Synopsis
An introduction to stars and constellations of the Milky Way, as well as galaxies, star clusters, and other phenomena that can be observed with the help of binoculars, ...
Children's Literature
Originally published in Australia, this "New Solar System" series delivers the latest astronomical news through 2008, illustrations on every page, and many statistics. In five or six brief chapters, young scientists will learn about bodies in our solar system as well as the exploration that provided us with information on those objects. In Stars, readers will discover that stars are "huge balls of glowing gas" that seem to twinkle in our atmosphere; though they are light years away, we can see many of them through binoculars. Budding astronomers will find a wealth of information here about galaxies, the Milky Way, star formation, colors and temperatures, and the death of stars. A chapter on constellations relates that ancient astronomers saw patterns in the stars and told stories about them—today there are eighty-eight, named in Latin—and then guides readers through some famous groups like Ursa Major and Minor, Canis Major and Sirius, Orion the Hunter and its nebulae, as well as the twelve (or now, thirteen) zodiac constellations. Those intrigued by space exploration will discover that scientists study stars with satellites and spectrometers, which break up starlight into spectra; optical and radio telescopes collect light and radio waves, as the Hubble Space Telescope discovers new stars, nebulae, and galaxies. Clear, no-nonsense text moves along briskly, while illustrations, which are mostly in saturated colors on dark backgrounds, are eye-catching. Further help includes a "Star Fact Summary," a glossary, and a list of websites. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft