Review: Space Exploration for Dummies by Cynthia Phillips & Shana Priwer

Title: Space Exploration for Dummies 
Author: Cynthia Phillips & Shana Priwer

Source/Format: Purchased, Paperback

More Details: Nonfiction, Science

Publisher/Publication Date: For Dummies, June 1, 2009

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Summary From Goodreads...

Do you long to explore the universe? This plain-English, fully illustrated guide explains the great discoveries and advancements in space exploration throughout history, from early astronomers to the International Space Station. You'll learn about the first satellites, rockets, and people in space; explore space programs around the world; and ponder the controversial question: Why continue to explore space? Take a quick tour of astronomy -- get to know the solar system and our place in the galaxy, take a crash course in rocket science, and live a day in the life of an astronaut...

When I started reading Space Exploration for Dummies, I knew I was in for a long ride. And boy, let me tell you, it took me a few weeks to read this book from start to finish. It wasn’t because I didn’t enjoy it—I really did—it was just a lot of information to take in…and it wasn’t going to be all at once either.

My main reason for picking up this book is because I wanted to know a little more about space exploration—the race to the moon, the first space stations, and early technology that eventually led to peoplw getting into space. Some of the information covered things I already knew, but there was plenty that turned out to be new to me. I learned a lot about the various space programs, the shuttles, and facts about the space race that I honestly hadn’t heard of before. There was no shortage of interesting facts, such as what it takes to get a rocket off the ground and into space, as well as the success and failures of the many ventures that were made all in the name of space exploration. Space Exploration for Dummies was definitely an interesting read that basically renewed my enthusiasm for learning more about space.

Interesting Quotes... 

“In 2005, Cassini flew past Enceladus and spotted startling signs of activity for such a small moon: Huge geysers of material were observed being ejected from Enceladus’s surface.” (p.253).

“Some material ejected from the geysers falls back onto the surface of Enceladus, and the rest of it goes into orbit.” (p.253).

“Enceladus orbits Saturn embedded in a tenuous ring called the E ring, and scientists now believe that geyser material that escapes Enceladus is actually the source of this ring.” (p.253).

“The plan was to send part of the spacecraft on a collision course with the comet and use the impact to eject material from the inside of the comet into outer space, where it could be studied.” (p.243).