Book of Constellations: Discover the Secrets in the Stars

by Robin Kerrod

This fascinating narrative recounts the history of astronomy and, with more than 100 full-color illustrations, it shows readers how to find the planets and constellations in the night sky. In ancient times, people thought that the Sun, Moon, and stars were gods. They recorded their movements and imagined that the stars made pictures in the sky. The Greeks and the Romans related these "pictures" of animals and men—or constellations—to their legends. They also identified planets and named them for their gods—Venus, Mars, Saturn, and Jupiter. Their observations marked the first step in the development of astronomy, which today is a sophisticated science. Modern astronomers have followed the tradition of naming heavenly bodies after ancient gods. For instance, the solar system's outer planets weren't identified until after the telescope's invention, but with their discoveries they were named after Uranus, a Greek god of the sky . . . Neptune, the Roman god of the sea . . . and Pluto, the Roman god of the underworld. The author recounts the legends connected with many constellations, including Aquarius, Aries, Cancer, Orion, and others. This beautifully illustrated book helps readers navigate their way around the night sky as they learn the significance of heavenly bodies' names. Color photos and illustrations throughout.

Genres: Science, Astronomy, Nonfiction

123 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2002

About the author

Robin Kerrod writes for young people on all aspects of science and technology, and on astronomy for a wider audience. A former winner of the COPUS (Committee on the Public Understanding of Science) Junior Science Book Prize, he was a major contributor to the DK Science Encyclopedia. He has also co-written The Way Science Works for DK, and is one of the authors of The Way the Universe Works.

Reviews

[Autumn Maisy Raquet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book I own a library delete copy and is very good and very good for young adults and for youngsters are of all ages

[Thanos Tram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Υπέροχο και κατατοπιστικότατο, σου δίνει όσες πληροφορίες χρειάζεσαι.

[Caleb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book by Robin Kennod; she put a lot of detail and facts In This book. In this book she talks about some of the consolations in the sky. She briefly talks about "why" they are there. She also talked about some of the plants in are solar system.
This book is about many different star groupings called constalitions that we see in our night sky through out the year. She talked about constalitions that the sun goes through at different times and what people thought that that meant. She also went over key plants in are solar system, including earth mars and Jupiter.
Many people would like this book but people that are interested in mythology and/or astonimy would like this book. They would like this book because it covers important facts about the stars and the myths behind them. It also talks about why the gods would put theses stars in the sky.

[Gretchen · Rating 3 out of 5]

pretty elementary; interesting insights into the Greek myths connected with constellations; ridiculous assumptions about the “coincidences” that exist in the way the heavens work

[Ilon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a good entry-level explanation for constellations and the planets. It give a brief description of each of the 88 constellations, the story behind the characters/animals and a quick snapshot of the supposed personalities of the zodiac as well. It has information about where in the sky to look and at what time of day, as well as the colors from the major stars.

[Shaie F · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good introduction to the constellations (it does not include all 88). Pluto fans can rejoice in a book that was written before its demotion. And although it makes it clear that astrology is a pseudoscience it will still tell you what traits you’re supposed to have as a Taurus, even though due to precession all the zodiac constellations are about a months off their ancient date ranges.

[Marina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very nice and well explained book for beginners!!!