Astronomy question , real answers please. full definintions or resorces if avalable.?

Question

well...to start this off i am trying to write a astronomy book. but the books i need for research on astronomy i cant find. and i hate going to internet sites because the usually have no clue what there talking about, and all of the information is incorrect.

but what i need is a breif but vivid history of all of the planets moons not just the important ones i mean ALL of them. i have alot of astronomy books but none in that subject. and the books i need are at my public school. but i wanted to get this done over summer. any ideas.

ps. i checked out alot of astronomy books at my local library and there is no book store near me. i am olny 16. although i know more about astronomy than a normal astronomer. i just need the history.

NO STUPID ANSWERS OR CRUDE REMARKS OR YOU WILL BE REPORTED.(just wanted to get that out there)

thanks in advance,

iceveela.

Answer 1

NASA has an extensive web-site with enough info to choke a horse, and photos and other data, I think you can trust the info on their site.  Also the Planetary Society has a good site, it is basically run by NASA people.  Personally I gave up on keeping count of all of the moons that planets like Jupiter and Saturn have (dozens), the better our technology gets to detect these thing the more we find.  Good luck with your project.

Answer 2

I have a pdf on the asymmetric cratering history of our moon but I dont think that would help.  I have never come across this type of subject. You might have to contact some of the astronomy departments at the major universities or an observatory center and have them fax some disclosed info to you. You can also contact NLSI in Moffit field, CA. This is NASA's new lunar science insitute. They started March 1st of this year. BTW, they are still looking for recruits to work. You might have a shot. They are only taking 50 this year.

Answer 3

For most of them you could use wikipedia and Google searches.  I understand your mistrust of Internet sites, but if you get some that are obviously credible, like university sites, you should get lots of good information.  I know, you said they got too involved.  But you still might find some simple, useful information.  You will have some work to do on wiki, narrowing the information down to bite-sized chunks.  That's one of the challenges of being a non-fiction author.  

Don't forget to record your sources.  They will be included in your bibliography.  Then if there were some specific questions you had, you will usually be able to get good answers here.  The trick will be in telling which ones they are.  I can help you by at least telling you which contributors have a credible history here.  Like if you ever wanted to e-mail me and ask, "What do your think of Dr. Bob's answer?"  In which case, I would almost certainly say you wouldn't be able to find any better.

Good luck on your project.  If you want any help or suggestions, feel free to e-mail me.