Asteroids III (The University of Arizona Space Science Series) - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0816522812 ISBN 13: 9780816522811

Publisher: University of Arizona Press, 2002

Synopsis

Two hundred years after the first asteroid was discovered, asteroids can no longer be considered mere points of light in the sky. Spacecraft missions, advanced Earth-based observation techniques, and state-of-the-art numerical models are continually revealing the detailed shapes, structures, geological properties, and orbital characteristics of these smaller denizens of our solar system. This volume brings together the latest information obtained by spacecraft combined with astronomical observations and theoretical modeling, to present our best current understanding of asteroids and the clues they reveal for the origin an,d evolution of the solar system.

This collective knowledge, prepared by a team of more than one hundred international authorities on asteroids, includes new insights into asteroid-meteorite connections, possible relationships with comets, and the hazards posed by asteroids colliding with Earth. The book's contents include reports on surveys based on remote observation and summaries of physical properties; results of in situ exploration; studies of dynamical, collisional, cosmochemical, and weathering evolutionary processes; and discussions of asteroid families and the relationships between asteroids and other solar system bodies. Two previous Space Science Series volumes have established standards for research into asteroids. Asteroids III carries that tradition forward in a book that will stand as the definitive source on its subject for the next decade.

About this title

About the Author:

William F. Bottke is Senior Research Scientist at the Department of Space Studies at the Southwest Research Institute. Alberto Cellino is Astronomer at the Torino Astronomical Observatory. Paolo Paolicchi is Associate Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Pisa. Richard P. Binzel is Professor of Planetary Science at MIT and was the principal editor for the Space Science Series volume Asteroids II. All four have had asteroids named in their honor in recognition of their contributions to the field.

Review:

"Some of the most important current work and knowledge in a field of immense important and burgeoning knowledge and research . . . Essential reading for all planetary scientists and those concerned with planetary formation and evolution and general solar system studies. Very highly recommended." —Spaceflight

"Asteroids was published in 1979 and Asteroids II in 1989, so do we need yet another huge volume on these insignificant little rocks just 13 years later? Has asteroid science really advanced so much in such a short time, and have we learned so much more about them that we did not know before? If you already have the first two volumes, do you need the third? Well, I'm afraid the answer to all of these questions is clear and unambiguous; it is yes!" —The Observatory

About this edition

• Publisher: University of Arizona Press
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0816522812
• ISBN 13: 9780816522811
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 785
• Editor: Bottke William F., Cellino Alberto, Paolicchi Paolo, Binzel Richard P.