Overview
Author William Hartmann has fully updated this text, which retains a comparative approach to the principles of planetology, including organization by physical topic rather than by planet. This unique approach promotes an understanding of the unifying principles and processes that cause similarities and differences among the moon and planets. This edition features findings and photos from Mars Odyssey and Mars Global Surveyor missions as well as information on new discoveries about Mars, such as underground ice and possible glacial features. The author also includes new results about the "Tagish Lake fireball," material from the landing of the NEAR spacecraft on asteroid Eros, and updates on satellites of Jupiter and Saturn. The text's unique math boxes provide flexibility to teach planetary science at a descriptive level or at a moderately advanced level involving algebra and elementary calculus.
Synopsis
In a treatment that keeps the math content in a separate orbit, this edition emphasizes recent advances related to Martian exploration (e.g. the Pathfinder landing). From a comparative planetology approach, a scientist at the Planetary Science Institute in Tucson applies the basic cosmic concepts introduced to unresolved questions about the red planet. Features include b&w illustrations and a planetary data table. Previously published in 1972 and 1983; the date of the textbook's last iteration is not given. Annotation © 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR