Planetology: Comparing Other Worlds to Our Own (Venture Book)

Schaaf, Fred

ISBN 10: 0531113000 ISBN 13: 9780531113004

Publisher: Franklin Watts, 1996

Synopsis

Discusses the planets, with particular emphasis on comparing them to each other and especially to Earth

About this title

From School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up--Planetology, according to Schaaf, is the comparative study of planets, moons, comets, and other planetary bodies and involves the disciplines of meteorology, geology, chemistry, physics, and specialized combinations of them all. His goal is to compare and contrast Earth with what has been learned about the other planets and moons in our solar system. Indeed, the text contains a wealth of up-to-date information on such topics as planetary atmospheres, surfaces, and interiors. Unfortunately, in presenting the details the author seems to have lost sight of his readers. The text marches along quickly but sometimes veers off into side issues. As a result, key points are occasionally lost in a forest of details. Tables that organize and illustrate the comparisons are found in the appendix rather than in the appropriate chapter. In addition, key terms or details, such as metallic hydrogen or land pole, are not defined. The organization of the chapters does not help either. Rather than explore all the aspects of a planet or moon, the author focuses on just one detail such as magnetospheres and tours the planets. This helps drive comparisons on these single issues, but tends to create a fragmented view of what makes each planet unique. Too bad, because the information is truly first-rate and the concept is an interesting one. Black-and-white photos appear throughout and range from informative to decorative.

Alan Newman, American Chemical Society, Washington, DC

Copyright 1997 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Franklin Watts
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0531113000
• ISBN 13: 9780531113004
• Binding: Library Binding
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 126