Abstract

Long before Galileo published his discoveries about Jupiter, lunar craters, and the Milky Way in the Starry Messenger in 1610, people were fascinated with the planets and stars around them. That interest continues today, and scientists are making new discoveries at an astounding rate. Ancient lake beds on Mars, robotic spacecraft missions, and new definitions of planets now dominate the news. How can you take it all in? Start with the new Encyclopedia of the Solar System, Second Edition.
This self-contained reference follows the trail blazed by the bestselling first edition. It provides a framework for understanding the origin and evolution of the solar system, historical discoveries, and details about planetary bodies and how they interact—and has jumped light years ahead in terms of new information and visual impact. Offering more than 50% new material, the Encyclopedia includes the latest explorations and observations, hundreds of new color digital images and illustrations, and more than 1,000 pages. It stands alone as the definitive work in this field, and will serve as a modern messenger of scientific discovery and provide a look into the future of our solar system.
· Forty-seven chapters from 75+ eminent authors review fundamental topics as well as new models, theories, and discussions
· Each entry is detailed and scientifically rigorous, yet accessible to undergraduate students and amateur astronomers
· More than 700 full-color digital images and diagrams from current space missions and observatories amplify the chapters
· Thematic chapters provide up-to-date coverage, including a discussion on the new International Astronomical Union (IAU) vote on the definition of a planet
· Information is easily accessible with numerous cross-references and a full glossary and index
"Encyclopedia of the Solar System, as a title, is almost on a par with The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and, come to the think of it, the content is almost as mind-blowing."
-Satellite Evolution Group, September 2007
"The editors have brought together an awesome amount of information authored by a Who's Who of planetary science."
-Sky and Telescope, July 2007
"...a delight to hold and view, printed in glorious colour on quality paper...one of those books you just have to own."
- David O'Driscoll, AAQ Newsletter
"Everything you want to know about the solar system is here. ...This is the perfect reference book, lavishly illustrated and well-written."
-From the Foreword by WESLEY T. HUNTRESS, JR., Geophysical Laboratory, Carnegie Institute of Washington
"The authors succeed brilliantly at combining the latest results from spacecraft missions and Earth-based observations with thoughtful interpretations of the processes."
-MARIA T. ZUBER, E.A. Griswold Professor of Geophysics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
"The editors and authors are scientists whose knowledge I trust. ...Suitable for graduate students and researchers, and for advanced undergraduate courses."
-JAY M. PASACHOFF, Field Memorial Professor of Astronomy, Williams College
"This book reminds me how rapidly planetary science is evolving. This second edition comes at the right time."
-ANDREW P. INGERSOLL, Professor of Planetary Science, California Institute of Technology
"Wonderfully updated and spectacular spacecraft images...It’s a great primer for students as well as a reference for professionals."
-WILLIAM K. HARTMANN, Senior Scientist, Planetary Science Institute