The Planets: The Definitive Visual Guide to Our Solar System Hardcover – 18 Aug. 2014

“The Planets” is an enchanting introduction to our Solar System in words and pictures. It covers the system from beginning to its most outer reaches. It starts with its formation, a study of the sun, moves on to the rocky planets and the gas giants and concludes with the outer limits, the asteroids, the Kuiper belt and comets. Each planet begins with an overall look, followed by an explanation of its structure, up close discoveries and maps, a timeline of human awareness of it and manned missions to the body.The written material puts it all in perspective and facilitates an understanding that is difficult to grasp otherwise. The pictures are magnificent. The diagrams of the structure show each layer from the molten core to the gaseous atmosphere. The photos from telescopes and probes bring you right to the surface.“The Planets” is an excellent resource from which to gain a sense of our solar system and one to keep handy to check any questions that might arise from time to time. It is up to date and incorporates recent discoveries. This is one I will look at again and again.