This kid-friendly handbook investigates the solar system's inner workings, the tools used to gain information, and an array of astronomical phenomena. Through a time line of discoveries and important events, a comprehensive text, and numerous projects readers can build from household items, this resource provides up-to-date information about the realm beyond planet Earth. Starting with a discussion of the basic components—the sun, the planets, their moons and rings, meteors, asteroids, and comets—this handbook considers topics ranging from the demotion of Pluto to a space object to the greenhouse effect on Venus and the astronomical unit. Along with this exploration of the historical, contemporary, and future tools—such as the rockets and satellites used to gather data—and galaxies, nebulae, and pulsars found outside of the solar system, are instructions for creating a rubber-band powered Mars rover, using dry ice to simulate the tail of a comet, and models of various phenomena. A resources section provides references for additional information and projects about astronomy and the solar system.

This kid-friendly handbook investigates the solar system's inner workings, the tools used to gain information, and an array of astronomical phenomena. Through a time line of discoveries and important events, a comprehensive text, and numerous projects readers can build from household items, this resource provides up-to-date information about the realm beyond planet Earth. Starting with a discussion of the basic components—the sun, the planets, their moons and rings, meteors, asteroids, and comets—this handbook considers topics ranging from the demotion of Pluto to a space object to the greenhouse effect on Venus and the astronomical unit. Along with this exploration of the historical, contemporary, and future tools—such as the rockets and satellites used to gather data—and galaxies, nebulae, and pulsars found outside of the solar system, are instructions for creating a rubber-band powered Mars rover, using dry ice to simulate the tail of a comet, and models of various phenomena. A resources section provides references for additional information and projects about astronomy and the solar system.