Thousands of years ago, humans believed that Earth was the center of the universe, that the world they lived on was all there was. Truthfully, the solar system extends almost halfway to the nearest star. And it is composed of not only planets, asteroids, and comets, but also powerful forces and vast fields of energy. This is our solar system's big backyard.
The cold, dark world that lies at the farthest reaches of our solar system holds a vast collection of secrets, and for most of human history, we had no idea anything was out there. But, driven by curiosity and equipped with new technology, astronomers have determined that beyond the orbit of Neptune are countless icy comets, strange particles that dance under the influence of the sun, and signs of undiscovered planets. To learn more about these far-flung objects, scientists have finally begun to explore the distant solar system, finding answers to age-old questions at the same time that they encounter new mysteries.
With Ron Miller's incredible illustrations and photographs from NASA probes and telescopes, The Big Backyard takes us on a tour through the solar system's most obscure neighborhoods and into its darkest corners, to places beyond the limits of the human eye. Miller expertly describes the formation of the solar system and the history of the exploration of the outer solar system before delving into the latest discoveries and missions. Read on to learn what sorts of objects orbit at such extreme distances, what happens at the boundary between the sun's influence and interstellar space, whether there is such a thing as the mysterious Planet X, and how life on Earth could not exist without the happenings at the edge of the solar system.
The go-to guide to the stars for beginners and experts alike.
With clear, readable text, easy-to-follow diagrams, and a sprinkling of H. A. Rey's irrepressible humor, The Stars: A New Way to See Them gives sparkle to the constellations and makes the mechanics of the universe intelligible to even the novice astronomer.
This updated version of the classic text includes revised facts and figures for planets and new scientific details,
This is a clear, vivid astronomy reference book. As Learning Through Literature puts it: The Stars: A New Way to See Them is a great introduction to astronomy. It's readable and easy to understand. But don't assume it's light on details. Not a bit! This reference book has 100+ pages packed with information. It's filled with illustrations of the constellations, our solar system, and the universe. You could easily use it as a spine for an astronomy study or as a reference throughout the year when questions come up.
A delightful introduction to the science of astronomy, starting with what can be viewed directly from our location on Earth. In due course, the reader becomes familiar with the moon, the sun, and the planets in our solar system, the meteors and comets that visit us from outer space, as well as the stars and nebulae that reside in outer space. As much as possible, the author puts the reader in the role of discoverer: what can be observed and what can be deduced from the observation. She regularly relates stories of the scientists that made the first discoveries and developed theories to explain their observations. For those who hesitate to read a 100 year-old science book, consider that the author is a master of crafting explanations that engage her audience, sometimes using both illustrations and text to drive home a point. Poetry selections from modern poets and those of bygone eras are included throughout. It is always interesting to note, says the author, the manner in which great scientific truths are received by widely differing minds, gifted with poetic insight. A wondrous universe indeed! Furthermore, the author always allows for the possibility that new discoveries may change our thinking. That is just as true today as it was when this book was first published a century ago. Readers with a firm grasp of the historical background may well be eager to investigate on their own what new developments have come to light in the last century.
A deep dive into the origins of the universe! Explore the ways people have tried answering the fundamental question of how the universe began with STEM activities and research projects that bring out-of-this-world learning into your own hands!
What exactly is the universe? Is it brilliant stars, distant galaxies, and giant black holes? What about the sun, the moon, or the planet Earth? The universe is all these things--and more! But where did it come from? How did it get here? And where is it all going?
Explore these questions and more in The Universe: The Big Bang, Black Holes, and Blue Whales. In this book, readers ages 12 to 15 embark on an exciting journey that starts with the Big Bang and takes them all the way to the end of the universe, with many thrilling stops in between. Take a look billions of years into the past and discover the mind-bending early moments of the universe, the rise of the first stars, and the formation of the earliest galaxies. Explore the birth our sun and solar system and the formation of the only place in the universe known to support life: the earth. Finally, we'll zoom billions of years into the future to learn about the death of the sun, a colossal collision of galaxies, and even the fate of the universe itself.
