The solar system is a system of celestial bodies, including the sun, planets and their moons, dwarf planets, asteroids, comets, and interplanetary material, which is centered on the sun and bound together by the sun’s gravity. The solar system lies about 24,000 to 27,000 light-years from the center of the Milky Way galaxy (of which the Sun is just one of about 100 to 400 billion stars).The sun moves around the galactic center at 220 kilometers per second for about 250 million years, causing periodic changes in earth’s climate and the whole nature. The direction of the sun is basically toward Vega and near to Hercules.
The formation of the solar system began about 4.6 billion years ago with the gravitational collapse of a giant interstellar molecular cloud. Most of the mass in the solar system is concentrated in the Sun. Of the remaining bodies, the most massive is Jupiter. The eight planets move counterclockwise around the sun. There are also smaller objects in the asteroid belt between Jupiter and Mars. The Kuiper Belt and Oort Cloud also abound with small objects. There are many moons orbiting planets or small bodies. Every planet outside the asteroid belt has a ring.
Here are our top picks as the best books on solar system in 2023.
1. Growing Up With Spaceflight – Apollo Part One
The book contains the true story of an ordinary child growing up in an American project. The book is the first release in a six-volume series and follows the author from age nine and the tragic Apollo 1 fire that killed three NASA astronauts to age 12 and the drama of Apollo 13’s near disaster. Along the way readers who also grew up in that era will read the accounts and say, “Hey! That was me too! I did that with the Apollo models, I watched that on TV, I remember that day.” Additionally, readers who were not yet born will be able to get an up-close and personal look through the keyhole of the door of time and experience what it was really like to grow up in that exciting era.
As usual, the authors delve deeper into THE NASA documents than previous authors and find some fascinating and deeply obscure details. Working with two editors who are themselves experts in the history of space flight, the author manages to surprise them with some previously overstated facts. However, while technically correct and factually true, the growing Up with Spaceflight series is not a dry engineering narrative. Instead, it is fun and witty reading that will take the reader on a pleasant journey through time. The author goes to great lengths to add illustrations that are both informative and unique. Besides, this is a happy read to avoid tabloid gossip. Therefore, readers will like the book and they will learn something.
2. Taking Turns
The book is filled with nature, science and how Sun and Moon resolve their differences. It offers in both English and Spanish, provides social skills for children to learn kindness, sharing and friendship with a science theme. This book follows the common core standards for English, Science, Spanish and other social skills for children up to grade five.
The book is a clever and informative way to teach young readers the importance of sharing and caring. I particularly love the illustrations, including beautiful paintings depicting the sky, the Sun and the Moon, and life on Earth during the day and the night. At the end of the book, there is an interesting fact sheet on the Sun and the Moon, which makes reading more fun and not only helps children explore the concept of sharing, but also provides them with the opportunity to expand their creativity and imagination through scientific activities. Therefore, this book is not only a reading, but also an educational exercise.
3. My First Book of Dwarf Planets: A Kid’s Guide to the Solar System’s Small Planets
This book is about dwarf planets and it provides an interesting and easy to understand focus for readers to learn more about the solar system and dwarf planets. Get even the youngest space fan excited about our solar system’s smallest planets, from the lone dwarf planet in the inner solar system to the diverse mini worlds of the Kuiper belt and beyond! This book uses incredible space photos and easy-to-understand entries packed with fun facts to help kids explore the fascinating lineup of dwarf planets: rocky Ceres; Pluto, the planet with a heart; red Makemake; weird-and-wonderful Haumea; and icy and far-flung Eris.
This children’s book has three great advantages. First, large, beautiful images, some inspiring high-quality photos from space missions, and science-based illustrations take readers to every moment of the dwarf planet. Second, present information in a simple and understandable way, with a lot of detail. Third, interesting spatial facts provide readers with unique ways to understand complex knowledge. Therefore, this book is suitable for children who are interested in dwarf planets, it will bring you a different experience.
4. Wonders of the Solar System
In the famous BBC TV series Wonders of the Solar System, Professor Brian Cox takes us on a journey of discovery, where your imagined alien world becomes places we can see, feel and visit. From enceladus’s giant ice springs to Titan’s liquid methane seas, from storms twice the size of Earth, to the tormented moon IO and giant supervolcanoes, the wonders of the solar system are like nothing you’ve ever seen before. In this series, Professor Brian Cox will introduce us to planets and moons beyond our world and discover the biggest, strangest and most powerful natural phenomena. Using the latest scientific imagery, cutting edge CGI and some of the most spectacular and extreme locations on Earth, Brian will show us wonders that have never been seen before.
