Overview
Saturn is the crown jewel of the solar system. Admired for centuries for its beauty -- a pale gold ball surrounded by gleaming white rings -- modern astronomers have discovered that Saturn is one of the most amazing of all the planets. From the mysteries of its glorious rings to its dozens of unique moons, one of which is large enough to be a world in its own right, the story of Saturn is also the story of astronomy and the discovery of the solar system.Synopsis
Saturn is the crown jewel of the solar system. Admired for centuries for its beauty -- a pale gold ball surrounded by gleaming white rings -- modern astronomers have discovered that Saturn is one of the most amazing of all the planets. From the mysteries of its glorious rings to its dozens of unique moons, one of which is large enough to be a world in its own right, the story of Saturn is also the story of astronomy and the discovery of the solar system.
Kathie M. Josephs - Children's Literature
The author calls chapter one, "Lord of the Rings." That should catch the attention of thousands of adolescents. Of course, the chapter is not about the movie, but rather takes the reader back in time to the Greeks and Roman mythology and planets Saturn, Mars, and Mercury. Time passes and Galileo, Christian Huygens, Jean Cassini and William Herschel enter the picture and their expertise in science and math document information that has been found to be very accurate by today's standards. The author includes excellent information about these pioneers of space and notes that in 1895 James Keeler was able to measure the rotations speed of the different parts of the Saturn rings. From this point, the reader is brought quickly to the Twentieth Century and is given in depth information about the planet Saturn. Awe-inspiring photographs accompany text, and even a non-science advocate will be enthralled. The photos actually add truth and beauty to the scientific facts about a planet so vary far away. Miller includes colored sections on many pages with additional information and "how to" for completing simple experiments to further understand what actually is happening on Saturn. A complete glossary holds all the words that have been bolded throughout the book. Also found, is a list of books for further reading, web pages, and addresses of organizations connected to Astronomy. This book is part of a series called "Worlds Beyond," and is an excellent choice for a classroom library. 2003, Twenty-First Century Books, Ages 10 up.
Editorials
Children's Literature
The author calls chapter one, "Lord of the Rings." That should catch the attention of thousands of adolescents. Of course, the chapter is not about the movie, but rather takes the reader back in time to the Greeks and Roman mythology and planets Saturn, Mars, and Mercury. Time passes and Galileo, Christian Huygens, Jean Cassini and William Herschel enter the picture and their expertise in science and math document information that has been found to be very accurate by today's standards. The author includes excellent information about these pioneers of space and notes that in 1895 James Keeler was able to measure the rotations speed of the different parts of the Saturn rings. From this point, the reader is brought quickly to the Twentieth Century and is given in depth information about the planet Saturn. Awe-inspiring photographs accompany text, and even a non-science advocate will be enthralled. The photos actually add truth and beauty to the scientific facts about a planet so vary far away. Miller includes colored sections on many pages with additional information and "how to" for completing simple experiments to further understand what actually is happening on Saturn. A complete glossary holds all the words that have been bolded throughout the book. Also found, is a list of books for further reading, web pages, and addresses of organizations connected to Astronomy. This book is part of a series called "Worlds Beyond," and is an excellent choice for a classroom library. 2003, Twenty-First Century Books, Ages 10 up.—Kathie M. Josephs