At The Edge Of The Solar System

Until only a few decades ago it was thought that Pluto, discovered by Clyde Tombaugh in 1930, was the only planetary body moving round the Sun beyond the orbit of Neptune. Now we know that there are thousands of small worlds in the far reaches of the Solar System. These make up what is called the Kuiper Belt, and Pluto is the brightest member of the swarm, though not the largest.

The authors of this new book, subtitled Icy New Worlds Unveiled, are both distinguished planetary astronomers and have produced a detailed account of these little bodies. Every aspect is covered; discoveries, orbits, origin and physical characteristics. There is a long chapter about Pluto, and sections dealing with other Kuiper Belt Objects (‘KBOs’) such as Eris, which is larger and more massive than Pluto, and the extraordinary Sedna, whose eccentric orbit carries it out far beyond the range of any existing telescope – we were lucky to find it when it was not far from its perihelion.

In every way this is an outstanding work. It is crammed with information, but the translation into English is so good that it is very readable; the illustrations are excellent, and the glossary is adequate. The book will appeal to both beginners and to serious students, and in my view it will probably run to many future editions. Doressoundiram and Lellouch must be heartily congratulated.

Patrick Moore is the presenter of The Sky at Night on BBC TV