Overview
Mars -- fourth rock from the Sun, 4,217 miles in diameter, one tenth the mass of Earth, attended by its two tiny moons Phobos and Deimos -- is man's next destination in space. The first landing on Mars, by Viking I in July 1976, gave us perfect pictures of the surface and heralded a period of intense research. More recently, the Mars Pathfinder landed in July 1997 and successfully despatched its rover vehicle Sojourner to explore and report. Global Surveyor arrived in Martian orbit the following September, to spend two years surveying and mapping the entire planet. There will be future missions, and man could be on Mars within twenty years, to find -- what, exactly?Patrick Moore, familiar and undisputed expert on the stars and planets, reveals the full story of Mars, from early myths to the present day. This is Mars as it really is: its place in the solar system, its structure, surface, mountains, volcanoes, impact craters, ice-caps, atmosphere, weather. Everything we currently know about Mars is chronicled in a detailed, fascinating, well-illustrated text. Patrick Moore orbits through an ever more exciting story of scientific discovery in his unique, enthusiastic style. Old and new theories are examined, and put properly in context. The possibility of life on Mars, past or present, is carefully explored in the light of the latest evidence. Looking to the future of Martian exploration, Patrick Moore shows that even after centuries of astronomical research and speculation, our acquaintance with Mars is only just beginning.
Synopsis
Moore, a former president of the British Astronomical Association, has written numerous popular books on planetary science and astronomy (Atlas of the Universe, LJ 2/15/99). He has been a presenter of the BBC television program The Sky at Night for over 40 years. In addition, he has been observing and mapping Mars for over half a century. This work replaces his Guide to Mars, first published in 1955 and last updated over 20 years ago. Only the historical material has been retained from the earlier edition. The results of the Mariner, Viking, Pathfinder, Global Surveyor, and other recent missions to the Red Planet are a significant portion of this work. Included are 90 illustrations, 40 in color. This volume will be a very useful source of information about the next focus of manned exploration in space. Anyone with an interest in Mars can learn much from Moore's readable presentation. Recommended for all astronomy collections.ADale Ebersole Jr., Univ. of Toledo, Carlson Lib., OH Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Library Journal
Moore, a former president of the British Astronomical Association, has written numerous popular books on planetary science and astronomy (Atlas of the Universe, LJ 2/15/99). He has been a presenter of the BBC television program The Sky at Night for over 40 years. In addition, he has been observing and mapping Mars for over half a century. This work replaces his Guide to Mars, first published in 1955 and last updated over 20 years ago. Only the historical material has been retained from the earlier edition. The results of the Mariner, Viking, Pathfinder, Global Surveyor, and other recent missions to the Red Planet are a significant portion of this work. Included are 90 illustrations, 40 in color. This volume will be a very useful source of information about the next focus of manned exploration in space. Anyone with an interest in Mars can learn much from Moore's readable presentation. Recommended for all astronomy collections.--Dale Ebersole Jr., Univ. of Toledo, Carlson Lib., OH