Amazon.com

Francis Baily spent his 20s exploring unsettled parts of North America and didn't get around to astronomy until he was 37, when he traveled to an annular eclipse of the Sun in southern Scotland. On May 15, 1836, he watched as light from the occluded sun poured through the lunar valleys and reached him broken up into "a row of lucid points, like a string of bright beads."With those words, Baily founded the industry of eclipse chasing.

The best feature of Totality is its wealth of biographical information about eclipse chasers past and present. Throughout this century, every total eclipse over land has been attended by scientists willing to travel great distances, endure hostile climates--and risk complete failure because of clouds--for a few minutes' view of the corona.This turbulent outer part of the sun, best studied when the sun is obscured, draws observers across the globe to this day.

Totality, like most eclipse guides produced in time for the 1999 eclipse, doesn't seem to know which readers it's addressing. Near the beginning, the reader is abjured not to let all the science bits "stand in the way of your enjoyment of the wild, wacky, and wonderful things people have thought and done about solar eclipses." What a strange sentiment in such a fascinating and adult marriage of science, history, biography, and sound technical advice. --Simon Ings, Amazon.co.uk ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Excellent addition to Eclips-o-phile's bookshelf
Even if you have other eclipse books at home, TOTALITY provides fresh information about this fascinating phenomenon. This book describes in clear language what makes a total solar eclipse so special. The authors explanation of the science behind eclipses helps to demystify the eclipse, while the chapter devoted to impressions from a group of dedicated eclipse chasers, gives a sense of the magic of a total solar eclipse. There are plenty of drawings and photographs complement the writing, with an excellent set of references in the appendix. Highly recommended, Jerry Levy ....

Feel again the excitement of the totality
After being three times under the Moon's shadow, I already know very well what kind of excitement, marvel and amazement a person can feel during a total eclipse of the Sun. Reading "Totality", not only you learn, understand and comprehend better everything concerning the "most awesome sight in the heavens" (sic from the book's review), but feel again those very special sensations you only expect to find during totality. If you are not infected by the eclipse bug after the 1999 European eclipse, perhaps this book will do the work. I only miss a bit more extent on science (chapter 9) and about historical eclipses (chapter 5). Anyway, a very well-written, complete and fascinating book.

Best book on solar eclipses!
"Totality" is a superior reference providing a very comprehensive coverage of solar eclipses. I highly recommend this book for advice on understanding, enjoying, photographing, and experiencing solar eclipses, especially total solar eclipses. The information provided is easy to understand as well as practical and useful. I have about a dozen books on eclipses and this is one is the best. "Totality" is a must read for anyone preparing to experience a solar eclipse.

superior explanation of the solar eclipse phenomenon
very good book for understanding all the aspects of solar eclipses; gives advice on how to view them, and conveys why they are special events; after reading this book, I was lucky enought to travel to Aruba to see my first total solar eclipse right beside the authors--it was great! ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Mars The Living Planet is a fantastic read!
Barry DiGregorio's new book about the discovery of microbial life on the surface of Mars only has re-inforced what I have suspected all along --that if NASA ever did find life on the other planets they would contain the information to themselves fearing funding cuts by those that would protest "the truth about nature" because it interfers with their religious cosmologies. Former NASA scientist Gilbert Levin presents a good argument (Levin guest writes chapter 9) and gives readers an inside look at what it is like to work as a NASA exobiologist and the political obstacles he has had to endure. All in all, Mars The Living Planet is one of the best books on Mars I have ever read (and I have read most of them) and highly recomended it to anyone that is curious about how NASA conducts its research in this area. Though the search for life is one of NASA's top three stated goals for Mars, DiGregorio points out that no microbiologists are being included on any of the NASA science teams and that biological testing experiments are being rejected by the agency. --John Miller, Amherst, N

Follow the data......
Excellent, well researched book. The case is convincingly made that the Viking LR experiments did indeed detect life in 1976. During the intervening years, mainstream science has dismissed these results as a hypothetical(and never explained/ replicated!)exotic chemical reaction. New data distilled from the original Viking records have even revealed a circadian rythym(independent of thermal effects)to the LR's measured results. Rather than recite a long list of pertinent facts however, let me say this: follow the data. Ignore, discard and reject input from people(even the experts!) who clearly, for whatever reason will not publicly face the facts revealed by the data. If Mars and the possibility of exobiology interests you at all, do your homework, search out the facts..... you will eventually discover a very noticeable..er, dichotomy(to put it politely) between what data is coming in - and the interpreted results anounced by NASA. Why this is - I do not know. It is not conspiracy theorizing to see the obvious; hopefully this book will spur more people to ask hard questions - and at least, eventually settle this debate at some point in time - once and for all.

