Solar System Evolution - Hardcover

Taylor, Stuart Ross

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521372127 ISBN 13: 9780521372121

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1992

Synopsis

This book describes the origin and evolution of the solar system, with an emphasis on interpretation rather than description. Starting with the Big Bang 15-20 billion years ago, it traces the evolution of the solar system from the separation of a disk of gas and dust, the solar nebula, 4.7 billion years ago. The problems of the formation of the Sun and the planets are considered beginning with Jupiter and the other gas giants, and ending with the formation of the Earth, the other rocky inner planets and the Moon. All planets, satellites and rings are different and random encounters have played a major role in the evolution of the system: the Moon is the product of a chance collision. The author concludes that the solar system is probably unique; other planetary systems may be common, but will probably not resemble ours either in numbers or types of planets.

About this title

Book Description:

This book describes the origin and evolution of the solar system, with an emphasis on interpretation rather than description. Starting with the Big Bang 15-20 billion years ago, it traces the evolution of the solar system from the separation of a disk of gas and dust, the solar nebula, 4.7 billion years ago.

About the Author:

Ross Taylor took degrees in chemistry and geology. He is Emeritus Professor and Visiting Fellow at the Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0521372127
• ISBN 13: 9780521372121
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 325