Mission: Earth, Voyage to the Home Planet
Encyclopedia
Mission: Earth, Voyage to the Home Planet is a children's literature
book by science
writer
June A. English and astronaut
Thomas David Jones
. It was published in 1996 by Scholastic. The book chronicles the NASA
space mission of Jones, which began April 1994, with contextual background information provided by English. Jones was among the crew members of the Space Shuttle Endeavour
, during an eleven day mission in Space to study the ecology
well-being of planet Earth utilizing specialized radar technology. Radar images and picturesque photographs help to illustrate the account given by Jones throughout the work.
The book received a generally favorable reception in media coverage and from book reviewers. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
noted, "The authors convey the awe and wonderment of seeing Earth from space and the intricate delicacy of the Earth's ecology." The Dallas Morning News
observed, "The astronaut's descriptions are vivid." A review in Booklist
was more critical, "The authors try to cover too much in so few pages, and the narrative, with several focal points, becomes simplified at times." School Library Journal
wrote, "It provides a unique look at a new method of research and an opportunity for youngsters to read one scientist's account of what it's like to engage in this exciting field of endeavor." It was selected for inclusion in books Best Books for Children, and Adventuring With Books, or educating youths about history by using children's literature works.
Thomas David Jones
was a member of the United States Air Force
prior to his service working for NASA
. As Jones was a United States federal employee at the time of the book's publication, he did not receive profits from sales of the work. English and Jones would later go on together to produce another collaborative work, Scholastic Encyclopedia of the United States at War, published in 1998. Jones authored another book about his experiences in space, Sky Walking: An Astronaut's Memoir, published in 2006.
Thomas David Jones
recounts for the reader his experiences studying planet Earth
during his first mission with the space agency NASA
. English gives the reader contextual information regarding Jones' mission during this time period. Jones was a member of the crew of the Space Shuttle Endeavour
, which departed Earth in April 1994. Jones writes descriptively of his observations while looking at the Earth from Space, for example upon viewing lightning occurring on the planet, he recalls: "Maybe more than any other sight from space, lightning gives the decided impression that the Earth is alive, a living organism." Aurora
phenomenon is described in the book as, "shimmering fingers of green light reaching up from the dark ocean, an arc of light around the South Magnetic Pole."
His journey lasted eleven days. The book was based upon journal entries written by Jones during his time on the mission. A typical NASA mission member's day-to-day experiences while living on the space shuttle are presented. The mission intended to provide the Space Radar Lab
with a view of the planet. By utilizing three separate radar
echo
es, scientists were able to analyze a full image of the planet. The radar technology was able to penetrate obstructions including clouds and thick outgrowth of trees. Another purpose of the mission was to analyze the ecological
state of the planet. In addition to the radar technology, a separate device was utilized in order to take measurements of pollution
on the Earth caused by carbon monoxide
. Jones provides the reader with detailed imagery to assist in his account, including photographs from his mission, and pictures from the radar capture.
, who commented, "The authors convey the awe and wonderment of seeing Earth from space and the intricate delicacy of the Earth's ecology." She noted of the descriptive nature of the text, "Their descriptions of scientific phenomena read like revelations of mystic wonders. But this is not to say it is ponderous, not at all." O'Connell's review concluded, "The text is packed with fascinating information and humorous touches. Even children who are not ordinarily interested in space or ecology will be interested in this book, and aficionados will go ga-ga." Leigh Fenly of The San Diego Union-Tribune
recommended the book, and observed, "Science writer June English tracked the launch and adds perspective on how the mission will help scientists understand Earth, including its atmosphere, geology, ecology -- and future." Nita Thurman wrote for The Dallas Morning News
, "Mission: Earth, A Journey to the Home Planet has dozens of color photos taken inside the shuttle and through its windows. The astronaut's descriptions are vivid." Publishers Weekly
wrote favorably of the book, "Astronaut Jones's enthusiasm for his work is contagious; it shines through the text, making for a roundly enjoyable and informative read." In their recommendation of the book, Publishers Weekly noted, "Well-conceived and thoughtfully executed, this book deserves a wide audience."
A review of the book by Ilana Steinhorn in Booklist
was more critical, "The authors try to cover too much in so few pages, and the narrative, with several focal points, becomes simplified at times." Steinhorn concluded, "Still, the account is interesting, and the many high-quality, often breathtaking color photographs and radar images complement the text nicely." Elaine Fort Weischedel reviewed the book for School Library Journal
, and recommended the book for a specific teaching subject matter, "Pollution patterns, shifting ocean currents, destruction of rain forests, and other environmental changes were the heart of Jones's project, and this book might be used more successfully to supplement the curriculum in those areas than in units on space flight per se." Weischedel observed, "It provides a unique look at a new method of research and an opportunity for youngsters to read one scientist's account of what it's like to engage in this exciting field of endeavor." Horn Book Review characterized the book as, "a uniquely personal account". The review observed, "The book features a crowded design, but the many color photographs throughout the text are fascinating."