what is evidence?
Reading this book took me back over the years to the 1976 viking lander life detection experiments. I have a doctorate in cell biology and have worked extensively with cells in culture. Thus, the label release experiments seemed pretty indicative of metabolism in the martian soil sample, hence life. The fact that the uptake of labeled nutrients was prevented if the soil was pre-heated (steralization) was also consistent with life which could be destroyed by heat. These results seemed to be pretty strong indicators of some sort of microbiol presence in the soil. At this point everyone seemed excited. Then came the gas chromatography which failed to detect organic material. The conclusion was immediately reached that the martian soiled contain no life but had an "interesting chemistry". Howver, what we had was conflicting results which usually calls for further experimentation rather than dismissing one set of data out of hand.

Thus I was delighted to see Digregorio et al's book on the library shelves. The authors argue convincingly that the label release experiments were properly done and also points out potential problems with the chromatography experiments which should have been examined more closely. He also discusses other intrigueing observations, such as the presence of green hues on the martian rocks suggesting photosynthetic organisms. Perhaps one of his most telling arguments concerns the use of the word "evidence." Evidence is a set of one one or more observations which support a given hypothesis. Certainly the label release experiments would fall into the category of evidence for life. Furthermore, no one seems to have shown that the experiments leading to these results were flawed. Thus the statement made again and again that the viking lander experiments failed to show evidence of life is wrong. While the authors can't prove conclusively that there is life on Mars, they certainly make a strong case for examining the question further. I would recommend this book strongly to anyone interested in exobiology.

Can a more valuable or relevant book on space be found?
I recently went in person to the largest bookstore in my state,went item by item though the towering shelves of books on astrononyand space, and simply could not find a more worthwhile book on space than Barry DiGregorio's. The amount of detailed and painstakingly compiled information it contains makes even the most highly-touted popular works on space pale by comparison.

More importantly, this book isn't mere space trivia. This is an amazingly clear and thorough look into what will ever remain a major historical even in human history, but even more importantly, this is a rare in-depth look at the background behind one of the most pressing issues of our time.

While Barry's detractors (and there are many, frequently being self-professed "debunkers" lurking the internet, ready to denounce anything and everything, even the works of Nobel nominees whose discoveries weren't part of these detractors' own dated eductions) are demonstrably willing to subject him to the same "pariah process" that has somehow gotten Dr. Levin branded with the "has-been" nonsense that no one who played a participatory role in our historic space exploration would be subjected to had they not embraced ideas that do not conform to the emasculated tastes of their detractors. (For perspective here, imagine the audacity of levelling this same slur of "has-been" at our astronauts simply because they have not flow a mission in decades! They have been, and rightly remain, heroes. The targeting of Levin for this kind of treatment should be a warning sign in itself.)

Disturbingly, what DiGregorio's detractors stand to "gain" is to help obscure the folly of a planned frightening and reckless return of potentially living and potentially virulent material from Mars.

While the plans for this material following landing require it to be considered as and treated as a potential biological hazard, demonstrating that in practice even our space agencies do not embrace the fashionable dismissal of Dr. Levin's viewpoint, we face the paradox that in spite of these concerns and precautions, the planned manner of sample return poses many opportunities for the escape of this material prior to landing.

Particularly now in light of the incompetence implied by the inexplicable loss of the Mars Climate Orbiter (to name only the latest) and the cloud of misinformation that remains to dissipate around the matter, any promises from space agencies that we can be assured of a perfect and safe landing of this material on its way into quarranteen ring particular hollow, and the reckless and unnecessary gamble with human safety becomes even more patently obvious.

Barry's authority and sincerity in the matters of Martian life are readily visible in his involvement with ICAMSR- International Committee Against Mars Sample Return- and I enthusiatically urge everyone to explore these highly important aspects of Barry's career and their appropriate representation on the internet, as well as this most remarkable book.

