Rover Takes Self Portrait, image from NASA
It's been exciting to watch the progress of NASA's Mars Rover as it collects data that will improve our understanding of the universe. We have many books here at the library for aspiring astronomers or anyone who would like to learn more about the universe and our red neighbor. Upper schoolers who would like the chance to find out more about NASA scientists first-hand should consider entering the Cassini Scientist for a Day Essay Contest being held by NASA.
You Are the First Kid On Mars by Patrick O'Brien
This book puts readers in the middle of the action by addressing them directly and describing what it would be like to be the first kid on Mars. Extrapolation of future advances is combined with facts about Mars and space travel. The book is beautifully illustrated in the dusty, red palette of Mars throughout.
This book puts readers in the middle of the action by addressing them directly and describing what it would be like to be the first kid on Mars. Extrapolation of future advances is combined with facts about Mars and space travel. The book is beautifully illustrated in the dusty, red palette of Mars throughout.
If you want to know more about astronomy in general and dispel some popular misconceptions, Is There Life on Other Planets? by Gregory L. Vogt is an excellent choice. It covers everything from 'are there really UFOs?' to 'is there sound in space?' in an appealing, magazine-like format.
For questions more specific to black holes, A Black Hole is Not a Hole by Carolyn Cinami DeCristofano is a great resource. With beautiful illustrations by Michael Carroll, clear descriptions, and clever analogies throughout DeCristofano makes a difficult concept easy to understand even for young readers. In the process of explaining black holes she also explains gravity, star formation, and many other aspects of astronomy making this a great general overview of the subject as well.
Moonshot by Brian Floca will inspire young readers to learn more about space exploration by describing the historic flight of Apollo 11 with simple language and engaging illustrations.
For older readers, Team Moon by Catherine Thimmesh provides more information about Apollo 11 and includes photographs from the mission throughout.
If you want to know more about what it is like to work as a scientist who studies these phenomena, The Mysterious Universe by Ellen Jackson follows Alex Filippenko and the High-Z Supernova Search Team as they explore the mysteries of the universe. Ample photographs by Nic Bishop help readers visualize the life of a scientist.
Boy, Were We Wrong About the Solar System by Kathleen V. Kudlinski and illustrated by John Rocco teaches readers about the history of astronomy by reviewing some of the theories that have been disproved. It also shows readers that the important thing is to think creatively and search for the truth, even if that means making mistakes along the way.
Going Around the Sun: Some Planetary Fun by Marianne Berkes and illustrated by Janeen Mason is a basic introduction to the solar system for young readers. Using rhyming text and colorful illustrations as well as interesting facts, this book will spark children's curiosity.
For those still coping with the re-classification of Pluto, When Is a Planet Not a Planet? by Elaine Scott explains how our understanding of the universe has improved and why that has led to Pluto officially becoming a dwarf planet.
On the bright side as 11 Planets: A New View of the Solar System by David Aguilar explains, we have also gained two other dwarf planets: Ceres and Eris. So at least Pluto has some company. This book provides a basic overview of all the planets for those looking for an introduction to our current view of the solar system.
As Pluto's reclassification has reminded us, our understanding of the universe is always changing and improving. As Curiosity explores Mars there will be new data coming in daily. For the latest information, NASA's website is the place to go.
NASA also has a variety of apps to provide the latest news and images directly to your mobile device. Try the Lunar Electric Rover Simulator app for a chance to see what it's like to control a rover.
Last but not least, if you want to make your own observations by doing a bit of star gazing, the GoSkyWatch app can help guide you.
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