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The New Solar System: Ice Worlds, Moons, and Planets Redefined
Aimed at the popular audience and written by experienced astronomy author Patricia Daniels with contributions by former editor of Astronomy magazine Robert Burnham and highlighted by 160 photographs, diagrams, and maps, this superb guide explores every corner of Earth’s planetary neighborhood, from the fiery sun at its center to the dark, icy realm where interstellar space begins.
It’s a state-of-the-art observation of the solar system as we know it today and a knowledgeable forecast of what to expect in the future, from Pluto’s demotion to plutoid to the upcoming Moon mission, the likelihood of a manned expedition to Mars, and much more.
From breathtaking full-color photographs to detailed explanatory diagrams to expert essays, fascinating sidebars, and informative fact boxes, the New Solar System is not just an easy-to-use, solidly reliable reference, but also a visually stunning, invitingly browsable volume guaranteed to fire the imagination of even the most casual reader.
As we celebrate NASA’s first half-century and look outward to exciting new possibilities, public interest in all things interplanetary will only grow more intense—and this wonderfully timely book is poised to launch us once more into the High Frontier.
It’s a state-of-the-art observation of the solar system as we know it today and a knowledgeable forecast of what to expect in the future, from Pluto’s demotion to plutoid to the upcoming Moon mission, the likelihood of a manned expedition to Mars, and much more.
From breathtaking full-color photographs to detailed explanatory diagrams to expert essays, fascinating sidebars, and informative fact boxes, the New Solar System is not just an easy-to-use, solidly reliable reference, but also a visually stunning, invitingly browsable volume guaranteed to fire the imagination of even the most casual reader.
As we celebrate NASA’s first half-century and look outward to exciting new possibilities, public interest in all things interplanetary will only grow more intense—and this wonderfully timely book is poised to launch us once more into the High Frontier.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published August 18, 2009
4 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Patricia S. Daniels
49 books9 followersPatricia Daniels has written extensively on science and health. Among her publications are The New Solar System, Human Body, Encyclopedia of Space, Childhood Medical Guide, and The Medical Advisor.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 7, 2019
060319: vacation read. remembering when i was a kid with my original romantic/idealist fascination with all things space, this is the sort of thing i would look at. in decades since- similar: graphic, great pics, easy organization, writing- different: recognition of nonwestern astronomy, advances in theory/images through math, sciences, observations, probes, computers, telescopes etc... fun book. takes me decades ago...
August 25, 2019
In the decade since this book has been written, Cassini has finished its mission, voyager 1&2 are both outside of our solar system, we’re starting to harness solar wind, and we HAVE found a “waterworld” and so many other exo planets.
But, for the longest time, I’ve been wanting a good intro to EVERYTHING in the universe. Always regretting I didn’t take astronomy in college, this book was finally the overview I’ve been searching for and know which directions to continue my independent studies.
This book was top notch. Read it now before our next space age and it’s out of date!
But, for the longest time, I’ve been wanting a good intro to EVERYTHING in the universe. Always regretting I didn’t take astronomy in college, this book was finally the overview I’ve been searching for and know which directions to continue my independent studies.
This book was top notch. Read it now before our next space age and it’s out of date!
March 16, 2018
New Solar System gives an excellent overview of our celestial neighborhood, though I wish it had a new edition including the exploration missions of the last decade.
September 24, 2013
I liked this book alot, but have several other "space-themed" coffee-table books that are a bit better in the picture part of it than this one is.
However, what this book lacks in picture substance, it makes up with in providing the diligent reader with a plethora of information that you will not find in almost any other coffee table type space book out there.
The book goes from ancient times all the way up to modern day astronomy and takes the reader through the evolution of the solar system, and pretty much confines the topics to our own local system instead of branching out like so many other books do just out of habit. I wouldn't say that this is a bad book whatsoever, but it is going to give you more information that actual pictures, which is what I like to look for in my over-sized coffee-table type books.