The book is listed as a resource for educating youth about history by using children's literature works, in the book by Wanda J. Miller, Teaching U.S. history through children's literature: post-World War II. Additionally, it is utilized in books including Strategies That Work: Teaching Comprehension for Understanding and Engagement by Stephanie Harvey and Anne Goudvis, Reading Comprehension: Books and Strategies for the Elementary Curriculum by Kathryn K. Matthew and Kimberly Kimbell-Lopez, and An Integrated Language Perspective in the Elementary School: An Action Approach by Christine Pappas, Barbara Zulandt Kiefer, and Linda S. Levstik. It was selected for inclusion in books Best Books for Children by John Thomas Gillespie, and Adventuring With Books by Kathryn Mitchell Pierce.
Children's literature
Children's literature is for readers and listeners up to about age twelve; it is often defined in four different ways: books written by children, books written for children, books chosen by children, or books chosen for children. It is often illustrated. The term is used in senses which sometimes...
book by science
Science
Science is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe...
writer
Writer
A writer is a person who produces literature, such as novels, short stories, plays, screenplays, poetry, or other literary art. Skilled writers are able to use language to portray ideas and images....
June A. English and astronaut
Astronaut
An astronaut or cosmonaut is a person trained by a human spaceflight program to command, pilot, or serve as a crew member of a spacecraft....
Thomas David Jones
Thomas David Jones
Thomas David Jones is a former United States astronaut. He was selected to the astronaut corps in 1990 and completed four space shuttle flights before retiring in 2001. He flew on STS-59 and STS-68 in 1994, STS-80 in 1996 and STS-98 in 2001. His total mission time was 53 days 48 minutes...
. It was published in 1996 by Scholastic. The book chronicles the NASA
NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the agency of the United States government that is responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research...
space mission of Jones, which began April 1994, with contextual background information provided by English. Jones was among the crew members of the Space Shuttle Endeavour
Space Shuttle Endeavour
Space Shuttle Endeavour is one of the retired orbiters of the Space Shuttle program of NASA, the space agency of the United States. Endeavour was the fifth and final spaceworthy NASA space shuttle to be built, constructed as a replacement for Challenger...
, during an eleven day mission in Space to study the ecology
Ecology
Ecology is the scientific study of the relations that living organisms have with respect to each other and their natural environment. Variables of interest to ecologists include the composition, distribution, amount , number, and changing states of organisms within and among ecosystems...
well-being of planet Earth utilizing specialized radar technology. Radar images and picturesque photographs help to illustrate the account given by Jones throughout the work.
The book received a generally favorable reception in media coverage and from book reviewers. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, also known simply as the "PG," is the largest daily newspaper serving metropolitan Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.-Early history:...
noted, "The authors convey the awe and wonderment of seeing Earth from space and the intricate delicacy of the Earth's ecology." The Dallas Morning News
The Dallas Morning News
The Dallas Morning News is the major daily newspaper serving the Dallas, Texas area, with a circulation of 264,459 subscribers, the Audit Bureau of Circulations reported in September 2010...
observed, "The astronaut's descriptions are vivid." A review in Booklist
Booklist
Booklist is a publication of the American Library Association that provides critical reviews of books and audiovisual materials for all ages. It is geared toward libraries and booksellers and is available in print or online...
was more critical, "The authors try to cover too much in so few pages, and the narrative, with several focal points, becomes simplified at times." School Library Journal
School Library Journal
The School Library Journal is a monthly magazine with articles and reviews for school librarians, media specialists, and public librarians who work with young people. Articles cover a wide variety of topics, with a focus on technology and multimedia. Reviews are included for preschool to 4th grade,...
wrote, "It provides a unique look at a new method of research and an opportunity for youngsters to read one scientist's account of what it's like to engage in this exciting field of endeavor." It was selected for inclusion in books Best Books for Children, and Adventuring With Books, or educating youths about history by using children's literature works.
Authors
June A. English is an author with a specialty in the field of science writing. She has published works within the genre of children's literature.Thomas David Jones
Thomas David Jones
Thomas David Jones is a former United States astronaut. He was selected to the astronaut corps in 1990 and completed four space shuttle flights before retiring in 2001. He flew on STS-59 and STS-68 in 1994, STS-80 in 1996 and STS-98 in 2001. His total mission time was 53 days 48 minutes...
was a member of the United States Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
prior to his service working for NASA
NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the agency of the United States government that is responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research...
. As Jones was a United States federal employee at the time of the book's publication, he did not receive profits from sales of the work. English and Jones would later go on together to produce another collaborative work, Scholastic Encyclopedia of the United States at War, published in 1998. Jones authored another book about his experiences in space, Sky Walking: An Astronaut's Memoir, published in 2006.
