Discovering the Solar System
2. Edition May 2007
470 Pages, Softcover
Textbook
Short Description
Providing a basic introduction to astronomy via solar systems, Discovering the Solar System, Second Edition covers suns, their planets, their satellites (moons), and a host of smaller bodies. Assuming little prior knowledge, this comprehensive introduction to the subject for science students examines the discovery, investigation, and modeling of these bodies. Following a thematic approach, the book begins with an overview of the solar system and its origin, and then takes a look at small bodies, such as asteroids, comets, and meteorites. The Second Edition features a broader coverage of each planet, as well as the Moon, Europa, and Titan. It includes new material on exoplanetary systems, as well as the latest results from the Mars Rover and Cassini-Huygens missions.
Discovering the Solar System, Second Edition is a comprehensive, up-to-date, account of the Solar System and the ways in which the various bodies have been investigated and modelled. The approach, well received in the first edition, is thematic - the book includes sequences of chapters on the interiors of planetary bodies, their surfaces, and their atmospheres. Within each sequence there is a chapter on general principles and processes, followed by either one or two chapters on specific bodies.
Liberally illustrated with diagrams, black and white photographs and colour plates, the book also features:
* Tables of essential data
* End of section questions with full answers
* Summaries at the end of each chapter
Discovering the Solar System, Second Edition is essential reading for all undergraduate students for whom astronomy or planetary science are components of their degrees as well as for those at a more advanced level approaching the subject for the first time. It is also suitable for anyone with a keen interest in astronomy. A small amount of scientific knowledge is assumed in addition to a familiarity with basic algebra and graphs.
The author is Emeritus Professor of Astronomy at the Open University, an institution dedicated to supported distance learning, where Professor Jones has acquired much a lot of experience in writing clear texts that promote active reading.
Preface and Study Guide to the First Edition.
Preface to the Second Edition.
1 The Sun and its Family.
1.1 The Sun.
1.2 The Sun's Family - A Brief Introduction.
1.3 Chemical Elements in the Solar System.
1.4 Orbits of Solar System Bodies.
1.5 Planetary Rotation.
1.6 The View from the Earth.
1.7 Summary of Chapter 1.
2 The Origin of the Solar System.
2.1 The Observational Basis.
2.2 Solar Nebular Theories.
2.3 Formation of the Satellites and Rings of the Giant Planets.
2.4 Successes and Shortcomings of Solar Nebular Theories.
2.5 Summary of Chapter 2.
3 Small Bodies in the Solar System.
3.1 Asteroids.
3.2 Comets and Their Sources.
3.3 Meteorites.
3.4 Summary of Chapter 3.
4 Interiors of Planets and Satellites: The Observational and Theoretical Basis.
4.1 Gravitational Field Data.
4.2 Magnetic Field Data.
4.3 Seismic Wave Data.
4.4 Composition and Properties of Accessible Materials.
4.5 Energy Sources, Energy Losses, and Interior Temperatures.
4.6 Summary of Chapter 4.
5 Interiors of Planets and Satellites: Models of Individual Bodies.
5.1 The Terrestrial Planets.
5.2 Planetary Satellites, Pluto, EKOs.
5.3 The Giant Planets.
5.4 Magnetospheres.
5.5 Summary of Chapter 5.
6 Surfaces of Planets and Satellites: Methods and Processes.
6.1 Some Methods of Investigating Surfaces.
6.2 Processes that Produce the Surfaces of Planetary Bodies.
6.3 Summary of Chapter 6.
7 Surfaces of Planets and Satellites: Weakly Active Surfaces.
7.1 The Moon.
.2 Mercury.
7.3 Mars.
7.4 Icy Surfaces.
7.5 Summary of Chapter 7.
8 Surfaces of Planets and Satellites: Active Surfaces.
8.1 The Earth.
8.2 Venus.
8.3 Io.
8.4 Icy Surfaces: Europa, Titan, Enceladus, Triton.
8.5 Summary of Chapter 8.
9 Atmospheres of Planets and Satellites: General Considerations.
9.1 Methods of Studying Atmospheres.
9.2 General Properties and Processes in Planetary Atmospheres.
9.3 Summary of Chapter 9.
10 Atmospheres of Rocky and Icy-Rocky Bodies.
10.1 The Atmosphere of the Earth.
10.2 The Atmosphere of Mars.
10.3 The Atmosphere of Venus.
10.4 Volatile Inventories for Venus, the Earth, and Mars.
10.5 The Origin of Terrestrial Atmospheres.
10.6 Evolution of Terrestrial Atmospheres, and Climate Change.
10.7 Mercury and the Moon.
10.8 Icy-Rocky Body Atmospheres.
10.9 Summary of Chapter 10.
11 Atmospheres of the Giant Planets.
11.1 The Atmospheres of Jupiter and Saturn Today.
11.2 The Atmospheres of Uranus and Neptune Today.
11.3 The Origin of the Giant Planets--A Second Look.
11.4 Summary of Chapter 11.
11.5 The End.
Question Answers and Comments.
Glossary.
Electronic Media.
Further Reading.
Index.
Plate Section.
"...is strongly recommended both for its coverage and its style of presentation..." (Spaceflight)
"...certainly qualifies as an authoritative text.... The author clearly has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the subject..." (Meteoritics and Planetary Science)
"...liberally doused with relevant graphs, tables, and black and white figures of good quality..." (EOS, Transactions of the American Geophysical Union)
"...one of the best books on the Solar System.... The general accuracy and quality of the content is excellent..." (Journal of the British Astronomical Association)
