The Planets and The Solar System

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What to expect

Living busily on Planet Earth, we rarely remember that we inhabit only a minuscule part of the universe. In The Planets and The Solar System, Jen Green paints the wider picture, and takes us on a journey across billions of kilometres in our galaxy, from our Sun to near and distant planets. Some, like Mercury, have a molten core surrounded with crust and spin quickly; Jupiter, on the other hand, is a big ball of gas. For 2,500 years, mathematicians and scientists, from Pythagoras to Hubble, have investigated our universe and found that the dimensions, the temperatures and the speeds (light years!) are unbelievably extreme. A fascinating introduction for younger listeners.

Critics Review

Listeners are treated to an impressive scope of space information u2013 from details about each planet to an overview of space exploration and the scientists who have contributed to our understanding of the solar system. While one could listen to this recording straight through, it also merits listening to chapter by chapter. Ruth Sillers is an unobtrusive narrator who lets the information speak for itself and is clearly unbiased in her presentation of the space race. Her melodious voice, leisurely pacing and distinctive elocution make for easy listening. Given Sillersu2019s lively sense of wonder, the listener canu2019t help but be impressed by the vastness of the universe and our newfound knowledge of it.
A.R., AudioFile
This audiobook takes listeners on an incredible journey through the solar system to planets near and far. Narrator Sillers reads with moderate pacing and an almost conversational tone that will draw listeners along as they hear about the history of human understanding of space, space exploration, and the scientific facts about the inner and outer planets in our solar system. Though the breadth and depth of the subject matter could have made this an overwhelming listen, Sillers narrates if she is reading a gripping novel.nChapter ends and beginnings are announced with unobtrusive music, and the five chapters are divided into shorter tracks of between five and nine minutes to make listening to and absorbing all of the information easier. This fact-packed recording will satisfy young listenersu2019 thirst for knowledge about the universe and is a solid addition to any nonfiction audio collection.
Ashley Young, Booklist
First, listeners get a basic overview of the solar system. This is followed by a history of the science of astronomy with special emphasis on the contributions of particular astronomers. The program clearly explains how knowledge grows and expands, building on previous knowledge and discoveries and fine-tuning existing theories. Both manned and unmanned space exploration are also highlighted with specific chronologies for both the United States and Russia. Information about space stations, space vehicles, and the basics of astronaut life is included, as well as classic quotes. Finally, listeners go on a tour of the solar system, from Mercury on, getting more specific information about planets, moons, dwarf planets, asteroids, and comets. Ruth Sillersu2019s British accent does justice to Greenu2019s text, which employs metric measurements. While at times the program would be greatly enhanced by visuals, it is still a clear audio presentation on a fascinating subject and would provide beginning astronomers with a solid foundation.
Teresa Bateman, School Library Journal

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