Review by Choice Review
The Cosmic Keyhole is an absorbing volume that presents recent developments in the fields of planetary science and astronomy at a level that is understandable to general readers and undergraduate students. Gater, a UK science writer, begins by reviewing recent investigations into the possibility of water and implications for extraterrestrial life throughout the solar system. Later in the book, he discusses extrasolar planets and extragalactic observations and theories. The most recent results presented are from early 2008, with a heavy emphasis upon notable findings from 2007. The work's strengths include the author's selection of subjects that will intrigue readers interested in astronomy; his engaging writing style; and the well-researched chapters, which include references to key papers, books, Web sites, and press releases. Gater has managed to make difficult scientific results understandable to the layperson while not misrepresenting or trivializing the science. Fourteen glossy pages contain full-color planetary and astronomical images. Their inclusion would have been more valuable if the images had been scattered through the book near the corresponding chapter, or if they at least contained reference pages in the figure caption. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower- and upper-division undergraduates and general readers interested in astronomy and planetary studies. S. A. Russell Gonzalez University of Florida
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
