then why do they show atoms as having that structure in books and the like.
I'm not arguing with you, just wondering why they show that if it's not true.
Im sure scientists are just out to confuse people "if we confuse them enough they won't be able to question our ideas"
1) Atoms are covered by Quantum Physics and the stars and planets are covered by Astrophysics. The current holy grail of Physics is a unified field theory to unite Quantum Physics and Astrophysics into a single field by combining the four known forces of the universe (Gravity, Electromagnetic, Weak force and Strong force).
2) It's a symbol not an actual model of the atom (much like Valentine heart candy isn't shaped like an actual heart). Electrons, Protons, and Neutrons obit a nucleus in what is called a probability cloud. At that level particles are greatly affected by small forces like light waves bouncing off them, so even trying to observe the structure of an atom distorts its structure (known as observer bias). It's like trying to find the current point of earth's obit by firing moons at it. So we can't describe for sure what that structure looks like only give a probability of what it is.
(Please note I haven't been in a Physics class for ten years and that was High School Physics, so I maybe corrected)