Probing the New Solar System

by John Wilkinson

Overview

Exploration by space probes has revealed many fascinating details about Earth’s planetary neighbours. Today we stand on the threshold of the next phase of planetary exploration and knowledge, with several space probe missions currently underway and others being planned.

Probing the New Solar System discusses the latest findings that have contributed to a changed understanding of the solar system – and how the revised definition of a planet in 2006 by the International Astronomical Union affected this understanding.

Each chapter includes some historical information, ‘Did you know?’ items of particular interest to readers, and photographs of objects in the solar system showing newly discovered features of the planets, their moons and of dwarf planets.

This is an up-to-date record of the many recent discoveries made about our solar system and other planetary systems using ground-based and space probe technology. It has been written for people interested in astronomy, both professional and amateur, as well as for students and educators.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780643099494
Publisher:	CSIRO PUBLISHING
Publication date:	01/08/2009
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	312
File size:	10 MB

About the Author

John Wilkinson teaches at La Trobe University.

Table of Contents

Introduction vii

Acknowledgements ix

Chapter 1 Why a new solar system? 1

Chapter 2 Exploring the planets 33

Chapter 3 The Sun 55

Chapter 4 Mercury - a hot, old world 73

Chapter 5 Venus - a hot, cloudy planet 85

Chapter 6 Earth - a watery, living world 101

Chapter 7 Mars - the red planet 133

Chapter 8 The asteroid belt 159

Chapter 9 Jupiter - the gas giant 175

Chapter 10 Saturn - the ringed planet 199

Chapter 11 Uranus - the blue, icy planet 223

Chapter 12 Neptune - an icy, cold world 239

Chapter 13 Trans-Neptunian objects 253

Chapter 14 Overview and the future 275

Glossary 291

Index 297

Editorial Reviews

"This book is an up-to-date record of the many recent discoveries made using ground-based and space probe technology."

Abbey's Bookshop

"I enjoyed reading the book and I would recommend it to anyone interested in the expanding knowledge of our solar system and in the possible future direction of solar system research."

The Crux (Astronomical Society of Victoria) - Barry Adcock

I found the history of space discovery interesting and the discussion about the reasons for changes in classification well presented. I found this a very readable book and I think it would be a valuable addition to any school library, and the book shelves of teachers and others who are genuinely interested in our Solar System and the current state of space research.

LabTalk

"The tables are very well organised and effective in conveying the history of exploration in the solar system, from the Earth, moon, and sun to each of the planet and minor objects such as asteroids. The excellent illustrations and images enhance the text, and important terms appear in bold typeface."

Choice Magazine

"The tables are very well organised and effective in conveying the history of exploration in the solar system, from the Earth, moon, and sun to each of the planet and minor objects such as asteroids. The excellent illustrations and images enhance the text, and important terms appear in bold typeface."

“I found the history of space discovery interesting and the discussion about the reasons for changes in classification well presented. I found this a very readable book and I think it would be a valuable addition to any school library, and the book shelves of teachers and others who are genuinely interested in our Solar System and the current state of space research.”

"I enjoyed reading the book and I would recommend it to anyone interested in the expanding knowledge of our solar system and in the possible future direction of solar system research."

"This book is an up-to-date record of the many recent discoveries made using ground-based and space probe technology."

From the Publisher