Far Encounter

Library Journal

Between 1979 and 1989, the Voyager spacecraft visited all of the solar system's outer planets except Pluto in a singular journey of discovery. Veteran science writer Burgess ( Return to the Red Planet , LJ 11/1/90) here describes the final encounter with the planet Neptune and its moons. He provides both background on Voyager 's earlier discoveries and the difficulties of adapting an aging spacecraft to enable it to function beyond its design capabilities as it transmitted its findings over an unprecedented distance. His detailed account of the scientific results will be of interest to specialists; however his dry and sometimes repetitious writing style will likely discourage casual readers. Recommended for larger subject collections.-- Thomas J. Frieling, Bainbridge Coll., Ga.

Booknews

Continuing his series of interplanetary travel guides, Burgess details the two Voyager missions and the discoveries they made about the giant 11th planet, its moons, and its rings. Includes many informative, and a few spectacular NASA photographs. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)