Thank you for considering a critique of Galaxy Astronomy: Field Guide for Kids. The book is intended for kids aged 8 to 12. It teaches galaxy identification by showing how to spot spiral, disk, lenticular, elliptical, ring, and interacting galaxies. A chapter on Seyfert galaxies explains what they are and why they can’t be identified visually. Identification lessons become a vehicle for introducing the concept of a galaxy’s life cycle and evolution. Woven into the guide are lessons on light-years and the use of IR and UV light to glean more information from stars and galaxies.
My background is electrical engineering. I have a lifelong interest in space exploration, beginning with the space race in the 60s. Though I’m interested in astronomy, I’m not experienced in the technology and science of the field. I know enough to simplify the concepts the book teaches, but I do need guidance from experienced astronomers on where I might have oversimplified or gotten the facts wrong.
It doesn’t matter if astronomy is your career or hobby. You likely know far more about the science than I do. I think you’d be well-qualified to point out any mistakes I made in the simplified science. The book is 9,000 words long, with 48 images from the Hubble and GALEX space telescopes. I’d like critiques by the end of 2024. More time is not a problem—I’ll accommodate your schedule.
If you would like to read the book and provide constructive criticism, please message me on the social platform where you found the link to this page. Please include your name and email address. I’ll share the book (EPUB format) with you. You will receive a message from Google with a unique link to download the book.
I will also send you my email address for your comments. After I’ve edited the book per your comments, I’ll send you a copy of the published book with my gratitude. I’m also happy to add your name to the Acknowledgements section.
Thank you again for your interest.
Ray N. Franklin