Sky Gazing: A Guide to the Moon, Sun, Planets, Stars, Eclipses, and Constellations
by Meg Thacher (Author)
The sun, moon, stars, and planets have been a source of wonder and fascination for as long as humans have inhabited the earth. In Sky Gazing, a highly visual guide to observing the sky with the naked eye, kids aged 9-14 will delve into the science behind what they see, whether they live in a dark rural setting or under the bright lights of the city.
Exploring astronomical objects and events, this captivating book takes young readers on a tour of our solar system and deep space beyond, with explanations of how objects like Earth's moon were formed and the "why" behind phenomena such as eclipses, northern lights, and meteor showers. Curious sky gazers will discover how to find and observe planets, no binoculars or telescopes required!
Star charts will guide them in spotting constellations throughout the seasons and in both hemispheres while they learn about constellation myths from cultures around the world. Activities include tracking the cycles of the sun and moon and observing the sky during daylight hours or on a cloudy night, while astronomer profiles and sidebars on space technology and current issues such as light pollution help ground kids' discoveries in the ancient and enduring science of studying the sky.
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Gr 4-8--The deep origin and projected future of the universe? How to observe the sky effectively from your own neighborhood? The composition, density, and temperature of our sun? It's all here. Thacher, who teaches astronomy at Smith College and runs a summer science and engineering program for high school girls, offers a clear, highly engaging narrative voice throughout the text. The pages are visually stunning and include colorful backgrounds, small chunks of text, multiple drawings, comics, illustrations, and gorgeous photos. Some sections explain elements of basic science, such as how the solar system came to be. A recurring cartoon character called "Star Dude" provides definitions and other salient facts. In a chapter about constellations, Thacher features star stories from southern Africa, China, the Indigenous people of North America, Polynesia, and ancient Greece. Additional chapters focus on the sky, the moon, the sun, planets, and stars. Many sections include instructions for crafts, such as how to make a red flashlight to protect night vision or a pinhole projector to view an image of a solar eclipse. Source notes are not included, but Thacher lists two pages of recommended resources. VERDICT This title is a bonanza for upper-elementary or middle school independent reading, especially for students with an interest in the sciences.--Bob Hassett, Luther Jackson M.S., Falls Church, VA
Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
— Paul Bogard, author of The End of Night: Searching for Natural Darkness in an Age of Artificial Light "This title is a bonanza for upper-elementary or middle school independent reading, especially for students with an interest in the sciences."
— School Library Journal, starred review
JNF048000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Reference | General
JNF051040 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Astronomy
