The NASA Atlas of the Solar System - Hardcover

Greeley, Ronald; Batson, Raymond

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521561272 ISBN 13: 9780521561273

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1997

Synopsis

The exploration of our solar system by spacecraft has been one of the greatest scientific achievements of the twentieth century. The mapping of other worlds has resulted from numerous space missions by NASA, extending over many years. The data from these planetary missions have been synthesised by the US Geological Survey to produce detailed maps. Every planet, moon, or small body investigated in NASA missions is discussed and where appropriate mapped. Geological maps, reference maps, shaded relief maps, synthetic aperture radar mosaics and colour photomosaics marvellously present the features of planets and their satellites. This is truly a 'road map' of our solar system. All maps are fully indexed. The gazetteer lists the names of all features officially approved by the International Astronomical Union. The NASA Atlas of the Solar System is the definitive reference atlas for planetary science.

About this title

Review

'There is a wealth of detail here on European decision-making regarding telecommunications and other applications satellites, booster development, and the evolution of interest in human space exploration ... This is a reference book par excellence. The design is superb, with the uniform format making it easy to carry out comparative planetology.' Carl Murray, Nature

'... a complete cartographic guide to all the planets and moons in the Solar System, and a fair few of the asteroids too. In each case, you are given a map, a potted geological history, basic information about the workings of these bodies, all woven together in an accessible, interesting style... the real power of this hefty volume lies in the pictures. These are images to die for, beautifully reproduced and guaranteed to amaze.' Gabrielle Walker, New Scientist

'The real fascination of the maps and images in this hefty NASA Atlas is the way they render our neighbouring balls of rock and gas into imaginable, tangible places ... With a wealth of technical information, but still accessible to the general reader, this beautiful book comes with a formidable price tag. But get to look at it if you can. Until virtual reality-linked space probes let us experience these far distant worlds as if we were there, it's the closest we're going to get. 9/10.' Focus

'The text is informative, but the maps and photographs are stunning ... an essential library purchase ... The appeal of this volume is more than academic, however. It has the beauty of all great atlases, and is a fine thing to own.' Andrew Collier Cameron, The Observatory

'... The Nasa Atlas is one of a kind.' Corey S. Powell, Scientific American

'Text is written in an easy-to-understand style, making this book a treasured resource for a general reader.' Space News

'... a very good reference book for every amateur and professional astronomer.' Reviews of Astronomical Tools

'... this reference work is a tremendous bargain ... Its pages are filled with mind-boggling images ...'. Ian Pollock, Independent Saturday Magazine

'For when you first encounter this book I offer the following advice. perform a full facial warm-up routine because for the next hour or two your jaw dropping will be the only interruption to the permanent WOW! expression on your face. The book is the literary equivalent of IMAX cinema ... this is not just an atlas but a thing of beauty that speaks to the explorer in all of us.' Astronomy and Space

'... planetary scientists Greeley and Batson have done an excellent job ...'. Vicki Hyde, New Zealand Science Monthly

Book Description

The culmination of information gathered by NASA's space missions throughout our solar system, this atlas will serve as a reference for many years to come. Complete with 157 maps, 214 colour illustrations in a stunning large format and a gazetteer, this book is the essential reference source for all planetary scientists.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1997
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521561272
• ISBN 13: 9780521561273
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 369