Therefore, in this book of the acclaimed BBC2 TV series, Professor Cox shows us the cosmos as we have never seen it before, which is a place full of the most bizarre and powerful natural phenomena. Moreover, using his trademark clear, authoritative, yet down-to-earth approach, Brian will explore how these never-before-seen phenomena can dramatically expand our horizons through discoveries about planets, their moons, and how new discoveries can be made. This book will make you very interested in the planets and learn a lot without realizing it, which is wonderful for anyone. I believe this book to bring you the appeal and fun are great.
5. The Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System
The book talks about that the fieldtrip to the planetarium is foiled when the museum turns out to be closed, but Ms. Frizzle saves the day. The Magic School Bus turns into a spaceship and takes the class on a trip zooming through the atmosphere, to the Moon, and beyond! In addition, new scientific information is included, including the latest facts about the solar system, returning the book to the status of the best-selling science series once again. Therefore, this is a very classic book for children to study and use. There is a wealth of facts and information that captivates every reader with its interesting stories and imagery.
6. There’s No Place Like Space: All About Our Solar System (Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library)
The book takes readers on an out of this world reading adventure through outer space! And you can learn about the solar system, planets, the constellations, and astronauts, and explore the wonders of space with the help of everyone’ favorite Cat in the Hat! So it is unjacketed hardcover picture book that explores a range of nonfiction topics about the world we live in and include an index, glossary, and suggestions for further reading. This book combines basic facts with interesting trivia to introduce readers to topics that are sure to be of interest. Therefore, it is perfect for aspiring astraunauts, or any kid who loves learning and science.
7. The Magic School Bus At the Waterworks
The classic title that started the award-winning series! In the book, join Ms. Frizzle and her students as they follow the trail of water, from its sky-high source to the school bathroom sink on this wet and wild fieldtrip. After parking the school bus on a cloud and shrinking to raindrop size, Ms. Frizzle’s class gets to see the waterworks from the water’s point of view. The characters in this book make learning about science fun and exciting! Definitely not a bedtime book because the books generate even more questions from your child. Great way to encourage interest in science! So don’t miss this fun and informative book.
8. Space Encyclopedia: A Tour of Our Solar System and Beyond (National Geographic Kids)
Presenting the latest exciting findings on space exploration and research and cutting-edge, spectacular views of the universe that technology is bringing back to Earth, all in the ultimate reference book.
This attractive compendium of information about space is encyclopedic in the sense that its scope is broad. The facts are presented in two- to eight-page highly illustrated articles within five thematic sections. The first section, “What We Know,” comments on matters as diverse as the big bang, dark energy, near-earth objects, and solar storms. The two longest sections are the tour of our solar system (including dwarf planets and the Oort cloud) and the outward-looking presentation on stars, galaxies, and the universe. The final sections, “Are We Alone?” and “Dreams of Tomorrow,” look to the future. The articles are clearly written and informative. Beautifully reproduced on heavy and glossy pages, the illustrations include Aguilar’s often striking, imaginative artwork as well as many excellent images from NASA. So this is an informative and reasonably priced book.
9. Solar System: A Visual Exploration of All the Planets, Moons and Other Heavenly Bodies that Orbit Our Sun
The book begins with a fascinating overview and then organized by planet, in order of its distance from the sun, taking us on a trip across time and space that includes a front-row seat to the explosive birth of the solar system, a journey to (and then deep inside) each of its eight planets, and even an in-depth exploration of asteroids and comets. Moreover, with hundreds of gorgeous images produced especially for this project and through a collaboration between NASA and the graphics experts at Planetary Visions Ltd. and Joe Zeff Design, the book gives us page after page of unique, detailed, and never-before-seen views, both photographic and computer-generated. Take a dive down into the canyons of Mars; ride across the rings of Saturn; fly over the volcanoes of Io, Jupiter’s so-called Pizza Moon; and sail through the fiery loops of gas that are constantly erupting from our sun.
