Astronomy for Kids - by Bruce Betts

About the Book

One of the coolest things about outer space is that anyone can explore it. Using plain sight, binoculars, or a small telescope, Dr. Betts shows young stargazers how easy it is to explore space, just by stepping outside and looking up. Full color.

Book Synopsis

Ignite their passion for exploring the night sky―the astronomer's guidebook for kids ages 7 to 13

"No matter how many times you've orbited the Sun, Astronomy for Kids is really for kids of all ages. Dr. Betts shows you how to become an astronomer―an observer of the stars. With this book, you can know the cosmos and your place within it. Read on, walk out, and look up!"―Bill Nye, science educator, author, and CEO of The Planetary Society

One of the coolest things about outer space is that anyone can explore it. All you have to do is go outside and look up! Using plain sight, binoculars, or a small telescope, Astronomy for Kids shows stargazers how easy it is to explore space, just by stepping outside.

With this book as their guide to the northern hemisphere, kids will learn to find and name amazing objects in the night sky. Fully illustrated with fun facts throughout, kids can point out sights to friends and family, saying things like, "that's Jupiter," and, "those stars are the constellation Cygnus the Swan," and maybe even, "that group of stars doesn't have a name but I think it looks like my dog getting belly rubs."

From the Milky Way Galaxy to Mars to the Moon's craters and mountains―Astronomy for Kids helps young astronomers discover important parts of our solar system, with:

• 30 sights for the naked eye (yes, 30!) objects to see without any equipment, including Orion's Belt, the Big Dipper, Mars, and even the International Space Station.
• 25 sights magnified with binoculars or a basic telescope to make objects in the sky easier to find and explore. Plus, buying tips and usage tricks to get the most out of astronomy equipment.
• Clear illustrations that show kids where to look and what they can expect to see.

Like all big things, outer space is something you have to see to believe. Astronomy for Kids teaches kids that planets, shooting stars, constellations, and meteor showers are not only in books―but right above them.

Review Quotes

"Bruce Betts' Astronomy for Kids provides an excellent entry point for aspiring stargazers. The book guides readers through the layout of the night sky, then introduces them to the tools of the trade. By the end of the book, readers will not only know their way around a telescope but will also gain a deeper appreciation of the wonders of the universe. After reading the book, I was ready to go out and explore myself!"--Dante Lauretta, leader of the OSIRIS-REx asteroid mission, U. of Arizona professor, and designer of games including Xtronaut

"I've seen a lot of intro to astronomy books. I think I read my first when I was nine or ten years old. I wish I'd had this book back then. It would have been perfect for pre-adolescent me. It's Informative, down-to-earth (a good thing, even for a book about stargazing), has easy-to-follow illustrations and instructions, and just the right voice. Grown-up me appreciate's its great design. I've never read a better beginner's book for aspiring astronomers of any age. Enjoy it under clear skies!"--Mat Kaplan, host of Planetary Radio for The Planetary Society

"No matter how many times you've orbited the Sun, Astronomy for Kids is really for kids of all ages. Dr. Betts shows you how to become an astronomer--an observer of the stars. With this book, you can know the cosmos and your place within it. Read on, walk out, and look up!"--Bill Nye, science educator, author, and CEO of The Planetary Society

"What a wonderful book for a parent or grandparent to share with a child! It's the kind of gift that can truly change a life. From early childhood, my actor colleague on Star Trek Voyager, Tim Russ, has had a passion for astronomy that I have often envied. Reading Astronomy for Kids makes me sorry that a book like this was not introduced to me as a young person. Dr. Betts explains things in a step-wise fashion in words everyone can understand, allowing young and old to become competent night sky observers. The book proceeds from naked-eye viewing through the use of binoculars and a telescope, allowing the reader to see more and more according to their deepening interest. There are gorgeous images of planets and stars, clear directions on how to locate them, and seasonal maps of constellations and key stars. I also appreciated the references and guides to free associated learning materials. This book is a treasure, and a great way to stimulate a young mind to look up in wonder."--Robert Picardo, Actor and Executive Board Member, The Planetary Society