Planets - Softcover

David A. Rothery

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0340867604 ISBN 13: 9780340867600

Publisher: Hodder Arnold, 2003

Synopsis

Extensively illustrated, this authoritative, easy-to-understand guide describes the nature and origin of the solar system. It looks at the internal structure, surface features, and weather patterns of each planet and its major satellites; discusses the possibilities of finding life on other planetary bodies; covers asteroids and the icy bodies beyond Pluto; and explains how to see the planets in the sky.In Table 10.2 (p.149) the orbital period of 1.997 days quoted for S/2004 S1 was a misprint for 0.997 days. However, newer measurements show the period to be 1.01 days.In the Planetary Facts table for Neptune (p 184), the orbital period should read 164.8 years (not 163.7 years).In Table 12.1 (p 191), the value for the mass of Triton should read 2.14 × 10^22 kg (not 10^20 kg)

About this title

About the Author

David A Rothery teaches geology and planetary science at the Open University, where he has been Director of Teaching for the Department of Earth Sciences since 1999. He began his research career at the Open University in 1978 when he mapped a large tract of ocean-floor rocks now exposed in the Oman mountains in Arabia. Since then, he has performed fieldwork in many parts of the globe, including North, Central and South America, Australia, Hawaii and Sicily. He has also helped to characterise the landing site for the Beagle 2 lander which is due to land on Mars at the end of 2003. His current specialisms are active volcanoes and geological processes on other planets.

Edition details

• Publisher: Hodder Arnold
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0340867604
• ISBN 13: 9780340867600
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 256