In addition, every planet and moon is introduced with a big, beautiful, full-page image and a databox that shows the orbit and position of the planet or moon in relation to surrounding bodies, as well as the diameter, mass, volume, surface temperature, atmospheric makeup, and orbital period of the planet; a scale comparison graphic; and a planet cross-section for the eight planets. Therefore, the author explains everything to us in his easy-to understand and exciting style and comprehensive information. The result is a gorgeous and thoroughly entertaining―not to mention educational―book.
10. Adventures in the Solar System: Planetron and Me
The book is about that Will’s mom and dad promise him a surprise for getting good grades in school. When his dad brings home a toy transformer robot named Planetron, Will is pleased, but not very excited. Until he discovers Planetron really transforms, from a toy into a huge, faster-than-light spaceship. And when Planetron asks Will if he wants to travel to the sun and the planets, the real adventure begins. Follow Will and Planetron as they escape dust storms on Mars, dodge hurtling asteroids, dive into Jupiter’s great red spot, and ride a comet back to Earth.
This is an adventure at the speed of light, filled with exciting sounds, great music, and solid science. In addition, this audiobook and beautifully illustrated book will stimulate curiosity, develop thinking skills, and encourage readers to participate in the study of astronomy and science on their own. Interestingly, this book is not only suitable for children, it is also suitable for adults. You can accompany your children as they study and learn a lot yourself.
11. I Am the Solar System: Educational Series for Kids
In this simple Solar System book for kindergarten and first grade, kids are introduced to basic space concepts that are made easy to follow and remember. Starting at the Sun and working outward through the planets and belts, children will discover space objects and follow the flow of the solar wind, which takes them a fun and informative tour of the Solar System. Therefore, there are many questions that you can answer after reading this book. How many planets are in the Solar System? What type of planets are they? What happens to the solar wind? Have any spacecraft made it out of the Solar System? Where does the Solar System end? Find the answer to these questions and many more. I Am the Solar System is an excellent book for preschoolers, kindergarteners, and first graders just beginning to understand the basic concepts of the Solar System they are part of.
All in all, this is a fully illustrated Solar System book for preschool, kindergarten and first-grade level learners that teach children the beginning concepts of Space Science in an easy to follow format. So it is an excellent book for the aspiring young astronaut. Moreover, both boys and girls ages 5-8 will love the bright and colorful images of the planets and objects brought to life as characters, which make learning more enjoyable and engaging. Kids will enjoy learning facts with the imaginatively illustrated Sun and planets that help build a love of learning while simultaneously presenting educational and scientific facts. Large print and easy to follow information tell all about the solar system for kids at preschool level learning. It’s a great beginning level early astronomy book for kids with age-appropriate amounts of information on each page and large colorful images that further explain the concepts. In a word, this is a great book for young children who love space and want to learn more about the Solar System.
12. 1424 Fun, Random, & Interesting Space Facts That Everyone Should Know: Planets, Galaxies, Moons, and More (Professor Smart’s Series)
This book includes 1424 fun, random and interesting space facts that everyone should know. In this interesting book, you will learn about the relationship between the moon’s gravity and our tides and the history of the universe. Of course, it also can solve some questions what you are concerned. For example, how long astronauts typically stay in outer space? Which planet is known as the “most boring planet in our solar system”, and which moon was named after the Greek God of War. Generally speaking, this amazing fact filled book especially for children.
13. The Sun: An Introduction (Astronomy and Astrophysics Library)
A wealth of new experimental and theoretical results has been obtained in solar physics since the first edition of this textbook appeared in 1989. Thus all nine chapters have been thoroughly revised, and about 100 pages and many new illustrations have been added to the text. The additions include element diffusion in the solar interior, the recent neutrino experiments, methods of image restoration, observational devices used for spectroscopy and polarimetry, and new developments in helioseismology and numerical simulation. The book takes particular advantage of the results of several recent space missions, which lead to substantial progress in our understanding of the Sun, from the deep interior to the corona and solar wind.
This is an excellent introduction to the whole of solar physics at a consistent level of mathematics and assumed physics background. It would be suitable as a reference for some advance undergraduate courses and should be compulsory reading for postgraduate students studying the Sun. It could also be read with interest by anyone with a physics background wishing to learn more detail about the Sun than is available online or through general astrophysics books.
14. Exoplanets 101: A Guide to the Worlds Out There
The book is a guide to dozens of alien worlds that you will learn about in detail. All of these worlds are real, which is unlike anything we’ve ever seen or heard before. In this book, you will learn gaseous behemoths and water planets, worlds with several or no suns, frozen planets and fiery Earths, planetary collisions and star leftovers.
