, the space shuttle Atlantis is scheduled to fly the final repair mission on September 10, 2008. This mission is intended to keep Hubble operational until 2013, when the stream of fascinating images will finally end. C.I.P. Highly Recommended, Grades 9-College, General Audience. 2008, Princeton, 288pp., $29.95. Ages 14 to Adult. Reviewer: Eugene E. Nalence (Science Books and Films (Vol. 44, No. 6)).
ISBN: 978-0-69113-297-6
ISBN: 0-69113-297-6

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