"Describes the eight planets in our solar system, including the birth of the solar system and the planets' orbits around the Sun"--Provided by publisher.

Find out about Earth and how it is unique from the other planets in our solar system.

Readers will want to grab a telescope and explore the night skies after finishing this overview of our solar system. Our solar system consists of eight planets, as well as numerous moons, comets, asteroids, and meteoroids. For thousands of years, humans believed that Earth was at the center of the Universe, but all of that changed in the 17th century. Astronomers like Nicolaus Copernicus, Galileo Galilei, Johannes Kepler, and Isaac Newton proposed the unthinkable theory that Earth and the other planets actually revolved around the Sun. This engaging book chronicles the beginning of the modern age of astronomy, then follows later discoveries, including NASA's current missions in space.

Find out about the sun's properties and characteristics.

Activities covered include: The scale of the solar system: How big are the planets? How far apart are the planets? The shape of planetary orbits Retrograde motion: The planets move backwards? Phases of the moon ...plus 13 more intriguing activities See other Hands-On Science Series titles (13-Book set)

Did you know that our entire solar system sits within the sun's atmosphere? Or that more than 1,300 Earths could fit inside Jupiter? Readers will be wowed by these facts and more with this exciting look at the solar system. Packed with fun, informative data about the planets, scientific discoveries through history, and memorable statistics, this book is a must-read for burgeoning scientists. Facts are conveyed through accessible language and enhanced by vibrant, full-color photographs.

Author David Aguilar uses brilliant photo-realistic illustration and fascinating up-to-date facts straight from the latest astronomy news to bring you a comprehensive look at our solar system as you've never seen it before.