Contents
In the work, astronautAstronaut
An astronaut or cosmonaut is a person trained by a human spaceflight program to command, pilot, or serve as a crew member of a spacecraft....
Thomas David Jones
Thomas David Jones
Thomas David Jones is a former United States astronaut. He was selected to the astronaut corps in 1990 and completed four space shuttle flights before retiring in 2001. He flew on STS-59 and STS-68 in 1994, STS-80 in 1996 and STS-98 in 2001. His total mission time was 53 days 48 minutes...
recounts for the reader his experiences studying planet Earth
Earth
Earth is the third planet from the Sun, and the densest and fifth-largest of the eight planets in the Solar System. It is also the largest of the Solar System's four terrestrial planets...
during his first mission with the space agency NASA
NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the agency of the United States government that is responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research...
. English gives the reader contextual information regarding Jones' mission during this time period. Jones was a member of the crew of the Space Shuttle Endeavour
Space Shuttle Endeavour
Space Shuttle Endeavour is one of the retired orbiters of the Space Shuttle program of NASA, the space agency of the United States. Endeavour was the fifth and final spaceworthy NASA space shuttle to be built, constructed as a replacement for Challenger...
, which departed Earth in April 1994. Jones writes descriptively of his observations while looking at the Earth from Space, for example upon viewing lightning occurring on the planet, he recalls: "Maybe more than any other sight from space, lightning gives the decided impression that the Earth is alive, a living organism." Aurora
Aurora (astronomy)
An aurora is a natural light display in the sky particularly in the high latitude regions, caused by the collision of energetic charged particles with atoms in the high altitude atmosphere...
phenomenon is described in the book as, "shimmering fingers of green light reaching up from the dark ocean, an arc of light around the South Magnetic Pole."
STS-59
-Mission parameters:*Mass: payload*Perigee: *Apogee: *Inclination: 57°*Period: 88.4 min-9 April:Endeavour began its sixth mission on the morning of 9 April 1994 with an on-time launch at 7:05 am Eastern time...
with a view of the planet. By utilizing three separate radar
Radar
Radar is an object-detection system which uses radio waves to determine the range, altitude, direction, or speed of objects. It can be used to detect aircraft, ships, spacecraft, guided missiles, motor vehicles, weather formations, and terrain. The radar dish or antenna transmits pulses of radio...
echo
Echo (phenomenon)
In audio signal processing and acoustics, an echo is a reflection of sound, arriving at the listener some time after the direct sound. Typical examples are the echo produced by the bottom of a well, by a building, or by the walls of an enclosed room and an empty room. A true echo is a single...
es, scientists were able to analyze a full image of the planet. The radar technology was able to penetrate obstructions including clouds and thick outgrowth of trees. Another purpose of the mission was to analyze the ecological
Ecology
Ecology is the scientific study of the relations that living organisms have with respect to each other and their natural environment. Variables of interest to ecologists include the composition, distribution, amount , number, and changing states of organisms within and among ecosystems...
state of the planet. In addition to the radar technology, a separate device was utilized in order to take measurements of pollution
Pollution
Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into a natural environment that causes instability, disorder, harm or discomfort to the ecosystem i.e. physical systems or living organisms. Pollution can take the form of chemical substances or energy, such as noise, heat or light...
on the Earth caused by carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide , also called carbonous oxide, is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is slightly lighter than air. It is highly toxic to humans and animals in higher quantities, although it is also produced in normal animal metabolism in low quantities, and is thought to have some normal...
. Jones provides the reader with detailed imagery to assist in his account, including photographs from his mission, and pictures from the radar capture.
Reception
Mission: Earth, Voyage to the Home Planet received positive review from journalist Rebecca O'Connell writing in the Pittsburgh Post-GazettePittsburgh Post-Gazette
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, also known simply as the "PG," is the largest daily newspaper serving metropolitan Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.-Early history:...
, who commented, "The authors convey the awe and wonderment of seeing Earth from space and the intricate delicacy of the Earth's ecology." She noted of the descriptive nature of the text, "Their descriptions of scientific phenomena read like revelations of mystic wonders. But this is not to say it is ponderous, not at all." O'Connell's review concluded, "The text is packed with fascinating information and humorous touches. Even children who are not ordinarily interested in space or ecology will be interested in this book, and aficionados will go ga-ga." Leigh Fenly of The San Diego Union-Tribune
The San Diego Union-Tribune
-Predecessors:The predecessor newspapers of the Union-Tribune were:* San Diego Sun, founded 1861 and merged with the Evening Tribune in 1939.* San Diego Union, founded October 10, 1868.* Evening Tribune, founded December 2, 1895.-Ownership:...
recommended the book, and observed, "Science writer June English tracked the launch and adds perspective on how the mission will help scientists understand Earth, including its atmosphere, geology, ecology -- and future." Nita Thurman wrote for The Dallas Morning News
The Dallas Morning News
The Dallas Morning News is the major daily newspaper serving the Dallas, Texas area, with a circulation of 264,459 subscribers, the Audit Bureau of Circulations reported in September 2010...
