The Big Backyard: The Solar System Beyond Pluto

Gr 9 Up–Hugo award-winning author and illustrator Miller brings his experience illustrating for NASA to this engaging book, taking curious readers on a fact-filled tour of the outer reaches of our solar system. Readers learn about the many unmanned missions that have contributed to the body of knowledge on the solar system, including the equipment scientists used to capture important readings that allowed NASA to study far-flung objects and planets. When describing the atmosphere of Pluto or the terrain of a comet, Miller includes the collected data that assisted astrophysicists in reaching their conclusions, written in an easy-to-understand way. While Miller shows how much we have learned about our solar system, he also makes clear how much there is left to learn. There are great mysteries at the edge of the solar system that continue to engage scientists and are waiting for the next generation of young astronomers. Illustrations and charts are found throughout. Back matter includes a glossary; an index; a bibliography; an extensive selection of books, magazines, and websites for further reading; and source notes.