Planet Hunter: Geoff Marcy and the Search for Other Earths Kindle Edition

The is a quick and intelligent introduction into the exciting world of planet finding. When I was a kid, finding exo-solar planets was only a dream - one of the leading theories for why our Sun had planets was because another star had, by chance, passed too close and pulled out a stream of plasma - how ridiculous is that? Now we know many stars have planets. The book is also beautifully illustrated.It spikes the imagination with the possibilities of life on these far away worlds. Grounded in fact, (more than a blend of fact and speculation, such as  Preliminary Identification of Species on Mars ), this book is a great addition to my collection.

This book is accurate! It's the real story. The science of exoplanets, Doppler shifts, Kepler, and life in the universe is exactly right. Vicki Wittenstein is a marvelous science writer for smart children.

This big-format book of only 48 pages will inspire youngsters to dream big. As stated in the subtitle, it's about astronomer Geoff Marcy and the search for other Earths. "Other Earths?" Those words give goosebumps!Readers will be lucky to sneak inside an observatory that houses one of the most powerful optical telescopes in the world, and look over the shoulder of scientists as they spend the night searching the sky for planets outside of our solar system. Actually, the scientists spend years in calculations before they make discoveries.The star (no pun intended) in the book appears to have been a pretty regular young man and a young professional capable of doubting himself. This will make readers of all ages wonder about their own, untapped potential.The physics explanations are extremely well written, yet their inherent complexity means that grasping the concepts is a stimulating challenge.The extra resources ("To Learn More" on page 45) are especially helpful because each one is briefly described, for example as containing history, information or interviews about planet detection methods or alien life.It doesn't take very long to read the book, but its impact could echo throughout a reader's life. The book is an invitation to stop running around so busy all the time, elevate our thinking, and wonder about big ideas.

Planet Hunter is a fascinating look into the search for other earth-like planets that could possibly sustain human life. Wittenstein is a master of describing the complex science in a clear and exciting way. Well-researched, and full of colorful photos, this book is highly recommended for school curriculum, as well as reading at home. It also provides a glimpse into the world of one specific "planet hunter", Geoff Marcy, who is a true inspiration in his singular devotion to the field.