, "Mission: Earth, A Journey to the Home Planet has dozens of color photos taken inside the shuttle and through its windows. The astronaut's descriptions are vivid." Publishers Weekly
Publishers Weekly
Publishers Weekly, aka PW, is an American weekly trade news magazine targeted at publishers, librarians, booksellers and literary agents...
wrote favorably of the book, "Astronaut Jones's enthusiasm for his work is contagious; it shines through the text, making for a roundly enjoyable and informative read." In their recommendation of the book, Publishers Weekly noted, "Well-conceived and thoughtfully executed, this book deserves a wide audience."
A review of the book by Ilana Steinhorn in Booklist
Booklist
Booklist is a publication of the American Library Association that provides critical reviews of books and audiovisual materials for all ages. It is geared toward libraries and booksellers and is available in print or online...
was more critical, "The authors try to cover too much in so few pages, and the narrative, with several focal points, becomes simplified at times." Steinhorn concluded, "Still, the account is interesting, and the many high-quality, often breathtaking color photographs and radar images complement the text nicely." Elaine Fort Weischedel reviewed the book for School Library Journal
School Library Journal
The School Library Journal is a monthly magazine with articles and reviews for school librarians, media specialists, and public librarians who work with young people. Articles cover a wide variety of topics, with a focus on technology and multimedia. Reviews are included for preschool to 4th grade,...
, and recommended the book for a specific teaching subject matter, "Pollution patterns, shifting ocean currents, destruction of rain forests, and other environmental changes were the heart of Jones's project, and this book might be used more successfully to supplement the curriculum in those areas than in units on space flight per se." Weischedel observed, "It provides a unique look at a new method of research and an opportunity for youngsters to read one scientist's account of what it's like to engage in this exciting field of endeavor." Horn Book Review characterized the book as, "a uniquely personal account". The review observed, "The book features a crowded design, but the many color photographs throughout the text are fascinating."
The book is listed as a resource for educating youth about history by using children's literature works, in the book by Wanda J. Miller, Teaching U.S. history through children's literature: post-World War II. Additionally, it is utilized in books including Strategies That Work: Teaching Comprehension for Understanding and Engagement by Stephanie Harvey and Anne Goudvis, Reading Comprehension: Books and Strategies for the Elementary Curriculum by Kathryn K. Matthew and Kimberly Kimbell-Lopez, and An Integrated Language Perspective in the Elementary School: An Action Approach by Christine Pappas, Barbara Zulandt Kiefer, and Linda S. Levstik. It was selected for inclusion in books Best Books for Children by John Thomas Gillespie, and Adventuring With Books by Kathryn Mitchell Pierce.
See also
- International Space StationInternational Space StationThe International Space Station is a habitable, artificial satellite in low Earth orbit. The ISS follows the Salyut, Almaz, Cosmos, Skylab, and Mir space stations, as the 11th space station launched, not including the Genesis I and II prototypes...
- Kennedy Space CenterKennedy Space CenterThe John F. Kennedy Space Center is the NASA installation that has been the launch site for every United States human space flight since 1968. Although such flights are currently on hiatus, KSC continues to manage and operate unmanned rocket launch facilities for America's civilian space program...
- Space Shuttle programSpace Shuttle programNASA's Space Shuttle program, officially called Space Transportation System , was the United States government's manned launch vehicle program from 1981 to 2011...
- STS-59STS-59-Mission parameters:*Mass: payload*Perigee: *Apogee: *Inclination: 57°*Period: 88.4 min-9 April:Endeavour began its sixth mission on the morning of 9 April 1994 with an on-time launch at 7:05 am Eastern time...
- STS-68STS-68STS-68 was a human spaceflight mission using that launched from Kennedy Space Center, Florida on 1994-09-30.-Crew:-Launch:Launch 30 September 1994 at 7:16:00.068 am EDT from Kennedy Space Center Launch Pad 39-A. The Launch window opened at 7:16 am EDT with a 2 hour 30 minute window. Orbiter...
- STS-80STS-80-Mission parameters:* Mass: payload* Perigee: * Apogee: * Inclination: 28.5°* Period: 91.5 min-Mission highlights:* The mission deployed two satellites and successfully recovered them after they had performed their tasks....
- STS-98STS-98STS-98 was a 2001 Space Shuttle mission to the International Space Station flown by Space Shuttle Atlantis. STS-98 delivered to the station the Destiny Laboratory Module...