Title: "Observing Our Solar System: A Beginner's Guide" by Tom Kerss, Royal Observatory Greenwich, Collins Astronomy

Overview: "Observing Our Solar System: A Beginner's Guide" is a comprehensive and accessible book designed for amateur astronomers and stargazers. The book, written by Tom Kerss, provides a detailed yet easy-to-understand guide to exploring the solar system, from ancient theories to modern-day observations.

Key Themes:

1. History of Solar System Understanding: The book covers the evolution of our understanding of the solar system, from ancient theories to modern remote sensing techniques.
2. Observational Techniques: It offers practical advice on how to observe the night sky, including using telescopes and binoculars, and how to set them up for optimal viewing.
3. Planetary Observations: The guide delves into the observation of planets, their features, and their orbits within the solar system.
4. Photography and Software: It includes sections on photographing the night sky and using available software to enhance observations.
5. Special Events: The book discusses fascinating events like meteor showers, conjunctions, occultations, and eclipses.

Plot Summary: The book is structured to be an all-in-one guide for beginners. It starts by explaining the historical context of our understanding of the solar system, then moves on to practical advice on equipment selection and setup. It covers significant targets for amateur astronomers, including the Moon, Sun, and planets, and provides detailed information on how to explore these celestial bodies with the naked eye and with telescopes. Additionally, it includes sections on more obscure but fascinating worlds like asteroids and dwarf planets, as well as special events in the solar system.

Critical Reception: The book has received positive reviews from readers and critics alike. Here are some highlights:

• Goodreads Reviews: Readers have praised the book for its clear and engaging writing style, making it an enjoyable read. The book is described as having a good amount of detail without using complicated jargon, making it accessible to beginners. Reviewers have also appreciated the practical advice on equipment and software, as well as the historical context provided.
• Waterstones Review: The book is recommended for its comprehensive coverage of the solar system, from ancient theories to modern-day observations. It is noted for its practical guides and interesting photographs, making it a valuable resource for amateur astronomers.

Overall, "Observing Our Solar System: A Beginner's Guide" by Tom Kerss is a highly recommended resource for anyone interested in exploring the solar system, whether they are beginners or looking to deepen their knowledge.