Planetymology: Why Uranus is not called George and other facts about space and words (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780645041101)

Planetymology is an illustrated introduction to the etymology - the evolution and origins of words - in the context of astronomy. It focuses on European observations of the planets; from Mercury (known to the Ancient Greeks and Romans) all the way to Pluto (discovered as a planet in 1930 and reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006).

This book takes the reader on a tour of the Solar System, introducing the cosmic entities encountered on the way both as characters from Roman and Greek mythology, and as exotic worlds with alien characteristics. It traces the planets' names all the way back to words used by the first humans in Europe, and shows how they often have surprising links to familiar modern-day words.

Planetymology is ideal for kids aged 8 - 15, and will be enjoyed by anyone with an interest in language, ancient history and/or astronomy.

Blurb:

The planets' names carry secrets...

• How is Neptune linked to hippopotamuses?
• Which planet's name means Sky-Father?
• Why did Pluto fail the planet test?
• Why is Uranus not called George?

Read about the Gods and Goddesses that the planets are named after, discover how their names evolved from the language of ancient humans, and uncover hidden links from their names to familiar, commonly-used words.

At the same time, learn about the weird and whacky weather on other planets, compare their crazy day-and-night cycles to ours on Earth, and meet Pluto's new dwarf planet friends...