9780120885893
Written by: Mcfadden, Lucy Ann L
Published by: Academic Press
Editor: McFadden, Lucy-Ann
Editor: Weissman, Paul
Editor: Johnson, Torrence V.
Editor: Weissman, Paul R.
Written by: Johnson, Weissman, McFadden, Lucy-Ann L., Paul, Torrence
Subject: Reference
Subject: Astronomy, Solar System
Subject: Earth Sciences
Subject: Astrophysics & Space Science
Subject: Solar system
Copyright: 2007
Edition Number: 2
Date of Publication: December 2006
Cover Type: Hardcover
Written in: English
Illustrations: Yes
Number of Pages: 966
Book Size: 10.875 x 8.5 in
Long before Galileo published his discoveries about Jupiter, lunar craters, and the Milky Way in the Starry Messenger in 1610, people were fascinated with the planets and stars around them. That interest continues today, and scientists are making new discoveries at an astounding rate. Ancient lake beds on Mars, robotic spacecraft missions, and new definitions of planets now dominate the news. How can you take it all in? Start with the new Encyclopedia of the Solar System, Second Edition.This self-contained reference follows the trail blazed by the bestselling first edition. It provides a framework for understanding the origin and evolution of the solar system, historical discoveries, and details about planetary bodies and how they interact'"and has jumped light years ahead in terms of new information and visual impact. Offering more than 50% new material, the Encyclopedia includes the latest explorations and observations, hundreds of new color digital images and illustrations, and more than 1,000 pages. It stands alone as the definitive work in this field, and will serve as a modern messenger of scientific discovery and provide a look into the future of our solar system.
Forty-seven chapters from 75+ eminent authors review fundamental topics as well as new models, theories, and discussions
Each entry is detailed and scientifically rigorous, yet accessible to undergraduate students and amateur astronomers
More than 700 full-color digital images and diagrams from current space missions and observatories amplify the chapters
Thematic chapters provide up-to-date coverage, including a discussion on the new International Astronomical Union (IAU) vote on the definition of a planet
Information is easily accessible with numerous cross-references and a full glossary and index
Review:
"Everything you want to know about the solar system is here. ...This is the perfect reference book, lavishly illustrated and well-written."
-From the Foreword by WESLEY T. HUNTRESS, JR., Geophysical Laboratory, Carnegie Institute of Washington
"The authors succeed brilliantly at combining the latest results from spacecraft missions and Earth-based observations with thoughtful interpretations of the processes."
-MARIA T. ZUBER, E.A. Griswold Professor of Geophysics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
"The editors and authors are scientists whose knowledge I trust. ...Suitable for graduate students and researchers, and for advanced undergraduate courses."
-JAY M. PASACHOFF, Field Memorial Professor of Astronomy, Williams College
"This book reminds me how rapidly planetary science is evolving. This second edition comes at the right time."
-ANDREW P. INGERSOLL, Professor of Planetary Science, California Institute of Technology
"Wonderfully updated and spectacular spacecraft images...Its a great primer for students as well as a reference for professionals."
-WILLIAM K. HARTMANN, Senior Scientist, Planetary Science Institute
Praise for the previous edition:
"This reference guide to four decades of exploration and discovery [...] is a valuable resource for academic and large public libraries."
--LIBRARY JOURNAL, April 15, 2000
"Four decades of the most exciting explorations in human history in one book! Up-to-the-minute details by the best writers to explore the solar system are wonderfully organized for both looking up quick facts and for in-depth study."
--Dr. Jay Apt, Director, Carnegie Museum of Natural History
"This volume will reside on my desk as a vital resource to help me answer questions from scientists in other fields, public officials, and the general public."
--Dr. Robert W. Milkey, Executive Officer, American Astronomical Society
"I wish I had this on my desk for all the years I've needed an immediate reference for explaining something complicated about the Solar System to Congress or the Administration."
--Dr. Wesley T. Huntress, Jr., Associate Administrator for Space Science, NASA
Review:
key, Executive Officer, American Astronomical Society
"I wish I had this on my desk for all the years I've needed an immediate reference for explaining something complicated about the Solar System to Congress or the Administration."
--Dr. Wesley T. Huntress, Jr., Associate Administrator for Space Science, NASA
Review:
licated about the Solar System to Congress or the Administration."
--Dr. Wesley T. Huntress, Jr., Associate Administrator for Space Science, NASA
Review:
"The editors have brought together an awesome amount of information authored by a Who's Who of planetary science."
-Sky and Telescope, July 2007
"The book is a delight to hold and view, printed in glorious colour on quality paper. This is one of those books you just have to own."
- David O'Driscoll, AAQ Newsletter
"Everything you want to know about the solar system is here. ...This is the perfect reference book, lavishly illustrated and well-written."
-From the Foreword by WESLEY T. HUNTRESS, JR., Geophysical Laboratory, Carnegie Institute of Washington
"The authors succeed brilliantly at combining the latest results from spacecraft missions and Earth-based observations with thoughtful interpretations of the processes."
-MARIA T. ZUBER, E.A. Griswold Professor of Geophysics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
"The editors and authors are scientists whose knowledge I trust. ...Suitable for graduate students and researchers, and for advanced undergraduate courses."
-JAY M. PASACHOFF, Field Memorial Professor of Astronomy, Williams College
"This book reminds me how rapidly planetary science is evolving. This second edition comes at the right time."
-ANDREW P. INGERSOLL, Professor of Planetary Science, California Institute of Technology
"Wonderfully updated and spectacular spacecraft images...Its a great primer for students as well as a reference for professionals."
-WILLIAM K. HARTMANN, Senior Scientist, Planetary Science Institute
