Physics and Chemistry of the Solar System
2nd Edition
Published on 30. September 1997
Book
Hardback
591 pages
978-0-12-446742-2 (ISBN)
Description
Physics and Chemistry of the Solar System, Revised Edition is a comprehensive survey of the planetary physics and physical chemistry of the part of the universe that is best understood--our own solar system. Although many fundamental questions remain unanswered, or even unasked, research in these areas has advanced quickly, and the planetary sciences have benefited from both earth-based and spacecraft-based experimentation. These experiments form the basis of thisencyclopedic reference, which skillfully fuses synthesis and explanation. Detailed chapters review each of the major planetary bodies as well as asteroids, comets, and other small orbitals. With this reference, astronomers, physicists, and planetary scientists will have a state-of-the-art book whose uses include both teaching and research. This new version, featuring approximately 10 per cent new material, will also prove an invaluable addition to any library in astronomy, planetary physics, and astrophysics.
Reviews / Votes
"....The most welcome change, however, is the addition of an average of about 40 exercises at the end of almost every chapter. The exercises have the mark of an insightful researcher and experienced teacher, and should stimulate students and even researchers to think more deeply about the material. The review of the original edition (CH, Nov '95) said that it 'should become an instant classic,' and that it is 'strongly recommended for libraries supporting science students at the upper-division undergraduate level through faculty'; these comments are even more true of this new edition. - CHOICE, January 1999 I like John Lewis' writing style. It is fairly clear, with touches of informality, yet authoritative and quantitative. A particularly pleasing feature of the book is the large number of well-chosen half-tone photographs, which are reproduced at an unusually large size....I liked the book very much and very much appreciated the enormous effort it represents. It will certainly be an asset to me and my students, and I am sure that every serious university library will be required to obtain a copy. - METEORITES AND PLANETARY SCIENCE This book should become an instant classic....It is both a stimulating theoretical introduction to the field and an indispensable resource for practicing scientists....The writing is clear and often witty, and the first and last chapters in particular are rich in humor and insight into the nature of planetary science and science in general--insight that could come only from an active researcher. Strongly recommended for libraries supporting science students at the upper-division undergraduate level through faculty. - T. Barker, Wheaton College, Massachusetts in CHOICE Indeed, Physics and Chemistry of the Solar System is the best study of the subject I have ever read. The culture of John Lewis is stupefying--it is difficult to imagine that one man can know so many things about the solar system. The book is not only complete, but well written, with a style that is both lively and elegant. - Daniel Gaultier, Observatoire de Paris, France in PHYSICS WORLD This book is a very comprehensive summary of the results of research in this field. There are many diagrams and photographs used for illustration that make it easy to understand. - REVIEWS OF ASTRONOMICAL TOOLS John Lewis has pulled together an incredible compendium of knowledge of the planetary sciences serving the needs of both students and practicing scientists in our field...One of the important contributions of this book to the teaching of planetary sciences is its presentation including a mathematically based, analytical treatment of problems and topics...all readers will find themselves chuckling now and then, an event which is unfortunately rare during a textbook read. I enjoy taking up this text when I need to verify some basic knowledge of the Solar System. It is an asset to the documentation of the field of planetary science that Lewis persevered in the completion of the text; it was well worth the wait. - Lucy McFadden, University of Maryland in ICARUS This work is an excellent basic textbook focusing on our solar system, providing information that is understandable to students and also to advanced amateurs. - Jan Blecki, Space Research Center, Polish Academy of Sciences, WarsawMore details
Edition
2nd Revised edition
Language
English
Place of publication
San Diego
United States
Publishing group
Elsevier Science Publishing Co Inc
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Edition type
Revised edition
Illustrations
b&w illustrations, references, index
Dimensions
Height: 280 mm
Width: 216 mm
Weight
1470 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-12-446742-2 (9780124467422)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Previous edition
John Lewis
Physics and Chemistry of the Solar System
Book
04/1995
Academic Press
€54.46
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Person
John S. Lewis is Professor of Planetary Sciences and Co-Director of the Space Engineering Research Center of the University of Arizona, has concentrated in recent years on the material and energy resources of nearby space and on the hazards and opportunities presented to mankind by the Near-Earth Asteroids. He is a former Professor of Planetary Sciences and Chemistry at MIT and a Visiting Professor at Cal Tech. He has served as Chairman of a number of international conferences on space science and space development. His contributions to planetary science include the first prediction of coloring matter in the atmosphere of Jupiter. He is also the author of several popular science books, including Rain of Iron and Ice, a popular account of the impact hazard, and Mining the Sky, a survey of resource opportunities in space and their relevance to economic, resource, and environmental issues on Earth. He is also the editor of a 1000-page technical volume, Resources of Near-Earth Space. He has served as a member of the Board of Directors of American Rocket Company, and is presently an advisor to the Space Development Corporation's Near-Earth Asteroid Prospector (NEAP) mission.
Content
(Chapter Headings) Introduction. Astronomical Perspective. General Description of the Solar System. The Sun and the Solar Nebula. The Major Planets. Pluto and the Icy Satellites of the Outer Planets. Comets and Meteors. Meteorites and Asteroids. The Airless Rocky Planets: Io, Phobos, and Deimos, the Moon, and Mercury. The Terrestrial Planets: Mars, Venus, and Earth. Planets and Life About Other Stars. Future Prospects. Appendix I: Equilibrium Thermodynamics. Appendix II: Absorption and Emission of Radiation by Quantum Oscillators. Appendix III: Exploration of the Solar System. Appendix IV: Basic Physical Constants. References. Subject Index.