Solar System Astrophysics
Description
This exhaustive work covers solar system astrophysics beginning with basic tools of spherical astronomy, and celestial mechanics. Coverage includes the Earth-Moon system and the interior planets; rocks and minerals, including crystallography; atmospheres, with detailed discussions of circulation, applicable also to discussion of the gas giants. The three giant planets are discussed together. This is followed by chapters on moons and rings, comets and meteors, meteorites and asteroids, and a discussion of extrasolar planets. The material is updated to incorporate the latest discoveries of the Mars Rover and the Saturn Cassini missions.
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Content
Preface. Acknowledgements.- Perceptions of the Solar System in History.- Basic Tools and Techniques.- Celestial Mechanics.- The Core of the Solar System: The Sun.- General Properties of the Terrestrial Planets.- Planetary Heat Flow and Temperatures.- Rocks and Minerals.- The Moon's Surface, Structure, and Evolution.- Surfaces of the Terrestrial Planets.- Planetary Atmospheres and Ionospheres.- Planetary Magnetism and Magnetospheres.- The Giant Planets.- Satellite and Ring Systems.- Comets and Meteors.- Meteorites, Asteroids, and the Age and Origin of the Solar System.- Extrasolar Planetary Systems.- Index.