• Age: 9 to 13
• Grade: 4 to 8

An illustrated preview to the Cassini-Huygens mission arriving at Saturn in 2004.

Exploring Saturn is a lively, informative way for students to fully appreciate and understand the Cassini orbiter's historic rendezvous with the ringed planet in 2004. It features Cassini's 4-year mission details including the breakaway Huygens probe that will plummet to Saturn's largest moon, Titan -- the only moon in our solar system with an atmosphere. The data gathered from the Cassini-Huygens mission will help scientists to unravel Saturn's many mysteries, answer questions about Earth's formation, and investigate the possibility of life on other planets.

Exploring Saturn tells the remarkable story of discovering Saturn and its moons. Ancient astronomers estimated with surprising accuracy the distance, weight, and composition of Saturn using little more than observation and elementary physics. The book includes the latest findings from NASA as well as stunning color images from the Hubble Space Telescope, Voyager and Pioneer probes.

Included are practical website resources and a six-year schedule and location guide for backyard observations of the planet. The informative text is lively and conversational-easily accessible by students and amateur astronomers.

Dan Bortolotti is the author of five previous books, including Hope in Hell, a portrait of Doctors Without Borders and the Nobel-winning humanitarian aid group.&nbsp He has twice been nominated for the Science in Society Book Award, given by the Canadian Science Writers’ Association.&nbsp His journalism has appeared in more than two dozen publications in North America, including Maclean’s, Saturday Night, and the National Post newspaper.&nbsp Bortolotti lives with his family in Aurora, Ontario, just north of Toronto.

Dan Bortolotti's profile page

Lavishly illustrated... tells readers in detail all we currently know about the ringed planet.

Kliatt

This appealing presentation features a well-organized and engaging text as well as many exceptionally clear, colorful illustrations... the lively writing and excellent illustrations make this very accessible.

Booklist / RBB

Like a visit from an old friend, complete with photos and anecdotes. A lot can be learned from this easy read.

Olympia Olympian

Easy to understand... clearly written... an excellent reference book.

CM

This book will provide children ages 9 to 13 with an overview of Saturn's mythology and observational history... Even adults may learn something.

Sky and Telescope

Absolutely packed with information... The pages are full of interesting information with strategically placed pictures and illustrations so that you are not overwhelmed by the text. This is a fantastic book.

Resource Links

[Starred Review:] A crowd-pleasing blend of hard information and eye candy. Serious students and causal browsers alike with have trouble putting this down.

School Library Journal