The NASA Atlas of the Solar System

Rating:
Summary: Wait for the next edition
Review: Although published in '97, this book is already quite dated - the Mars and Jupiter system maps are based on Viking and Voyager data. Given the cost of this book, I'd wait until an edition came out which integrated the Mars Global Surveyopr and Gallileo data. Also, the detail of some of the maps leaves something to be desired - most of the locations listed in the Gazeeter are not marked on the maps. Finally, too much expository text is included (in a large type with generous spacing). I would have prefered these pages to be filled with more maps, rather than text I could have found elsewhere.

Rating:
Summary: The most complete cartographical Solar System reference avai
Review: I can remember being a child poring over maps of foriegn countries and wondering what life was like in those far away places. I was fortunate in that my grandmother had quite a collection of antique reference books, from the 19th century but in excellent shape, that she would allow me to examine.

I remember being impressed by the many beautiful, detailed illustrations and maps, artwork that could entice a young reader to dream. The heavy, well constructed tomes imparted a sense of respect to the reader, for here was True Knowledge, presented with an unmistakeable high quality and with meticulous detail.

Over the years my appreciation for quality reference books has increased. Growing up during the early years of space exploration naturally made me interested in books about the Moon and planets. I have many such books, but there is a lot of variance in the amount of meaningful content, print quality, size, and many other factors.

There are things that will bring on happy memories from childhood, and one thing that brought such a happy memory to me was when I received my NASA Atlas of the Solar System. It is a large, heavy, high quality and very serious book that deserves to be in every reference library. Here you will find, in incredible detail, the sum of mankind's cartographical knowledge of the entire Solar System as of 1997. Would-be space explorers will have a field day with maps of all the planets and their satellites, including many in-depth explanations about the many varied geological and geographical features found on the various worlds.

The maps are not simple composited photos, but are meticulously constructed using various techniques from image processing to airbrushing. Color is used extensively to convey information in many ways such as elevation and geologic age. The scaling and image quality is consistent throughout, and for the first time I've been able to compare a feature on the side of the Moon visible in telescopes and compare it directly to features seen on other worlds. Throughout there is related text that complements the maps.

One thing about this volume that impresses me over and over again is the realization of the sheer amount of information we have concerning our planetary neighbors in the Solar System. There is a lot of real estate out there!

Here is a book that can awaken and re-awaken the dream of space exploration for readers of all ages as well as serve as the ultimate reference book on Solar System cartography, geology and geography for many years to come. Whether for a school, public, or private library, the NASA Atlas of the Solar System should be considered an essential reference.

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful book with captivating pictures.
Review: This atlas gives good information on all aspects of the solar system wether you are a layman or a planetary scientist. The pictures and maps are all-encompassing and beautifully composed. This is a wonderful addition to anyone's library

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful book with captivating pictures.
Review: This atlas gives good information on all aspects of the solar system wether you are a layman or a planetary scientist. The pictures and maps are all-encompassing and beautifully composed. This is a wonderful addition to anyone's library