In The Planets by Dava Sobel, one learns of the trivia and facts associated with each planet, as well as the moon and sun, in poetic terms. Scientist Dava Sobel, a New York Times bestselling author, shows that science can be beautiful and lyrical, not technical. Among other things, she tells of the mythology of Mercury, the superstitions associated with the Moon, the science fiction of Mars (told from the perspective of a rock from Mars), and the astrology of Jupiter, adding lots of interesting tidbits of information.

I enjoyed reading The Planets: it was a quick and naturally paced overview that gave me increased appreciation for the science that decorates the sky. I’d highly recommend her book for people looking for a popular (non-technical) approach to the subject.

Because I’m also watching a Carl Sagan program on the same subject, I felt like Sobel’s book was lacking. Both Sagan and Sobel impart of their own passion for the cosmos, but while Sagan’s seems full of facts, Sobel’s for some reason seems superficial – although it’s clear she’s done extensive research (and she includes a bibliography at the end).

In the end, though, Sobel’s book is probably just right for a general, easy-to-approach book (and a fast read) about a fascinating part of our life: the night sky.

Each planet Sobel discusses has some interesting aspect that is associated with it and discussed in greater detail.

  • The Sun: Genesis (an evolutionary look at creation in the most beautiful terms I’ve ever read*)
  • Mercury: Mythology (a look at the ancient myths relating to the night sky)
  • Venus: Beauty (Venus is female in most traditions and therefore a common subject of poetry)
  • Earth: Geography (an examination of discovery and discussion of our knowledge of our earth)
  • The Moon: Lunacy (superstitions abound when the moon is considered)
  • Mars: Science Fiction (stories of Martians have flourished since the late 1800s, and life once existed on Mars)
  • Jupiter: Astrology (a history and explanation of some basic aspects of astrology)
  • Saturn: Music (Saturn and its rings has been most commonly associated with music)
  • Uranus and Neptune: Night Air (Uranus and Neptune are inseparable, and studying the sky mathematically helped determine the existence of Neptune)
  • Pluto: UFO (Pluto’s status as a planet has always been in question)

*While Sobel maintains a mix of creationism and evolution, it’s neither overly religious nor overly scientific; both are in harmony.

credit: Jeff Barton and Josh Walawender

credit: Jeff Barton and Josh Walawender

My favorite planet is and always has been Saturn. There is something about the rings that I find absolutely beautiful. I also appreciated Sobel’s discussion of “music” as associated with Saturn because I also love music. The chapter on Venus also fascinated me.

I’ve also read Galileo’s Daughter and Longitude by Dava Sobel, which likewise approach science from a non-technical, easy-to-read format. Many thanks Heather at Age 30+: A Lifetime of Books for this review which prompted me to read this book.

Happy Thanksgiving + A Giveaway

I’m going to be out of town for a week for the Thanksgiving Holiday. I will have Internet access, but I don’t want to worry about automatic posts while I’m eating turkey and visiting with family, so I’m not going to post again until I get back. I will check comments and delete any spam; I may or may not respond to comments.

In the meantime, I’d like to giveaway my lightly used copy of The Planets to a reader of Rebecca Reads.

(The book itself is gorgeous: while it is paperback, the cover has a cool die-cut of Saturn peeking through. Each chapter also has a gorgeous full-page, full-color illustration of the heavens.  I almost want to keep it just because it’s pretty. But, I’ll share.)

This giveaway is open to anyone in the world; it ends Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. CST.

If you are interested in winning The Planets, please tell me what your favorite planet is (or the sun or moon). Why is it your favorite?

I’ll let random.org choose a winner Wednesday, December 3, 2008.

Have a happy Thanksgiving or a happy week (depending on where you live in the world).

If you have reviewed The Planets on your site, please leave a link in the comments and I’ll add it here.