Planets & Moons
About this ebook
Within these pages, you will explore the planets in detail—each with its unique characteristics, weather systems, and histories of formation. You will travel to their moons, some of which may harbour the conditions for life. We will trace the scientific breakthroughs that revolutionized our understanding, from Galileo’s telescope to modern-day robotic explorers sending back breath-taking images from alien landscapes.
What makes this book “Planets and Moons” stand out is its depth and clarity. Instead of simply skimming through facts and figures, this book dives deeper, weaving together science, history, and discovery in a way that is both informative and engaging. Every concept is presented in clear, accessible language, ensuring that even complex ideas can be grasped without difficulty. While mathematical principles are fundamental to planetary science, this book focuses on the big picture, introducing only the most essential formulas with practical examples to enhance understanding.
Our aim is to provide a comprehensive yet approachable guide, one that not only educates but also sparks curiosity and wonder. Whether you're an amateur astronomer, a student of the cosmos, or simply someone who has looked up at the night sky and wondered about the worlds beyond, this book is for you.
So, let’s embark on this journey together, traveling through the vast and fascinating realm of planets and moons—where every world has a story to tell.
About the author
How I developed an Interest in Astronomy?
As I look up at the night sky, I can’t help but think about the journey that led me to my passion for astronomy. It all started when I was a child, asking endless questions out of pure curiosity. I recall pestering my father with whimsical queries, such as "How long would an ant take to circle the moon?" – A testament to my naivety about the moon's enormity.
The stars had always fascinated me, but one moment stands out. During a power outage, I stepped onto the rooftop and saw the night sky in all its clarity. That view left an impression on me. Around the same time, I found myself drawn to science books, especially the sections that explained the difference between stars and planets. My growing interest even helped me score high in a 1995 geography test that included astronomy questions.
But what truly deepened my love for space was an unexpected experience with virtual reality. While visiting a mall, I tried an Oculus Rift demo called "Deep Space VR." The experience was unlike anything I had ever felt before. As soon as I got home, I searched for similar content on YouTube, and before long, I bought my own VR headset.
As I explored more about space, I came across a YouTube video promoting Flat Earth theories. It was surprisingly convincing at first, and I found myself questioning what I knew. But instead of blindly accepting the claims, I decided to investigate for myself. That’s when I bought my first telescope - Celestron PowerSeeker 50Az. One of the claims, that the moon emits its own light, was disproven when I observed the shadows within moon craters – a phenomenon impossible if the moon were self-luminescent. That moment changed everything. I moved away from pseudoscience and focused on real space exploration. Over the years, I studied astronomy intensely, gathering knowledge and refining my understanding. Eventually, I felt the need to share what I had learned in a way that was easy for others to understand. That’s how the idea of writing a book was born.
Looking back, I realize that curiosity is what led me here. The universe has a way of pulling us in, making us ask questions, and pushing us to explore beyond what we know. And for me, that curiosity turned into a lifelong passion.
