Planet Hunter: Geoff Marcy and the Search for Other Earths

by Vicki Oransky Wittenstein

He has discovered more planets than anyone in history. In this inspiring true story, winner of the American Institute of Physics Award, Geoff Marcy's love of space helped him overcome struggles in his studies until finally he became an astronomer. But he was not on track to make major discoveries. Eventually, he went back to the questions that thrilled him as a boy: Are we alone? Do Earth-like planets orbit the stars in the night sky? It would not be easy to find a planet outside our solar system. Others had tried and failed. But Marcy never gave up. Since 1995, he and his colleagues have discovered nearly half of the 380 known "extrasolar" planets. Stunning paintings transport the reader to the exotic worlds that he and others have found.

Genres: Biography

48 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2010

Reviews

[Karen Ball · Rating 3 out of 5]

"If the universe can do it, you can too." One of Geoff Marcy's astronomy professors at UC Berkeley said that to him, and I'm glad he did! Marcy has spent his professional life hunting for planets in solar systems across the universe, working with other scientists to design and develop new methods, equipment and software that reveal more and more of the universe. Working at Hawaii's W.M. Keck Observatory on top of the extinct Mauna Kea volcano, these astronomers have pioneered the use of Doppler spectrometers to filter and analyze the light coming from star systems light years away from Earth. The science is explained in the story of several discoveries, as well as detailed sidebars and image captions. The images in the book include scientists at work (and relaxing), gorgeous large images of what artists imagine the other solar systems and planets might look like given what the scientists have discovered about them, and clear illustrations and diagrams that clarify the scientific processes at work. The text can be challenging, but the helpful glossary and references to illustrations will go a long way to encouraging readers to finish. The last chapter leaves us with possibilities: NASA's Kepler mission, launched in 2009 and the Space Inferometry Mission planned for launch in the next several years will both send back vast amounts of new information and images... what will we find soon? Exciting stuff! 7th grade and up.

[Michelle Tempted By Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yay! This book was very interesting and not too far over my head. I will admit that some of it was though. LOL The book tells the story of Geoff Marcy's life long passion for the planets and what lead to his pursuit career wise. There is a little background data about growing up and schooling and eventual planet hunting job. There are some inspirational bits to remind kids (or whomever) to keep your chin up and accomplish your goals. But really it is basically a description of the process used to find Extra Solar planets. I love that this book opened my mind so much further to the possibilities that are out there.

[Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boy, I wish this had been better. It's a pretty cool concept right off the bat. Geoff Marcy spends his life examining stars, to see if they've any planets surrounding them. The book goes into the nitty gritty of what that job entails, which is all well and good. Unfortunately, many of the descriptions would be difficult to understand for adults, let alone kids or teens (and the book appears to be marketed to kids anyway). It's a great idea but not really something that a casual reader is going to necessarily get into. - B

[Catherine Stine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great for the classroom or for kids who want to learn more about astronomy and planets that might sustain life. The author is a master of explaining complex data in a clear, fun way. The details provide great insight into the material. Many colorful photos add interest. Highly recommended!

[Brian E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This interesting book does a fantastic job of telling the story's of scientists that were pioneers in their own field, while also doing a great job of explaining very scientific methods, while explaining how everything works and we know it works that way. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves science, or just wants to read a short interesting book that isn't too hard.

[Betsy · Rating 2 out of 5]

One Sentence Review: A magnificent concept but sadly the cool details get lost in a sea of details so complex and confusing that even adult readers like myself will be left baffled (to say nothing of the intended child and teen audience).

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really not all that exciting. Of course, I may have enjoyed it more if I wasn't busy ignoring a sales pitch (not what lunch break is for, thank you very much!), but I'm not sure. I've read better.