Satellites of the Outer Planets: Worlds in Their Own Right - Hardcover

Rothery, David A.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0198542895 ISBN 13: 9780198542896

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1992

Synopsis

The author here casts a geological eye over the major satellites of the outer planets (from Jupiter to Neptune), and shows that each one is a distinctive member of a family of worlds. He draws attention to the similarities and differences between them, and discusses in particular how tectonic and volcanic processes have shaped their rigid outer layers, driven by heat from within. The text is illustrated with close-up images from the Voyager space probes and explanatory line drawings. Written at an introductory level, the book should be of use to those who wish to know more about our solar system. It explains to astronomers what interests planetary geologists about these bodies, and opens a window for geologists by showing them a host of geological processes occurring on other worlds.

About this title

About the Author:

David A. Rothery, Lecturer in Earth Sciences, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes.

Review:

`Satellites of the Outer Planets is written at an introductory level and great care has been taken to explain geological concepts to the budding astronomers and astronomical concepts to the budding geoloigsts.'

`. . . excellent book...' New Scientist

`... a coherent, highly readable book that is both timely and, for the general scientific literature, relatively accurate regarding recent concepts and debates of satellite geology.

`This makes it a valuable introduction to the outer solar system for undergraduates and geologists alike, as well as being comprehensible to well educated laymen.'

`A good selection of references is presented for those interested in pursuing ideas further Lunar and Planetary Institute Bulletin

'the book provides a timely summary of current knowledge about the major satellites of the outer planets ... Anyone interested in geology will benefit from seeing standard techniques applied to a wide range of bodies under different, but invariably cold conditions. The book should also appeal
to any astronomer who is looking for a concise, post-Voyager summary of the processes that have shaped the major satellites of the outer planets.'
Carl Murray, The Observatory (Vol. 112, no. 1110), October 1992

`Rothery does an excellent job of synthesizing the research inspired by the Voyager missions into a coherent description of outer solar system geology.' Sky and Telescope

'This is a hard well-written introduction to the geology, as far as it is known, of the major satellites of the five outer planets, aimed mainly at the general reader, but with a considerable amount of usable data.'
Aslib Book Guide, Vol. 57, No. 7, July 1992

'David Rothery has written a fine book. The text is lucid, highly readable and always intriguing and is backed up by clear diagrams and photographs. Anyone with an interest in the planetary system in which we live will find this volume to be an invaluable guide to the Satellites of the Outer
Planets.'
P.M. Bagnall, Impact!, December 1992

'The book will serve to give the nonspecialist an excellent introduction to the satellites of the solar system and could be read with value by undergraduates.'
H. Albers, Vassar College, Choice, January 1993

'"Satellites of the Outer Planets" does indeed contain a collection of striking images, but more than that it offers a lucid and fascinating account of the interpretation of those images in geological terms. The success of the book lies in the patient and lucid way in which the author
establishes the theoretical principles before launching into descriptions of the satellites themselves. I heartily recommend this fascinating book to anyone with an interest in the world underneath them and the strange worlds beyond, about which we are now so much better informed.'
Steve Barnes, Australian Journal of Astronomy, 10/92

'interesting book, very well illustrated and presented ... For geologists and geophysicists involved only in terrestrial studies, it provides a good introduction to planetary problems.'
Pascal Allemand, and J.C. Varekamp, University of South Carolina, Terra Nova 4:5 1992

'not simply another grand picture tour through the Solar System ... Many outstanding controversies regarding icy satellites and Io are covered in fair detail ... Rothery excels at synthesizing and balancing complex arguments gleaned from a vast literature, without getting into analytical and
experimental details. He presents particularly well-rounded discussions ... should be especially well received by a select group of lay readers and lower level undergraduate geology students. Certain advanced students and professionals in earth and planetary sciences also may benefit by the book's
broad overview. David Rothery has helped bridge the chasm between planetary science and terrestrial geology.'
Jeffrey S. Kargel, GSA Today, May 1994

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0198542895
• ISBN 13: 9780198542896
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 230