An Introduction to the Solar System

by Edited by Neil McBride , Iain Gilmour

• ISBN13: 9780521546201
• ISBN10: 0521546206
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-03-01
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

Compiled by a team of experts, this textbook has been designed for introductory university courses in planetary science. It starts with a tour of the Solar System and an overview of its formation. The composition, internal structure, surface morphology and atmospheres of the terrestrial planets are then described. This leads naturally to a discussion of the giant planets and why they are compositionally different. Minor bodies are reviewed and the book concludes with a discussion of the origin of the Solar System and the evidence from meteorites. Written in an accessible style that avoids complex mathematics, and illustrated in colour throughout, this book is suitable for self-study and will appeal to amateur enthusiasts as well as undergraduate students. It contains numerous helpful learning features such as boxed summaries, student exercises with full solutions, and a glossary of terms. The book is also supported by a website hosting further teaching materials.

Table of Contents

Introduction

1. An introduction to the Solar System

2. The internal structure of the terrestrial planets

3. Planetary volcanism - Ultima Thule?

4. Planetary surface processes

5. Atmospheres of terrestrial planets

6. The giant planets

7. Minor bodies of the Solar System

8. The origin of the Solar System

9. Meteorites: a record of formation

Answers and comments

Appendix A. Useful planetary data

Appendix B. Selected physical constants and unit conversions

Appendix C. The elements

Glossary

Acknowledgements

Index.