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The Secret Lives of Planets
The Secret Lives of Planets: A User's Guide to the Solar System | Paul Murdin
5 posts | 4 read | 8 to read
'A deft, frequently dramatic tour' Nature 'A wonderfully clear and readable book . . . Gives a splendid overview of our Sun's planetary system, including its history and exploration' Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell * We have the impression that the solar system is perfectly regular like a clock, or a planetarium instrument. On a short timescale it is. But, seen in a longer perspective, the planets, and their satellites, have exciting lives, full of events - for example, did you know that Saturn's moon, Titan, boasts lakes which contain liquid methane surrounded by soaring hills and valleys, exactly as the earth did before life evolved on our fragile planet? Or that Mercury is the shyest planet? Or, that Mars' biggest volcano is 100 times the size of Earth's, or that its biggest canyon is 10 times the depth of the Grand Canyon, or that it wasn't always red, but blue? The culmination of a lifetime of astronomy and wonder, Paul Murdin's enchanting new book reveals everything you ever wanted to know about the planets, their satellites, and our place in the solar system.
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keithlafo
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A fun, informative breakdown of the Solar System, with plenty of scientific knowledge to digest. Whether you‘re just getting into astronomy or a professional in the field, this book should prove fun.

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rwmg
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Good introduction to what we know about the planets (including their satellites and dwarf planets) and what we would like to know, but don't yet. The author does get a bit bogged down with the vital statistics in places but it's worth persevering.

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rwmg
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wanderinglynn Sounds like a fascinating read! 3y
Deifio we don't talk about Pluto 🎶 3y
rwmg @Deifio The author was one of the astronomers who voted to downgrade Pluto but he does give Pluto a chapter in this book 3y
rwmg @wanderinglynn It's a bit statistics-heavy at the moment but we'll see how he goes on 3y
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thevagabondlawyer
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Fascinating! Topnotch! I have never considered myself a "natural science" person. My axis almost always tilted to the social sciences. But lately, the idea of extra-terrestrial life and any discoveries beyond our world magnetized me. When Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover took off this year, it enthralled me so much I want to go to Mars lol. To satisfy my curiosity and probably to review my forgotten science lessons, I bumped into this book: The ?

thevagabondlawyer Secret Lives of Planets by Paul Murdin and wow - it is just what I needed. In this book, acclaimed astronomer Mr. Murdin bridges the gap of my childish sense of fascination and a rather more practical approach to the Solar System. He detailed each planet and their respective satellites, laying down their assets and 👇 4y
thevagabondlawyer hidden secrets. It feels less like homework and more like having a story wittingly told. Whether there are other creatures lurking somewhere up above us, it is undoubtedly a place full of the most peculiar and magnificent natural phenomena. Go Perseverance! 😊 4y
rwmg Wishlisted 4y
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teainthelibrary
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This is a great introduction into astronomy and an awesome look into our own solar system. 🌎 It made me feel small in the best kind of way! I was surprised at how much I knew and how much I *didn‘t* know. The universe is crazy! ☄️💫 I love that it‘s written simply but still includes science. Definitely not a fan of all the Pluto bashing though, and I‘m not sure I can get over the author voting to take away its planetary status! 😡

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