Earth Observation

School Library Journal

ea. vol: unpaged. photogs. glossary. (Stepping into Space Bks.). CIP. Rourke. 1986. PSS $8.95. Gr 2-4 A functional introduction to the equipment that is utilized in space, and to the basic information about planetary bodies in our solar system. Some background information, such as what an orbit is, will be necessary for a thorough understanding. The print is large, with a full page of text opposite a full-page color photograph. The lack of depth in topic coverageonly one demonstration suggested for the explanation of a conceptlessens the books' impact as beginning research tools. No indexes or lists of further resources are provided. Experiments in Space discusses the types of experiments that may be performed, how they get into space, and their value to Earth's inhabitants. It is never clearly explained just what an experiment is. The answer to ``What makes these medicines those produced in space more effective?'' is, ``They can help cure different illnesses''a confusing answer at best. Eyes in the Sky examines the history of telescopes and describes those used now and proposed for the future. Explorer 1 is discussed, but it is unclear to readers whether the corresponding photo is of that type. Family of the Sun provides a concise description of our solar system, with some comparisons between planets. Observing the Earth explains the varieties of satellites used for observations of land and sea, and for meteorological functions. This volume includes several aerial weather satellites' photographs, but without some explanatory arrows pointing out the discussed features, unschooled viewers might not be able to distinguish hurricanes or schools of fish from 440 miles above the Earth. Voices in the Sky discusses the development and uses of telecommunication satellites. However, in a photograph explaining ``stationary orbits,'' the word ``synchronous'' appears with no further explanation either in the text or the glossary. Weightlessness details the conditions and changes human undergo without the presence of gravity. Beverly A. Maffei, Horace Mann School, Melrose, Mass.