The Handy Astronomy Answer Book

Gr 6 Up—Do your patrons wonder what an astrolabe is or how an X-ray telescope works? In this colorful, wide-ranging volume, notable astrophysicist Charles Liu provides answers to these questions and more about many aspects of the fascinating world of astronomy. The material is subdivided into seven categories: "Astronomy Fundamentals," "The Universe," "Stars," "The Solar System," "Space Programs," "Astronomy Today," and "Exploring the Solar System," which are further divided into subtopics comprised of answers to questions; these well-written entries span an average of one to two paragraphs per topic. Within the text of the questions, pertinent terminology and concepts appear in bold type, making the book easy to skim. The strength of the work lies in this seamless accessibility that, combined with its concise and informative prose, engages readers as they move from the Earth, across the Milky Way, and beyond. A generous complement of illustrations is scattered throughout, adding immensely to what is already an awesome resource. Whether exploring the "God Particle," the origins of the universe, or the development of space travel technologies, this reference, handy for working on research projects or general reading, is a recommended purchase for media centers and public libraries.—Brian Odom, Birmingham, AL