Searching for Water in the Universe (Popular Astronomy) - Softcover

Encrenaz, Thérèse

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0387341749 ISBN 13: 9780387341743

Publisher: Springer, 2006

Synopsis

This accessible book offers an imaginative journey through the Universe in search of water, founded on the latest science. The author begins by re-introducing the molecule H2O, its physical and chemical characteristics, its cosmic formation and abundance. The book goes on to describe methods by which the presence of water is detected, within the solar system and beyond. The book explores the presence and absence of water in the bodies of the Solar System: in the giant planets, with their rings and satellites, in comets, asteroids and in the terrestrial planets. The author explains how small differences in temperature cause water to exist in different states on different planets – vapour on Venus, liquid on Earth and solid ice on Mars – leading to divergence in the evolutionary paths of the three planets. The book concludes with a look at the important role played by water in studies of habitable exoplanets.

About this title

Review

From the reviews:

"Professor Encrenaz, from the Observatoire de Paris-Meudon, is a very well-known Solar System research astronomer and the author of many excellent books on Solar System topics. This, her latest book, is first class, well written, beautifully illustrated, and accurately aimed at a young university/advanced amateur-astronomy readership. ... I highly recommend this thorough introduction to a vital component of the Universe and life." (David W. Hughes, The Observatory, Vol. 127 (1199), 2007)

"This visually beautiful book features photographs, diagrams, and explanations in colored boxes that cover past and future measurements of amounts of water from Earth observatories, orbiting satellites, and robot spacecraft. The artistic charm contributes hugely to clarify even the most difficult concepts as Encrenaz (Paris Observatory) describes the chemistry of this three-atom molecule and carries the reader off Earth and into the solar system and beyond on her search for water. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels." (P. R. Douville, Choice, Vol. 45 (1), 2007)

"The author takes us on a journey through the various locations from the nearest to the furthest planets where water has been observed. ... This book belongs to the Popular Astronomy series and is therefore easy readable by a large public. It is well illustrated ... and contains many text frames elucidating the encountered concepts of interest. ... this basic comprehensible work is strongly recommended to all those who shows at least some interest in the ongoing search of water (and life) in the universe." (Robert Vandenberghe, Physicalia Magazine, Vol. 29 (4), 2007)

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0387341749
• ISBN 13: 9780387341743
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 204