The Size of Space

How do we understand the huge sizes and distances of space objects? Creating scale models can help. This lets us shrink down the solar system to an easy-to-understand level.
How big is the Sun compared to Earth? How far apart are these objects in space? Imagine the Sun is the size of a basketball at one end of a basketball court. Then Earth would be the size of a sesame seed at the opposite end of the court! This book makes the huge sizes and distances of planets, moons, and stars understandable by comparing space objects to things we know on Earth and using scale models. Prepare to be amazed!

Dr. Bruce Betts is Chief Scientist and LightSail Program Manager for The Planetary Society, the world's largest space interest group. Dr. Betts is a planetary scientist who earned a B.S. in physics and math and an M.S. in Applied Physics from Stanford and a Ph.D. in Planetary Science with a minor in Geology from Caltech. He spent several years with San Juan Institute/Planetary Science Institute as a Research Scientist, and later Senior Research Scientist. Dr. Betts is the author of Astronomy for Kids: How to Explore Outer Space with Binoculars, a Telescope, or Just Your Eyes! He regularly writes for The Planetary Society member magazine The Planetary Report, and on his blog on planetary.org.