When we look at a starry night sky, we are looking out through vast invisible

expanses of our own Solar System. The planets, appearing as bright specks, have

been revealed as worlds by space missions. However, the invisible spaces between

them are equally interesting. Unseen forces, such as the effect of gravity, spiraling

magnetic fields, and subatomic particles, originate from the Sun. Celestial bodies too

small to see form unexpected patterns, while atoms and nuclei are hidden even if in

our own bodies. Weaving the history of discovery with clear explanations, Invisible

Solar System pulls back the cloak of invisibility under which myriad aspects of the

local region of space are connected.

Features:

• Gravity, originally seen as an invisible force, is now revealed as a curvature

of spacetime, and, even in its simple form, enables amazing patterns to form

• The smallest particles have other structures that enable them to interact,

powering the present Solar System while also giving clues to nuclear events

past and present

• Long-range forces of electricity and magnetism connect the Sun and planets,

dominating the hot plasma gas of space while protecting us from cosmic

rays via multiple layers of magnetic shields

Martin Connors is a Professor of Astronomy, Mathematics, and Physics at Canada’s dominant

distance education institution, Athabasca University. He is also affiliated with the planetary

science group at Western University in London, Canada. He has authored numerous courses and

scientific articles. His wide-ranging research has extended from the history of astronomy, through

asteroids and their impact craters, to auroras and their magnetic effects. He has been a visiting

professor at UCLA and at Nagoya University in Japan. When not doing scientific work, he reads

about history, practices foreign languages, and blends photography with travel when possible.