Until just three decades ago, the small handful of planets within the confines of our Solar System was all we knew about worlds populating the universe. But today, we are aware of the existence of thousands of other planets in our galaxy and beyond. Obtaining such knowledge required the efforts of countless researchers over generations, as well as the implementation of enormous technological advances. And yet, the outcome of this endeavor has been huge: now we not only know that there are legions of extrasolar worlds, but that all of them are unique and very different from our home.
By means of exhaustive descriptions and vivid illustrations, you will be able to learn about their differences and similarities with our own world. And whether you are a true fan of all things space or a curious mind regarding general knowledge, the book is a book made for you. This compendium will certainly transform your perspective of our place in the expansion, while fueling your interest in learning about the cosmic wonders that science keeps revealing.
15. America’s First Great Eclipse: How Scientists, Tourists, and the Rocky Mountain Eclipse of 1878 Changed Astronomy Forever
America’s First Great Eclipsetells the story of a country, and its scientists, on the brink of a new era. Near the end of the nineteenth century, when the United States was barely a hundred years old, American astronomers were taking the lead in a science that Europeans had dominated for centuries. Scientists like Samuel Langley, Henry Draper, Maria Mitchell, and even the inventor Thomas Edison, were putting America at the forefront of what was being called the “new astronomy.”
On July 29, 1878, having braved treacherous storms, debilitating altitude sickness, and the threat of Indian attacks, they joined thousands of East-coast tourists and Western pioneers as they spread out across the Great Plains and climbed to the top of 14,000-foot Pikes Peak, all to glimpse one of nature’s grandest spectacles: a total solar eclipse. It was the first time in history so many astronomers observed together from higher elevations. The Rocky Mountain eclipse of 1878 was not only a turning point in American science, but it was also the beginning of high-altitude astronomy, without which our current understanding of the Universe would be impossible. Therefore, the book will takes readers on a thrilling historical journey, revealing that nineteenth-century Americans were just as excited about a total solar eclipse as we are today. If you are interested in it, it is a good choice.
16. Solar System for Kids (Tinker Toddlers)
This book is a great way to introduce the eight planets in our solar system and beyond. With interplanetary travel a real possibility for the next generation, this space book will launch your little astronomer on an amazing space adventure with colors, shapes, sizes, and super-simple facts. The book takes a page or two about what makes each planet unique, as well as learning space facts and understanding how the universe works, and touching on more facts about the solar system. Readers will be awed by the vibrant images that bring planets & stars to life. Truly it is a fun introduction to space for young kids.
The book is both complex and simple. It connects the content with the real world, which is a good way to introduce children to advanced scientific topics. It also refines and simplifies some very macro concepts in the book so that children can digest the knowledge in it. This children’s book, with its large font, beautiful and colorful illustrations, and color coordination, greatly encourages children’s curiosity and adventure. This is educational for both children and parents.
17. THE MOON: The Big Space Encyclopedia for Kids
The book is an encyclopedia of answers to questions about the moon and the solar system. For example, how did the moon attract generations of humans? What is its charm? Does it have anything to do with romantic evenings? What are the oceans of the moon made of? What would we do if there were no moon? There are nearly 60 such questions in this book, and after reading this book, you may find the answers.
This encyclopedia is a reliable and long-term read. The quality of the images and content is superb. In addition, the form of writing also uses dialogue to promote children to improve their thinking ability, improve their reading habits to help children better access to knowledge. If your child enjoys this type of book, your child and you will progress together through this book.
18. The Solar System And Some Mysterious Facts: (Astronomy For Kids)
The book is about solar and planetary systems and includes a lot of explanatory material that will let children know the astronomical facts themselves. The main topics of this book include an introduction to planetary systems, asteroids, meteoroids, meteor showers and other interesting facts about the solar system. Therefore, in this book, explains a lot of phenomena closely related to our life, such as the twinkling stars in the night sky, meteors across the sky and so on. It is well known that the solar system formed from a giant rotating cloud of gas and dust, which is known as the Solar Nebula. The book also further explains the formation and relationship between solar nebulae and asteroids and the four outer planets.
With colorful pictures and detailed explanations, the book intrigues children in science. If you have interests in solar system, it is a good choice for you. Don’t hesitate.
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