Planets and Planetary Systems

Planets and Planetary Systems

$149.95

SKU: 9780470016923

Description

Planetary Science is an exciting, fast-moving, interdisciplinary field with courses taught in a wide range of departments, including astronomy, physics, chemistry, earth sciences and biology. Planets and Planetary Systems is a well-written, concise introductory textbook on the science of planets within our own and other solar systems.

Keeping mathematics to a minimum, assuming only a rudimentary knowledge of calculus, the book begins with a description of the basic properties of the planets in our solar systems, and then moves on to compare them with what is known about planets in other solar systems. It continues by looking at the surfaces, interiors and atmospheres of the planets and then covers the dynamics and origin of planetary systems. The book closes with a look at the role of life in planetary systems.

·        An accessible, concise introduction to planets and planetary systems

·        Uses insights from all the disciplines underlying planetary science

·        Incorporates results from recent planetary space missions, such as Cassini to Saturn and a number of missions to Mars

·        Well illustrated throughout, including a colour plate section

Planets and Planetary Systems is invaluable to students taking courses in planetary science across a wide range of disciplines and of interest to researchers and many keen amateur astronomers, needing an up-to-date introduction to this exciting subject.


Preface.

1. Our Planetary System.

2. Other Planetary Systems.

3. The Surfaces of the Planets.

4. The Interiors of the Planets.

5. The Atmospheres of the Planets.

6. The Dynamics of Planetary Systems.

7.  The Small Objects in Planetary Systems.

8. The Origin of Planetary Systems.

9. Life in Planetary Systems.

Answers.

Appendix A.

A.1 The epoch of planetary exploration.

Appendix B.

B.1 Derivation of Kepler’s first and second laws.

Index.


“Planets and Planetary Systems is invaluable to students taking courses in planetary science across a wide range of disciplines and of interest to researchers and many keen amateur astronomers, needing an up-to-date introduction to this exciting subject.”  (Today Books, 20 September 2012)

 

Planetary Science is an exciting, fast-moving, interdisciplinary field with courses taught in a wide range of departments, including astronomy, physics, chemistry, earth sciences and biology. Planets and Planetary Systems is a well-written, concise introductory textbook on the science of planets within our own and other solar systems.

Keeping mathematics to a minimum, assuming only a rudimentary knowledge of calculus, the book begins with a description of the basic properties of the planets in our solar systems, and then moves on to compare them with what is known about planets in other solar systems. It continues by looking at the surfaces, interiors and atmospheres of the planets and then covers the dynamics and origin of planetary systems. The book closes with a look at the role of life in planetary systems.

An accessible, concise introduction to planets and planetary systems

Uses insights from all the disciplines underlying planetary science

Incorporates results from recent planetary space missions, such as Cassini to Saturn and a number of missions to Mars

Well illustrated throughout, including a colour plate section

Planets and Planetary Systems will prove invaluable to students taking courses in planetary science across a wide range of disciplines and will be of interest to researchers and many keen amateur astronomers, needing an up-to-date introduction to this exciting subject.


Additional information

Weight 19 oz
Dimensions 17 × 177 × 254 in