Asteroids, Comets, and Meteors (Our Universe)

Gr 3-6--Vogt rounds out his solar system tour with these overviews of its most familiar, and its smallest, members. Using recent observations and discoveries, including the broken-up comet dubbed P/Shoemaker-Levy 9 that smacked into Jupiter in 1994 and two asteroids photographed by the Galileo space probe, Vogt describes the origins and composition of Asteroids, Comets, and Meteors, as well as their (literal) impact on our planet's history, and what they tell us about the solar system. Aside from an oversimplified discussion of the distinction between meteors and meteorites, Asteroids is a relatively thorough, reliable introduction to its subject. In the second book, the author delves into our planet's inner and outer layers; its early history, including the probable origin of the Moon; the atmosphere; seasons; and the great "engines" above and below the surface that cause continental drift and distribute the sun's energy evenly. He concludes with a cautionary note about the dangers of misusing natural resources. Unfortunately, the author makes unsupported value judgments about "...the most diverse and fascinating planet in the solar system" and revives the Ptolemaic Theory in his description of the "exosphere," defined as "the outermost layer of Earth's atmosphere" and "home to the Moon as well as to the other planets, comets, meteors, and asteroids." Both books conclude with pages of charted "Quick Facts" and current, high-quality bibliographies; both also feature plenty of clear full-color photos and art from NASA.

John Peters, New York Public Library

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