Overview
In CARS ON MARS readers can follow the course of NASA's Mars Exploration Rover (MER) mission as twin rovers Spirit and Opportunity explore the Red Planet. Learn how scientists determined that there was once water on Mars and how the Earthbound NASA team resolved problems with the rovers from afar in order to prolong the mission, which continues today. The author provides insight into scientists' quest to discover whether life may have or still might exist on Mars. Back matter includes glossary, source notes, and resources.
Full Product Details
Author: Alexandra Siy
Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing,U.S.
Imprint: Charlesbridge Publishing,U.S.
Dimensions:
Width: 27.90cm
, Height: 1.30cm
, Length: 22.90cm
Weight: 0.658kg
ISBN: 9781570914621
ISBN 10: 1570914621
Pages: 64
Publication Date: 01 July 2009
Recommended Age: From 8 to 12 years
Audience:
Children/juvenile
,
Children's (6-12)
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Out of Stock Indefinitely
Availability: In Print
Limited stock is available. It will be ordered for you and shipped pending supplier's limited stock.
Reviews
Originally expected to last only 90 days, Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity have been exploring the geology of the Red Planet since they arrived in 2004. The information they send home includes striking panoramic and close-up images of the Martian landscape, the heart of this intriguing account. Organized as a series of instructions to the robot cars, the text follows their progress from an idea in the mind of geologist Steve Squyres, through launches and landings on opposite sides of the planet, to their subsequent stops and starts. Diagrams, composite images and pictures of work Earthside complement the rovers' beautifully reproduced photographs. Presented chronologically, their story is told in a conversational tone, with familiar food comparisons (the Victoria crater's layers are likened to a 15-scoop ice-cream cone). Still, readers may feel overwhelmed by the amount of information and be confused by which rover is where doing what. A series of maps would have helped. Siy's enthusiasm is evident and she includes extensive suggestions for continued exploration of this exciting, ongoing project. (further research, glossary, bibliography, photo credits, index) (Nonfiction. 10-14) (Kirkus Reviews)
Author Information
In CARS ON MARS readers can follow the course of NASA's Mars Exploration Rover (MER) mission as twin rovers Spirit and Opportunity explore the Red Planet. Learn how scientists determined that there was once water on Mars and how the Earthbound NASA team resolved problems with the rovers from afar in order to prolong the mission, which continues today. The author provides insight into scientists' quest to discover whether life may have or still might exist on Mars. Back matter includes glossary, source notes, and resources.
