
Introduction to Comets
Cambridge University Press
Published on 31. December 1981
Book
Hardback
240 pages
978-0-521-23906-6 (ISBN)
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Description
Drs. Brandt and Chapman provide a comprehensive introduction to comets by consolidating in one text information from the fields of history, physics, astronomy, and space science. Comets have intrigued man since ancient times, when astronomical phenomena were interpreted as evidence of divine intervention in human affairs. Today, attention to the behaviour of comets remains strong, although interest is now more specific than theological. Aided by increased technology, many space scientists look to the return of Halley's Comet in 1985-6 with the expectation that spacecraft might be sent to intercept the comet and take measurements in situ. The authors trace the historical development of investigations into the nature of comets, in addition to presenting an up-to-date account of cometary research.
Reviews / Votes
' ... a very good introduction ... The authors have conveyed the excitement of modern comet work, the pace of the data flow and the originality of many of the new theoretical approaches.' NatureMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 237 mm
Width: 157 mm
Thickness: 22 mm
Weight
594 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-521-23906-6 (9780521239066)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
New editions

John C. Brandt | Robert D. Chapman
Introduction to Comets
Book
03/2004
2nd Edition
Cambridge University Press
€139.20
Shipment within 15-20 days
Content
Preface; Part I. The Historical Perspective: 1. Comets in history; 2. Development of modern ideas on the physics of comets; Part II. The Current Perspective: 3. Dynamics of comets; 4. Structure of comets; 5. Model and origins of comets; 6. Comets and the solar system; Part III. The Future Perspective: 7. Recent comets and some current developments; 8. Missions to comets; Part IV. The Lay Perspective: 9. Are comets dangerous?; 10. Comet lore; Notes; Suggested readings; Index of comets; Index.