A Traveler's Guide to the Planets

Gr 6 Up—This magnificent tour of our solar system is presented using high-tech telescopes and fantastic computer-generated imagery. Stunning images and discussions cover "Saturn," "Jupiter," "Mars," "Venus and Mercury," Neptune and Uranus," and "Pluto and Beyond." Bonus segments feature presentations about the sun and the moon. Using a travel guide format, various scientists and other experts describe how to get to these planets, what you will need when you arrive, and what you will see. Among the topics covered are the rings of Saturn, the storm on Jupiter, Mars's mountains, and other exciting scientific facts. NASA scientists visit extreme environments on Earth to get insight into the environment on other planets. For example, they go to the volcanoes in Hawaii to study lava flows and test equipment for functionality. Testing is done on the salt flats and in deserts to develop equipment to use on Mars on future missions. Viewers also learn about the many different careers related to space exploration. The film originally aired on the National Geographic Channel as a mini series. This spectacular tour will be welcomed in school and public libraries.—Cynde Suite, Bartow County Library System, GA