Synopsis
An introduction to the bluish-green planet, discovered in 1718 by Frederich Herschel.
Children's Literature
The third largest planet in the solar system, Uranus is a rather enigmatic world. Originally discovered in 1781 by an English astronomer, William Herschel, Uranus's initial name was "King George's Star." However, astronomical convention holds that all planets, save Earth, must be named after either Greek or Roman gods. Therefore, Uranus donned a classical name but remained an enigmatic resident of the solar system. In many ways, Uranus is one of the least studied of the planets. It was not until 1977 that scientists realized that Uranus had rings similar to Saturn's. Since the rings are of a dark color their presence was not noted until Uranus' orbit took it past a distant star. The number of moons credited to Uranus has also shifted over the years. At present there are eighteen moons but that number is considered a low estimate. All in all, there is a great deal left to learn about Uranus. Author Gregory Vogt attempts to present Uranus to younger readers. He touches upon a host of facts as well as offering up some striking pictures of Uranus and its moons. This volume of "The Galaxy" series offers a solid introduction to Uranus, a relatively mysterious world. 2000, Bridgestone Books, Romaneck