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Earth Science, Astronomy
Scientific American: Our Planet's Journey through Space by Trudy E. Bell β€” book cover

Scientific American: Our Planet's Journey through Space

by Trudy E. Bell
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Overview

All life on Earth is on the outside of an 8,000-mile-diameter "spaceship" that is twirling on its axis, speeding around the Sun, and sweeping around the galaxy. Earth's Journey Through Space explains how astronomers know about these motions and what dramatic effects they have on the planet. This highly visual book also recounts how early astronomers first discovered Earth's movements and how new telescopes are now revealing much more about our place in the universe.

Synopsis

All life on Earth is on the outside of an 8,000-mile-diameter "spaceship" that is twirling on its axis, speeding around the Sun, and sweeping around the galaxy. Earth's Journey Through Space explains how astronomers know about these motions and what dramatic effects they have on the planet. This highly visual book also recounts how early astronomers first discovered Earth's movements and how new telescopes are now revealing much more about our place in the universe.

School Library Journal

Gr 5-7- Envisioning all forms of life as astronauts "living their days in the life support system on the surface of a giant spaceship," a former editor of Scientific American describes in some detail just how our planet's axial tilt, rotation, and orbital path were discovered and measured, as well as how external forces affect all three. She then goes on to explain how scientists use parallax and other physical effects to determine distances and movements in our galaxy and the universe at large. Though the color illustrations are small, and one picture purportedly showing how to draw an ellipse using a string and two pins is incorrect, in general, the old prints, modern space photos, and clear digital images are well chosen to clarify and enhance the presentation. Closing with substantial lists of multimedia resources for further exploration, this title will make a worthwhile addition to most collections, as it will serve both assignment and interest-driven readers equally well.-John Peters, New York Public Library

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Editorials

School Library Journal

Gr 5-7- Envisioning all forms of life as astronauts "living their days in the life support system on the surface of a giant spaceship," a former editor of Scientific American describes in some detail just how our planet's axial tilt, rotation, and orbital path were discovered and measured, as well as how external forces affect all three. She then goes on to explain how scientists use parallax and other physical effects to determine distances and movements in our galaxy and the universe at large. Though the color illustrations are small, and one picture purportedly showing how to draw an ellipse using a string and two pins is incorrect, in general, the old prints, modern space photos, and clear digital images are well chosen to clarify and enhance the presentation. Closing with substantial lists of multimedia resources for further exploration, this title will make a worthwhile addition to most collections, as it will serve both assignment and interest-driven readers equally well.-John Peters, New York Public Library

Book Details

Published
December 1, 2007
Publisher
Facts on File, Incorporated
Pages
80
Format
Library Binding
ISBN
9780791090503

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