Casting Shadows: Solar and Lunar Eclipses with The Planetary Society ®

by Bruce Betts

Overview

The year 2024 is set to have multiple solar and lunar eclipses.

Solar and lunar eclipses are sights to behold. But you don’t see them every day! Learn about the different kinds of eclipses. Then discover when they happen, how to watch them, and the cool things that can happen during an eclipse.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798765608975
Publisher:	Lerner Publishing Group
Publication date:	01/01/2024
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	7.25(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)
Age Range:	7 - 9 Years

About the Author

Dr. Bruce Betts is Chief Scientist and LightSail Program Manager for The Planetary Society, the world's largest space interest group. Dr. Betts is a planetary scientist who earned a B.S. in physics and math and an M.S. in Applied Physics from Stanford and a Ph.D. in Planetary Science with a minor in Geology from Caltech. He spent several years with San Juan Institute/Planetary Science Institute as a Research Scientist, and later Senior Research Scientist. Dr. Betts is the author of Astronomy for Kids: How to Explore Outer Space with Binoculars, a Telescope, or Just Your Eyes! He regularly writes for The Planetary Society member magazine The Planetary Report, and on his blog on planetary.org.

Editorial Reviews

"Using simple, straightforward language, vocabulary words defined within the text, and clear, helpful illustrations, Bill Nye and the Planetary Society invite young readers to learn about solar and lunar eclipses."—Booklist

From the Publisher

2023-10-07
A short primer on eclipses, both solar and lunar.

A note from Planetary Society CEO Bill Nye (the Science Guy) opens this book. Betts goes on to explain that eclipses—when either “the Moon enters Earth’s shadow” (lunar) or “Earth enters the Moon’s shadow” (solar)—are one of the times the wonders of space can be experienced here on Earth. The first chapter uses diagrams to show how shadows are cast by the moon and Earth and how their orbits affect the shadows. Betts also states that syzygy “refers to three bodies in space that are in a straight line” (Earth, the moon, and the sun). After covering the general concept, the next chapters go into more detail on lunar and then solar eclipses, with beautiful full-color photos of both kinds of eclipses and racially diverse groups of people watching them. The solar chapter is especially strong, with safety warnings, instructions on using a piece of cardboard to watch the eclipse, and information on how the Mars rovers have photographed eclipses. The text blocks are kept small and straightforward so that the information doesn’t overwhelm readers. The result is impressively clear and efficient—the level of detail will satisfy advanced readers, while the digestible format will be welcoming to reluctant or hard-to-please readers. The author’s enthusiasm shines through clearly and is contagious.

Sure to excite a new generation of stargazers and scientists. (glossary, further reading, index) (Nonfiction. 6-10)

Kirkus Reviews