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All rights reserved.Martian Fossils on Earth? by Alfred B. Bortz, Fred Bortz (1997)
| Synopsis Discusses the study of a meteorite found in Antarctica in 1984 and why it is thought to come from Mars, examining how the scientific process works.
Publisher's Note Discusses the study of a meteorite found in Antarctica in 1984 and why it is thought to come from Mars, examining how the scientific process works. Industry Reviews Lopate [This is] solid science and intriguing scientific speculation. Criss-crossing geology, chemistry, and astronomy, Bortz delves into the hoopla and controversy surrounding the meteorite ALH 84001. . . . Instead of captions, a system of arrows links the many photos to the text. Although this occasionally interferes with the flow of the words, the quaint system usually works well, sometimes providing a more direct link between picture and text than captions do. A helpful glossary is included, though Bortz has done a wonderful job of explaining terms and concepts as he goes along. An author's note speaks to the lack of a bibliography (there simply isn't much on the subject yet) and refers children who want more information to the Internet. Good science that vividly explains how 'a simple piece of rock can tell an amazing story.' . . . Grades four to six. Annotation copyright H.W. Wilson Company. Zvirin Bortz adroitly maintains the tantalizing possibility of extraterrestrial life suggested by the rock's chemistry and structure, while subjecting the thrilling claims to dispassionate scientific scrutiny. Although the pro and con arguments are undeniably challenging, synthesizing physics, astronomy, biology, and chemistry, Bortz leads his readers through scientific testing and analysis one brief, logical chapter at a time and employs an assortment of color photos and charts to aid in explication and comparison. Adults who have been thoroughly confused by media hype concerning life on Mars might want to have a look at this balanced and readable offering, too. Annotation copyright H.W. Wilson Company. Bush The author is to be commended for trying to explain such a difficult topic to younger readers. While some of the concepts mentioned may be difficult to understand, the author explains the ideas well, without trivializing the science. . . . [He] includes dissenting opinions from scientists who are not convinced that the meteorite does in fact contain life. Although the book presents both sides of the argument for and against fossilized Martian life in the rock there is a definite slant toward the pro side. . . . However, whether ALH 84001 ever contained Martian life or not, it has excited a new generation to the possibilities of extraterrestrial life. This book helps to spread that excitement to young readers. Annotation copyright H.W. Wilson Company. McCullough | Find errors in the product description? Submit a catalog update request now. | ||||||||||||||
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