Solar System Astrophysics: Planetary Atmospheres and the Outer Solar System: v. 2 (Astronomy and Astrophysics Library) - Hardcover

Milone, Eugene F.; Wilson, William J. F.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0387731563 ISBN 13: 9780387731568

Publisher: Springer-Verlag New York Inc., 2008

Synopsis

The book covers the field of solar system astrophysics beginning with basic tools of spherical astronomy and coordinate frames and celestial mechanics. It therefore presents equations and derivations starting from a level that permits one to see the underlying physical ideas. An up-to-date overview on all essential topics is presented, but is concise where possible. The text is based on extensive experience in the classroom and its contents have been field-tested by students for years. The material has been updated in the last few months to take advantage of the newer discoveries of the Mars Rover and the Saturn Cassini missions.

About this title

Review

From the reviews:

"The authors meld concepts of geology and chemistry with astronomy to address planetary atmospheres at all levels and meteorology. ... The book explores atmospheric structure, ionization, and particle environments and includes very complete descriptions of satellites and ring structure, comets, meteors, meteorites, and asteroids. ... This ... is extremely thorough, up-to-date, and one of the best places to go for a handy reference on solar system topics. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals." (W. E. Howard III, Choice, Vol. 46 (8), April, 2009)

Synopsis

The book covers the field of solar system astrophysics beginning with basic tools of spherical astronomy and coordinate frames and celestial mechanics. Historical introductions precede the development and discussion in most chapters. After a basic treatment of the two- and restricted three-body system motions, perturbations are discussed, and then the Earth's gravitational potential field and its effects on satellite orbits. Next follow chapters on the Earth-Moon system and the interior planets. Surfaces are treated as well as the interiors and atmospheres, developing appropriate mathematical tools and the basic geophysics, mineralogy, crystallography, and meteorology required for comprehension.Chapters 5 and 6 involve pedagogically clear, illustrated discussions of the numerical integration of the Adams-Williamson equation and the equations of state in planetary interiors. The discussion of rocks and minerals includes crystallography, essential for understanding the state of matter in planetary interiors and moon rocks. The atmospheres chapter includes detailed discussions of circulation, applicable also to the subsequent discussion of the gas giants.

A comparative planetary approach is given to discussions of the atmospheric and ionospheric chemistry, magnetospheres, and crustal properties. The giant planets are discussed together, and the thermal excess of three of them highlighted. This is followed by chapters on moons and rings, mainly in the context of dynamical stability, comets and meteors, meteorites and asteroids, and concludes with an extensive discussion of extrasolar planets.The material has been updated in the last few months to take advantage of the newer discoveries of the Mars Rover and the Saturn Cassini missions.

About this edition

• Publisher: Springer-Verlag New York Inc.
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0387731563
• ISBN 13: 9780387731568
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 422