It is alarming to see what Barry has been subjected to simply for asking for perfectly sensible and perfectly viable alternatives to be employed in order to elimate the risks of a Mars sample return, just as it is to see the tenuous, dated and speculative science that has been used to argue in favor of taking a wholly needless risk.

Knowing something of Barry through his communications on internet forums, where he patiently and deftly demonstrates his sincerity, knowledge, and confident patience in the face of endless juvenile abuses, I am even more impressed to see that rare author who has taken their own work deeply to heart and been willing to consistenly practice exactly what they preach, and go far beyond the call of duty to see that their message is shared.

"Mars: The Living Planet" deserves to be called an essential work in the truest sense of the phrase. No matter what may be said, I encourage everyone to discover this for themselves, as well as Barry's work with ICAMSR.

A stunning achievement not seen since the Bible
Wow what a book.

Well children it was fun reading but hard to follow and bit hard to believe. Written by a believer who assumes you know everything the writers knows. It leaves one asking, huh?

Space stuff, Mars, bio-harzard, Nazis, evil scientists, Cabals at the highest levels of government. NASA as the apex of cruel information suppression. Conspiracy and lots and lots of words

Marty ... Read more

Reviews (9)

An important book that's fun to read
Anyone that wonders why humans should continue to invest in space exploration--especially important at this time of tragedy with the Columbia mission--will find many answers in this excellent book. Grinspoon is one of those rare writers that enthralls us with the mystery and wonder of science, while at the same time not shying away from, or diminishing the complexities of scientific discovery. He describes with clarity why studies of other planets are important endeavors in their own right, as well as for our continued understanding of our own planet Earth.

All readers will gain an appreciation from Grinspoon for scientific discovery: how it builds with improving data from insights that at first seem remote and uncertain into solid foundations for better understanding of issues such as global warming on earth. Volcanology, plate tectonics, acid rain, and planetary climatology are all discussed in detail, as well as the more esoteric phenomena of planet formation and extra-terrestrial life. While the later topics might be argued as to their importance with regard to current problems on our planet, Grinspoon makes excellent connections for studies of the former issues on Venus, and their impact to our knowledge of our own home planet. Anything that significantly improves our understanding of global warming, plate tectonics (earthquakes), etc., is worth a significant and continuing investment. Venus Revealed is great book in many respects: lack of a bibliography is the only fault worth mentioning. (And I, for one, loved the often hilarious footnotes!) Highly recommended.

A good work of comparative planetology
Besides a excellent historical and scientifical synthesis of the Venusian system, this book does a good job at comparing the three main terrestrial planets, from the astronomical, physical, geological, atmospheric, etc. point of views. This is very refreshing because Venus is often overlooked in most books, that usually focus more on the binary comparison of Mars vs the Earth, and, in many ways, Terra is actually closer to Venus than Mars.

The text itself is clear, accurate and very entertaining to read (especially the footnotes!). Everything is based on scientific facts, except the last chapter, that digresses a little too much from the main subject, but it's ok.

A greeaat read!
I really enjoyed this overview of our sister planet! Despite his background as a planetologist and university professor, Grinspoon writes for the layman with a freshness and spirit that is rare in non-fiction astronomy books. He first takes us through an extensive history of our discoveries and past theories on Venus, then reveals the major findings of the Magellan mission which laid bare the planet's high-level topography. Towards the end Grinspoon presents a couple bold suggestions as food for thought, e.g. the possibility that life currently exists on Venus and also ideas for terraforming the planet!

I especially enjoyed the virtual tour of Venus as well as the descriptions of what it would be like to spend a day and night on Venus, assuming you could survive the extreme heat and crushing pressure. Did you know that it never gets totally dark on the ground, because even at night the rocks are so hot that they glow red??!

The footnotes didn't bother me too much; in fact, I rather appreciated Grinspoon's sense of humor and chuckled at a few of them. One thing that did annoy me was Grinspoon's repeated pessimistic assertions that we humans are wreaking havoc on Earth through global warming, ozone depletion, acid rain, pollution, blah blah. The fact is, it's kind of ludicrous to suggest that the Earth's overall "health" is being affected at all by us. There is no proof of this whatsoever. We may be making things worse for ourselves in the long run, but the Earth is so massive that there's really nothing we can do to hurt it.

Anyway, I've read a few books on the planets and this is the best so far! Just the right blend of science and non-technical discussion to appeal to the layman and the amateur astronomer both.

