Satellites of the Outer Planets

The wide media coverage of the Voyager spaceprobe's 1989 encounter with the moons of Neptune confirmed once again the keen public interest in planetary exploration. This book summarizes the findings of the Voyager mission and other recent discoveries, concentrating on the moons of the outer planets and their distinctive geological features. It is the only available book to describe these dramatic findings in full detail. The author shows how each of the satellites belongs to a recognizable family of worlds. He draws attention to their similarities and differences, and discusses in particular how tectonic and volcanic processes have shaped their outer layers. The text is splendidly illustrated with close-up images from the Voyager spaceprobes along with explanatory drawings. The book is written at an introductory level and is intended for the widest possible readership. For professional and amateur astronomers, it clearly explains the excitement these bodies have generated among planetary geologists. For geologists, the book shows for the first time the occurrence of geological processes that are unlike any on Earth. General readers too will find the book perfectly accessible and readable. A glossary of terms provides helpful definitions.

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