Physics and Chemistry of the Solar System - Softcover

Lewis, John S.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0124467415 ISBN 13: 9780124467415

Publisher: Academic Press, 1995

Synopsis

Physics and Chemistry of the Solar System is a broad survey of the Solar System. The book discusses the general properties and environment of our planetary system, including the astronomical perspective, the general description of the solar system and of the sun and the solar nebula). The text also describes the solar system beyond mars, including the major planets; pluto and the icy satellites of the outer planets; the comets and meteors; and the meteorites and asteroids. The inner solar system, including the airless rocky bodies; mars, venus, and earth; and planets and life about other stars, is also encompassed. Mathematicians, chemists, physicists, geologists, astronomers, meteorologists, and biologists will find the book useful.

About this title

Review:

"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

"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 humour 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

Praise for the First Edition: "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

About the Author:

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.

About this edition

• Publisher: Academic Press
• Publication date: 1995
• ISBN 10: 0124467415
• ISBN 13: 9780124467415
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 566