Astronomy for All Ages: Discovering the Universe Through Activities for Children and Adults - Paperback

by Philip Harrington (Author), Edward Pascuzzi (Author)

Kids and adults can explore outer space from their own backyards with this handy book of unusual and engaging activities. By simply looking up at the sky- with the unaided eye- parents, camp counselors, and other group leaders can help children identify, understand, and appreciate the inhabitants of the Milky Way and galaxies beyond. With this book, amateur star-gazers will become acquainted with the constellations, planets, and phases of the moon; how compasses, sundials, and telescopes work; and what causes shooting stars and other galactic phenomena. Down-to-earth explanations of astronomical events and concepts helps readers navigate their way through the stars.

Back Jacket

This collection of fifty-one fascinating and engaging activities opens up the gateway to outer space for stargazers young and old. Emphasizing group and family interaction, authors Philip Harrington and Edward Pascuzzi provide innovative activities that will help children identify, understand, and appreciate the objects in the Milky Way and galaxies beyond. With this book, you will become familiar with the constellations, planets, and phases of the moon. You will learn how sundials and telescopes work and even how to build your own. You'll also discover what causes shooting starts, auroras, nebulae, and other galactic phenomena. Charts of lunar-eclipse and meteor-shower dates will help you plan your viewing schedules. Clear, helpful diagrams, star charts, and photographs will guide you through the world of astronomy and make this book a delight to use. (8 1/2 x 11, 224 pages, b&w photos, illustrations, diagrams, charts)

Author Biography

Philip Harrington is the author of Touring the Universe through Binoculars andStarware, published by John Wiley & Sons, and regularly contributes to Sky and Telescope and Astronomy magazines. He teaches courses in astronomy at the Vanderbilt Museum Planetarium and at Hofstra University and is a frequent lecturer at astronomy clubs and conventions worldwide. Edward Pascuzzi, a high school physics and earth science teacher, holds a bachelor's degree in theoretical astrophysics and a master's degree in physics education. For the past decade he had lectured and taught astronomy at the Vanderbilt Museum Planetarium.