A good read and you will come out a more knowledgeable person afterwards. If you are interested in astronomy or are an amateur astronomer yourself, it will behoove you to pick this book up for you collection. It is one of the better books out there that mix pictures and knowledge without making it look like a textbook or having the book just be a collection of pictures. Both of which are fine, but this book combines the two in a seldom seen manner which makes it actually pleasant to go through.
I have seen better books on the subject than this one, but not many.
However, what this book lacks in picture substance, it makes up with in providing the diligent reader with a plethora of information that you will not find in almost any other coffee table type space book out there.
The book goes from ancient times all the way up to modern day astronomy and takes the reader through the evolution of the solar system, and pretty much confines the topics to our own local system instead of branching out like so many other books do just out of habit. I wouldn't say that this is a bad book whatsoever, but it is going to give you more information that actual pictures, which is what I like to look for in my over-sized coffee-table type books.
A good read and you will come out a more knowledgeable person afterwards. If you are interested in astronomy or are an amateur astronomer yourself, it will behoove you to pick this book up for you collection. It is one of the better books out there that mix pictures and knowledge without making it look like a textbook or having the book just be a collection of pictures. Both of which are fine, but this book combines the two in a seldom seen manner which makes it actually pleasant to go through.
I have seen better books on the subject than this one, but not many.
December 14, 2015
For anyone wanting to learn about the solar system without being blinded by science, this book is the ideal way to find out what’s gone on, going on, and will be going on “out there”. The author does a wonderful job in relaying facts and predictions in a manner that’s easy to follow.
Well-known planets, little-known and unknown planets, moons, stars, comets, asteroids, meteors, and the all-important sun are all given attention in this absorbing work. Each section is accompanied by photos or artists’ impressions of the amazing entities that play their part in our diverse solar system.
I was interested in astronomy as a child, though was never into the real technical stuff, like x + y = “Eh?” I say that with no disrespect to the talented scientists, it’s just something that I fail to grasp.
Anyway, my interest in astronomy has remained with me into adulthood, albeit more in the background, but having recently completed a free online course about all the moons in our solar system I found myself wanting to learn more. After reading “New Solar System” my old interest in astronomy has become a fascination. It’s incredible what advances have been made in the last decade or so, and more have been made since this text was published in 2009.
Truth really is stranger than fiction.
Can’t really praise this one high enough. I knew after the first few pages that this would be a five-star book.
A magnificent read.
Well-known planets, little-known and unknown planets, moons, stars, comets, asteroids, meteors, and the all-important sun are all given attention in this absorbing work. Each section is accompanied by photos or artists’ impressions of the amazing entities that play their part in our diverse solar system.
I was interested in astronomy as a child, though was never into the real technical stuff, like x + y = “Eh?” I say that with no disrespect to the talented scientists, it’s just something that I fail to grasp.
Anyway, my interest in astronomy has remained with me into adulthood, albeit more in the background, but having recently completed a free online course about all the moons in our solar system I found myself wanting to learn more. After reading “New Solar System” my old interest in astronomy has become a fascination. It’s incredible what advances have been made in the last decade or so, and more have been made since this text was published in 2009.
Truth really is stranger than fiction.
Can’t really praise this one high enough. I knew after the first few pages that this would be a five-star book.
A magnificent read.
February 25, 2012
Readers of a certain age will remember National Geographic's "Our Universe" which was about, well, our universe. This book is sort of the modern equivalent to that, but just focused on our solar system. The text is well-written and the photography is gorgeous. Well-worth reading and sharing with any space-science-fans you may have in your household.
March 13, 2010
My favorite resource for my astronomy research.
November 28, 2011
My intention for this book was a refresher with some nice pictures. It was just that. Interesting for those who don't really know a whole lot about the solar system.
November 2, 2013
wow. a lot has been learned since I was in school!
August 24, 2015
It's a good book on the solar system. The only problem it's need to be updated for the new stuff since 2009 and 2010.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews