Comet Science The Study of Remnants from the Birth of the Solar System Jacques Crovisier Observatoire de Paris, Meudon Thrse Encrenaz Observatoire de Paris, Meudon Stephen Lyle Roger Maurice Bonnet Price: AUD$52.95
Status Available
Bindings: Hardcover Date of Publication: 9/3/2000 Bibliographic Description: 2000 246 x 189 mm 187pp 47 line diagrams 20 half-tones 36 colour plates 11 tables
This book provides a comprehensive overview of our current knowledge of comets. It presents a fascinating survey of the study of comets throughout history and includes the most recent discoveries on the comets Hale-Bopp and Hyakutake. The authors discuss the role of comets in the formation of our Solar System and describe the links between comets, asteroids and the recently discovered Kuiper-belt objects. Written in a clear and lively style, and beautifully illustrated, this book will appeal to anyone interested in comets and astronomy, professionals and amateurs alike.
Contents 1. The history of the comets; 2. What is a comet?; 3. Visual observations; 4. Visible and ultraviolet spectroscopy; 5. The 1986 exploration of comet Halley; 6. New techniques: infrared and radio; 7. Cometary nuclei and their activity; 8. The collision of comet Shoemaker-Levy and Jupiter; 9. The nature of comets; 10. Comets and the history of the solar system; 11. The future of cometary research.
Key Features
Contains results from the exceptional comets Hyakutake and Hale-Bopp and from new astronomical techniques
Beautifully illustrated and written in clear and lively style
Includes new insights into the composition and nature of cometary nuclei
`... a clear, succinct and authoritative narrative ... written by two French astronomers who have each contributed mightily to the modern understanding of comets. Comet Science is comprehensive yet brief, engaging yet authoritative, and fully accessible to a wide range of readers. It is well suited to student use and sufficiently detailed for astronomers wanting an overview of comets.
