Exploring the solar system

The exploration of our solar system is one of humanity's greatest scientific achievements. The last fifty years in particular have seen huge steps forward in our understanding of the planets, the sun, and other objects in the solar system. Whilst planetary science is now a mature discipline - involving geoscientists, astronomers, physicists, and others – many profound mysteries remain, and there is indeed still the tantalizing possibility that we may find evidence of life on another planet in our system.Drawing upon the latest results from the second golden age of Solar System exploration, author Peter Bond provides an authoritative and up-to-date account of the planets, satellites and smaller debris that orbit the Sun. Written in an informal style, with minimal use of mathematics, this book is the ideal introductory text for non-science students and other readers with little or no science background. With the aid of numerous illustrations, many in full colour, this exciting book brings to life the weird and wonderful worlds that populate our corner of the Universe. This book: Assumes no background in physics , astronomy or mathematics Carefully explains key concepts Gives balanced coverage to areas of controversy or uncertainty in planetary science Is in in full color throughout and richly illustrated An interview with Peter can be found at http://wisciblog.com/2012/02/28/exploring-the-solar-system/ The exploration of our solar system is one of humanity's greatest scientific achievements. The last fifty years in particular have seen huge steps forward in our understanding of the planets, the sun, and other objects in the solar system. Whilst planetary science is now a mature discipline - involving geoscientists, astronomers, physicists, and others & ndash; many profound mysteries remain, and there is indeed still the tantalizing possibility that we may find evidence of life on another planet in our system. Drawing upon the latest results from the second golden age of Solar System exploration, author Peter Bond provides an authoritative and up-to-date account of the planets, satellites and smaller debris that orbit the Sun Drawing upon the latest results from the second golden age of Solar System exploration, author Peter Bond provides an authoritative and up-to-date account of the planets, satellites and smaller debris that orbit the Sun.

Written in an informal style, with minimal use of mathematics, this book is the ideal introductory text for non-science students and other readers with little or no science background. With the aid of numerous illustrations, many in full colour, this exciting book brings to life the weird and wonderful worlds that populate our corner of the Universe.

Exploring the Solar System 5 Contents 9 Introduction 11 CHAPTER ONE: Beginnings 13 CHAPTER TWO: Sun 33 CHAPTER THREE: Earth 62 CHAPTER FOUR: The Moon 96 CHAPTER FIVE: Mercury 122 CHAPTER SIX: Venus 143 CHAPTER SEVEN: Mars 166 CHAPTER EIGHT: Jupiter 220 CHAPTER NINE: Saturn 253 CHAPTER TEN: Uranus 291 CHAPTER ELEVEN: Neptune 308 CHAPTER TWELVE: Pluto and the Kuiper Belt 324 CHAPTER THIRTEEN: Comets, Asteroids and Meteorites 345 CHAPTER FOURTEEN: Exoplanets 389 Appendices 422 Glossary 442 Further Reading 447 Index 460