It's true! While most of us don't own our own personal USS Enterprise or Millennium Falcon, we can still leave the confines of this planet and travel through space. How? With a book, of course!
There are many great books that offer stories and information about what lies beyond our planet. Richard Walker, head astronomer at the Flint Longway Planetarium says that a book was one of the things that set him on the path to studying the stars. The book, Find the Constellations by H. A. Rey (the same person who brought us Curious George) is a book that Walker would suggest for anyone who is interested in stargazing. Walker also says, "Planetariums and books don't just say, 'Here's a star. Here's this constellation.' They tell stories about what's up there in the sky to get people interested and get people to realize that it's not boring." Walker, who grew up in the beginning of the space age, believes that we're all observers and reminds us that astronomy is something that everyone can do. We don't need millions of dollars of equipment, a willingness to go outside and look up will do. A book and a telescope can't hurt either.
Currently at the Flint Longway Planetarium there are two great shows for families to enjoy this summer. Each of these shows utilizes the planetarium's Digistar II projector, 75 slide projectors, three video projectors, and numerous special effects. The first is called How I Wonder. The show was written and produced by Walker and is based on questions that people (mostly kids) have asked him during his long career as an astronomer. The show takes place Monday through Saturday at 12:30 PM and is recommended for ages six and up. The second show, Nine Planets and Counting, takes viewers on an exploration to all the possible planets in our solar system. This show is recommended for ages ten and up and can be viewed Monday through Saturday at 2:00 PM. For information on upcoming shows and schedules, click on the link above.
Well, I hope to see you in the stars. Until next time, check out this week's featured books below:
Take a bus trip through the universe with two kids who just want to get home. Along the way, you'll learn interesting facts about our place in space. This book includes scientifically accurate paintings.
Author(s): Robin and Sally Hirst
Audience: Ages 10 and Up
Length: 32 pages
Language: English
Publisher: Allen & Unwin (2008)
ISBN-10: 1741754046
ISBN-13: 978-1741754046
Take a tour through the solar system in this poetic conversation between Mother Sun and her children. Each verse introduce a new aspect of our solar system along with providing basic facts and information. Add to that wonderfully detailed illustrations and you've got a great book!
Author(s): Marianne Berkes
Audience: Ages 6 and up
Length: 30 pages
Language: English
Publisher: Dawn Pubns (2008)
ISBN-10: 1584691006
ISBN-13: 978-1584691006
In this book, H. A. Rey helps every reader become an astronomer. With star charts, guides to constellations, and information about seasons, this book is a must!
Author(s): H. A. Rey
Audience: Ages 9 and up
Length: 72 pages
Language: English
Publisher: HMH Books (2008)
ISBN-10: 0547131788
ISBN-13: 978-0547131788
Use the awesome power of your telescope to take a tour of the universe and discover the fun and excitement of astronomy. This book is packed with fun and easy stargazing projects and activities.
Author(s): Gregory L. Matloff
Audience: Ages 10 and up
Length: 128 pages
Language: English
Publisher: Jossey-Bass (1993)
ISBN-10: 0471580392
ISBN-13: 978-0471580392
If you're looking for answers to those questions you have about the universe, chances are that you'll find them in this book. This book answers over 100 questions about our universe suce as, "What is the sun?" and "What's at the center of a black hole?"
Author(s): John Farndon
Audience: Ages 8 and up
Length: 32 pages
Language: English
Publisher: Parragon (2002)
ISBN-10: 0752572474
ISBN-13: 978-0752572474
Take a vivid and experiential journey through the universe. This book uses amazing illustrations and the most up-to-date information to show the readers what we know and what we expect to find in the universe. A great read for everyone!
Author(s): Dr. Mike Goldsmith and Dr. Mark Garlick
Audience: Ages 8 and up
Length: 48 pages
Language: English
Publisher: Kingfisher (2012)
ISBN-10: 0753468760
ISBN-13: 978-0753468760
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