Unlocking the Secrets of the Solar System

Six titles comprise Crabtree’s new “Mission: Space Science” series which examines the solar system as well as some of the history and the future of space exploration. Detailed information, accompanied by photographs, artists’ renderings and diagrams, furthers readers’ understanding of the universe. Sidebars provide additional information, and “Your Mission” text boxes pose questions and scenarios for readers to ponder. At the back of the book is a “Planning Your Mission” activity for readers to try. This activity involves goal-setting, critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving. In most cases, the student has to decide on a research topic or type of mission, design an appropriate spacecraft, select the proper tools to take along, the methods of recording data, and finally, collaborate with others to brainstorm for ways in which to improve the mission. Though the vocabulary used in the text is not difficult, many of the concepts presented in the series are quite complex, and so the books might appeal only to space buffs. Occasionally, the information is repeated throughout the various titles, and some of it is available in other series by the same publisher. A table of contents, a glossary, an index and a list of books and web sites are also provided.

Unlocking the Secrets of the Solar System begins with a brief review of the sun and planets, both Earth and solar seasons, solar eclipses and solar probes. Thanks to telescopes, such as the Hubble and the Kepler, scientists have learned a great deal about the planets. ALMA’s (Atacama Large Millimeter Array) ability to detect unusual gas flow patterns in space has led to the discovery of young, new planets. Other findings include volcanic activity on Mercury and 10 newly discovered moons around Jupiter, bringing the total of Jupiter’s moons to 79 (confirmed in 2018). There is also much excitement over the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), built at a cost of $8.8 billion. The JWST will be in space 1.5 km away from Earth and will be able to see galaxies in their nascent stages, but its extremely advanced and complex technology must be absolutely perfect before the telescope is launched as it cannot be serviced by astronauts. Finally, NASA’s future plans are listed, an example of which is sending a submarine to Titan, one of Saturn’s moons.

Generally, “Mission: Space Science” is a good series, but some of the titles will have a limited audience.