Planets Beyond: Discovering the Outer Solar System

by Mark Littmann

This highly entertaining introduction to the discovery of the outer planets will enlighten both the popular reader and the science undergraduate, expanding their horizons to the outer reaches of our solar system--particularly, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. Distilling essential knowledge about stars, planets and outer space, this very useful book also features fascinating historical and scientific vignettes about the people and events involved in the exploration and study of the outer solar system--from its beginning some 250 years ago with William Herschel's sighting of Uranus, through the recent Voyager fly-by of Neptune, to the ever-increasing knowledge of Pluto--which from 1979-1999 is closer to the Sun than Neptune and is closer to earth in 1989 than it has been in 248 years. As up-to-date as possible, it looks at recent discoveries, methodology and matters yet to come, including descriptions of planned future planetary missions and a discussion of still unanswered questions. Features well-chosen illustrations, clear diagrams and tables and is replete with black-and-white and color-enhanced details of space objects.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction

286 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1988

Reviews

[Bob Gustafson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun! This is a book about what's beyond Saturn, that was written back in the 80's when Voyager 2 was on its way from Uranus to Neptune. It starts with a historical survey beginning with the work of Herschel, the father, and takes us through the discovery of Uranus, Neptune and Pluto up through Voyager's flyby of Uranus and then speculates about what's beyond, both in space and in time (before New Horizons, before Cassini and before Galileo).

It is a beautiful picture of science as a perpetual work in progress. Enjoy!