Physics and chemistry of the solar system

John S. Lewis (Eds.)012446744X, 9780124467446, 9780080470122

Physics and Chemistry of the Solar System, 2nd Edition, is a comprehensive survey of the planetary physics and physical chemistry of our own solar system. It covers current research in these areas and the planetary sciences that have benefited from both earth-based and spacecraft-based experimentation. These experiments form the basis of this encyclopedic 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. Astronomers, physicists, and planetary scientists can use this state-of-the-art book for both research and teaching. This Second Edition features extensive new material, including expanded treatment of new meteorite classes, spacecraft findings from Mars Pathfinder through Mars Odyssey 2001, recent reflections on brown dwarfs, and descriptions of planned NASA, ESA, and Japanese planetary missions. * New edition features expanded treatment of new meteorite classes, the latest spacecraft findings from Mars, information about 100+ new discoveries of planets and stars, planned lunar and planetary missions, more end-of-chapter exercises, and more * Includes extensive new material and is amply illustrated throughout * Reviews each major planetary body, asteroids, comets, and other small orbitals

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Table of contents :
Content:
Foreword
Pages xi-xiii

I. Introduction
Pages 1-6

II. Astronomical perspective
Pages 7-49

III. General description of the solar system
Pages 50-76

IV. The sun and the solar nebula
Pages 77-146

V. The major planets
Pages 147-251

VI. Pluto and the icy satellites of the outer planets
Pages 252-316

VII. Comets and meteors
Pages 317-349

VIII. Meteorites and asteroids
Pages 350-423

IX. The airless rocky bodies: Io, phobos, deimos, the moon, and mercury
Pages 424-476,I-VIII

X. The terrestrial planets: Mars, venus, and earth
Pages 477-591

XI. Planets and life around other stars
Pages 592-608

XII. Future prospects
Pages 609-620

Appendix I Equilibrium thermodynamics
Pages 621-625

Appendix II Absorption and emission of radiation by quantum oscillators
Pages 626-628

Appendix III Exploration of the solar system
Pages 629-633

Appendix IV Basic physical constants
Page 634

Appendix V Gravity fields
Pages 635-636

Suggested readings
Pages 637-642

Index
Pages 643-652