Far Encounter: The Neptune System

by Eric Burgess

Book Overview

Discusses the origin of the Voyager mission, the spacecraft and how it works, and the discoveries it made while approaching Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus, amd presents the latest information on Neptune, its rings, and its satellites as learned from its Voyager encounter.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0231074123
• ISBN13: 9780231074124
• Release Date: January 1991
• Publisher: Columbia University Press
• Length: 151 Pages
• Weight: 1.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 8.7" x 11.2"

Customer Reviews

Superb "Happy Medium" between Sweating Every Detail and Childrens' Series quick-fact-or-three-plus-p

The Praxis book on Neptune has a plethora of details: details on Jupiter and its moons; details on Neptune and its moons; details of Voyager -- hardware, software; details of scientific teams; details of facts in tables; details on every aspect -- temperature, gravity, magnetism, chemistry,... ; details on every bit of the methodology. Now, if you like details or one set of details (say the methodology) or think you will not get the facts you need without the Praxis book, then by all means get the Praxis (publisher) book. But do know that the Praxis book is meant for the "non-expert audience reader" (see my review to find out what that technical term means). For just pictures and a few little facts, childrens' series books are available. Is there anything in between the two? Absolutely! This book. The stroytelling is entertaining and you will learn in a substantive way what it took to get the pictures and data. You will get a lot of details, but not nearly as complete as in the Praxis book. (Also, not much Jupiter here -- like what comprises about 40% of the Praxis book on Neptune.) This book does have better pictures than the Praxis book. The writing is more engaging. If you fall somewhat short of the requirements of the "non-expert-audience" reader (see my other review), then this book is ideal for you. Even if you are a non-expert-audience level or more, you will still enjoy this book. It is very engaging and you'll learn a heck of a lot. Oh, and at the cheap prices I see offered, you have no excuse not to get this book. Be glad it's there.