- Throughout The Universe, kids encounter essential topics and questions to encourage critical thinking skills, hands-on STEAM activities that encourage creative thinking, graphic novel style illustrations and more!
- Links to online resources provide a digital learning experience that integrates content with an interactive platform.
- Investigations include using a diffraction grating or prism to examine the properties of light and how they relate to the sun, modeling different galaxy types and black holes, and exploring the effects of climate change locally
- Essential questions guide readers' investigations while hands-on activities promote critical and creative problem solving, and text-to-world connections highlight the way the past provides context for the present-day world.
About the Inquire & Investigate series and Nomad Press
Nomad Press books in the Inquire & Investigate series integrate content with participation, encouraging readers to engage in student-directed learning. Combining content with inquiry-based projects stimulates learning and makes it active and alive. Nomad's unique approach simultaneously grounds kids in factual knowledge while allowing them the space to be curious, creative, and critical thinkers.
All books are leveled for Guided Reading level and Lexile and align with Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards.
All titles are available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats.
From the number one Astronomy publisher, this book showcases the most spectacular space photography, taken from locations across the globe. Marvel at the wonders of the universe captured by the most talented astrophotographers.
Be captivated by 140 winning and shortlisted images from the 2024 Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition, hosted by the Royal Observatory, Greenwich. These awe-inspiring images are submitted in several categories: Skyscapes, Our Sun, Galaxies, Our Moon, Aurorae, Planets, Comets and Asteroids, People and Space, Stars and Nebulae. Plus Best Newcomer, Image Innovation and Young Competitor categories. Each image is accompanied by caption, photographer, location and technical details. There is also a location map showing the origin of all images and a visual appendix of all images.
The judges are from an expert panel of distinguished astronomy experts.
3, 2, 1 blast off! Travel through the solar system, explore the Milky Way galaxy, and discover some of the most extreme places in the universe. Learn what questions astronomers have about the other planets in our solar system and beyond. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this STEAM book will ignite curiosity about outer space and the far corners of the universe. It features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is ideal for makerspaces and walks students step-by-step through the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in Earth and space science fields. Explore fascinating science topics with older readers with this STEAM book that is perfect for secondary students or ages 10-14.
Take a tour of our solar system with this guide for teens ages 12 to 16
From the moons of Jupiter to the surface of Mars, our solar system is home to a multitude of wild, weird worlds. Crack open this solar system book and embark on a journey through space as you meet key figures in history, explore careers in astronomy, uncover some of the solar system's biggest mysteries, and more.
Explore all the cool stuff in our solar system with this accessible reference guide for teens.
From the author of the bestselling science guide Cosmic Wonder comes a second collection of ways to have an existential crisis. Nathan Hellner-Mestelman takes us right back to the Big Bang, then hurls us through cosmic history as we discover how to swirl up galaxies, solar systems, and eventually life. From molecules to modern society, this book will take you through every reason we're alive in this universe coupled with every cosmic force trying to kill us. In this quirky medley of science and speculation, we'll cover every common thread weaving across our cosmos. Ever wondered what atoms, cells, people, refrigerators, the universe, and beer have in common? Come along for a maddening adventure of science in The Language of the Stars!
Despite its apparent unchanging appearance in the daytime sky, the Sun is incredibly dynamic and shrouded in mystery. In this guide, Dr. Ryan French explores history, science, and modern observations to uncover the mysteries of the Sun.
From ancient astronomers who hailed the Sun as a deity, to new age space exploration, the way we observe the Sun has come a long way. Humanity's scientific journey to understand the Sun has included many intriguing and humorous tales from over the centuries. In today's age, it is far easier to become a sun observer. Learn about cutting-edge space observations of the Sun and how to access these images from home. Uncover further methods of observing the Sun safely from your own back garden using off-the-shelf solar telescopes, DIY pin-hole cameras and solar projectors.
The perfect gift for anyone wishing to learn more about our local star.