Paul Murdin

What this book does well is break down the intricacies of the Solar System -- from the eight planets, to the Moon, and other important celestial objects -- in a way that's accessible and informative. It may not blow the minds of those who study astronomy or have a passion for it, but it's one of the more accessible Space-related books I've read recently. It helps that Murdin's style is humorous, with plenty of levity added alongside scientific jargon.

Good introduction to what we know about the planets and what we would like to know, but don't yet. The author does get a bit bogged down with the vital statistics in places but it's worth persevering.

Short review of planets, jumping quickly between random trivia, history and, my least favourite, cutesy jokes and moralising on climate change. Every planet is introduced with basic stats and a "secret". The secret of earth is: "I was happy with the cyanobacteria, who changed the atmosphere for the better, but those humans are too many, they are messing everything up and I am thinking about getting rid of them.". Venus is also wondering if earth is going to end up like her.

This book uses spectacular photography to show the colours of stars, galaxies and nebulae. It lucidly explains what colour is and how it reveals the physical nature of astronomical bodies