The Mystery of Comets (Smithsonian Library of the Solar System, Series Number 1) - Hardcover

Green, Daniel W. E.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521324408 ISBN 13: 9780521324403

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1986

Synopsis

In this book, one of the world's foremost authorities on comets takes us on a voyage of discovery from the earliest speculations on the meaning of comets to his own pioneering research into both the nature of comets and the mysteries of our solar system. Professor Whipple begins by examining the earliest observations and notions of comets from the first recorded observation by the Chinese in 2315 B.C. to the cosmogonies and mythologies of the Babylonians and the Mayans. He then carries us step by step from the exciting time when Sir Isaac Newton formulated the law of gravity and Edmund Halley made the first correct prediction of a comet's return, up to a heady glimpse of extraterrestrial exploits still to come - the space missions to Halley's comet and the first landing on a comet, tentatively planned for 1995. In so doing, he addresses basic but long elusive questions about comets: Where do they come from? Do they die? Why do some comets seemingly defy gravity? What is the landscape of a comet like? Why does the head of a comet change when it draws near the sun?

About this title

From School Library Journal

YA The history of comets, from ancient times to today, is presented in this highly informative book. The first 14 chapters are devoted to theories developed about comets before the 20th Century. The last ten chapters concentrate on current theories. The nature of comets, their origin and possible relation to life on Earth are discussed. Information on space missions and the significance of comets is included. Many charts, diagrams and illustrations, both in color and in black and white, help clarify the text. High-school students with minimal background in science will find the first section of the book relatively easy to understand; however, they may need help with the later chapters. There is a wealth of detail in this book. While the profuse visual material definitely will aid average readers, this book is recommended for more sophisticated students who have scientific interest in comets. Pat Royal, Prince George's County Public School System, Md.

Copyright 1986 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1986
• ISBN 10: 0521324408
• ISBN 13: 9780521324403
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 287