Uranus and Neptune: The Distant Giants

Library Journal

Burgess, author of several acclaimed astronomy books, has written an up-to-date account of Uranus and Neptune that includes a brief but fascinating story of their discoveries in 1781 and 1846, respectively. Drawing heavily on information received from the recent space explorations of Pioneers 10 and 11 and Voyagers 1 and 2, Burgess discusses in detail the physical nature of these enigmatic heavenly objects, their satellites, and ring systems. He carefully examines the position of these planets within the solar system, concluding with an examination of Pluto and the outer reaches. Strongly recommended for public libraries. Robert Paul, Dickinson Coll., Carlisle, Pa.

School Library Journal

YA An up-to-to date book about the latest discoveries of Uranus and Neptune. Burgess gives essential information about these two planets (size, distance, diameter, number of satellites, number of rings known, and composition). He also provides interesting anecdotal information about the Voyager missions their aims, their problems, their accomplishments, etc. In addition, Burgess gives readers fascinating historical facts concerning the early discovery of these planets. He provides readers with the latest theories concerning the origins of these planets, their rings, their satellites, and their anomolous features in general. For example, he details the current hypotheses that attempts to explain why Uranus is tilted nearly in the plane of its orbit. He concludes by giving data related to Pluto and the continuing search for Planet X and other cosmic enigmas. A book that students and teachers of astronomy will value because of its photographs, diagrams, and relevant information. Robyn Cook Schuster, Episcopal High School, Bellaire