In recent years, there has been increased interest in our Solar System. This has been prompted by the launching of giant orbiting telescopes and space probes, the discovery of new planetary moons and heavenly bodies that orbit the Sun, and the demotion of Pluto as a planet. In one generation, our place in the heavens has been challenged, but this is not unusual. Throughout history, there have been a number of such world views. Initially, Earth was seen as the center of the universe and surrounded by orbiting planets and stars. Then the Sun became the center of the cosmos. Finally, there was no center, just a vast array of galaxies with individual stars, some with their own retinue of planets. This allowed our Solar System to be differentiated from deep-sky objects, but it didn''t lose its mystery as more and more remarkable bodies were discovered within its boundaries.
This book tells the exciting story of how we have conceptualized and mapped our Solar System from antiquity to modern times. In addition to the complete text, this story is made more vivid by:
• 162 Solar System and planetary maps, diagrams, and images (over a third in color);
• direct quotes and figures from antiquarian, contemporary, and Space Age documents and photographs that allow the reader to track how humans have viewed the Solar System from original sources;
• nine tables that compare the various world views, relative planetary positions, and components of the Solar System with each other.
Broad in scope and rich in imagery, this book will draw the reader into the story of our Solar System and how it has been mapped since the beginning of recorded time.
Industry Reviews
From the book reviews:
"Each chapter is superbly illustrated with contemporary maps and photographs. ... The book is rounded off with comprehensive notes and references for each chapter and an excellent bibliography and glossary. ... It is just as comprehensive, well researched and expertly presented, with the keen eye of an astronomical historian with a thorough knowledge of his subject. ... could easily form the core of any modern library of astronomical literature devoted to its history." (Kevin J. Kilburn, The Journal of the British Astronomical Association, britastro.org, December, 2014)
"This work is liberally illustrated, with many images taken from the private collection of amateur astronomer/star map specialist Kanas ... . The present book will be most useful to readers interested in an accessible survey of how world views developed in many cultures around the globe, sometimes in parallel and sometimes influenced by one another. ... Summing Up: Recommended. All academic and general readers." (S. P. Maran, Choice, Vol. 51 (8), April, 2014)
"Dr. Kanas has written an engaging, clear, readable book for laypeople with an interest in the history of solar system and our relationship to it. ... Dr. Kanas's book gives a good, solid well-researched introduction to the history of the solar system. He explains complex ideas clearly and summarizes the main concepts concisely to solidify one's understanding of the concepts." (Julie Sweetkind-Singer, California Map Society Newsletter, Issue 1, April, 2014)