Outstanding!
Venus Revealed by David Grinspoon is one of the best popular-level astronomy books of the 1990s. It is full of substantial information, yet is entertaining and suspenseful. In this regard, it resembles books such as Black Holes and Time Warps by Kip Thorne; The Alchemy of the Heavens by Ken Croswell; and Lonely Hearts of the Cosmos by Dennis Overbye. Venus Revealed traces astronomers' knowledge of the planet Venus--from ancient times, when it was merely a beautiful object in the morning or evening sky, to the era of telescopic observations, which gave rise to fanciful speculations about life, and finally to the modern era of spacecraft, which revealed the true nature of Venus: a dry, torrid world with an atmosphere 90 times thicker than Earth's. Two minor complaints about the book: the numerous footnotes are often silly, and the book lacks a bibliography. Venus Revealed is definitely a lot more appealing than its inhospitable subject.

Perfect combination of information and wit!
Venus Revealed is a very well written book covering a wide variety of topics on Venus. I would recommend this to anyone with more than a passing interest in the planet. Grinspoon is an all too rare author who can provide enough scientific detail to be informative in a book that is a pleasure to read. I appreciated his wit and writing style. Astronomy books are my favorite subjects, but too many of them are so dry that is takes some effort to get through them. Dr. Grinspoon, please don't stop with this one book. ... Read more

Book Description

This lavishly illustrated book chronicles our planetary travels, explains the creation and evolution of each planet, and tells how our understanding of the solar system has developed from the first stargazers in ancient times to the present. A companion volume to a highly regarded eight-part Arts and Entertainment television series, the book draws on space race archives, interviews with scientists and astronauts, and computer graphics to reveal fascinating details about the wonders of the solar system. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Other worlds (and this one, too...)
The Planets, by David McNab and James Younger, is a stunning and interesting companion book to the BBC/A&E series of the same name. The eight chapters of the book correspond to the eight episodes of the series, and are all interesting, accessible, chatty, thought-provoking, and well illustrated, with the best of the most recent photography from telescopes and space probes.

Different Worlds
Beginning with a discussion of planet hunters at the Lowell Observatory in the early part of this century (searching for Planet X, which turned out to be Pluto), the chapter introduces 'the family', all the planets of our solar system, the asteroids, comets, other local phenomena, and has a brief discussion of origin and formation issues (nebulae, supernovae, planetary evolution).

Moon
As our nearest neighbour in space, the Moon has pride of place in mythology, space exploration, and in this presentation of extra-terrestrial worlds. It is amazing--the Earth is the only inner, rocky planet to have a substantial moon; this chapter discusses the space race and politics as well as science in earnest terms. The discussion of the astronauts a la The Right Stuff is always an interesting read. What is the future of the moon and humankind? Some speculation is here, with renewed interest, as the possibility of ice at the poles gives new life to lunar settlement ideas.

Terra Firma
Looking at the worlds with hard surfaces (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars), the chapter on Terra Firma shows the diversity of worlds that occupy the space so close to us. Each has been explored numerous times by probes; Venus has for the first time in human history revealed more than a glorious morning/evening star light, as probes and sensors have finally been able to break through the cloud cover. Mars, of course, has always held a fascination for us, particularly after the 'discovery' of 'canals' on the surface; renewed interest in Mars has been propelling NASA efforts. Included in this chapter is a brief description of some of the moons of the outer planets (Europa, Triton) which would, if not tied to a gaseous giant planet, qualify as planets on their own.

Giants
Within the past few years, humankind has finally reached all of the major planets, all of the planets known to antiquity, and all but Pluto. Even with the most powerful of telescopes, these planets never appeared as much more than blobs, save for Saturn, with her enigmatic rings (which have turned out to be far more intricate than ever before imagined or believed possible). The probes to the outer worlds showed that all have rings of some sort; all have more moons than previously known (and than are probably still known). There are worlds to explore still in our own back yard, even as we search for planets around other stars.

Stars
Beginning, obviously, with our own sun, as the guiding physical force behind almost all in the solar system, the sun has variously been regarded as a god and a demon. Yet, for all its power and prominence, the idea that it, and not the Earth, was the centre of the universe was able to cause a stir (largely theological and philosophical) that would dominate learned and popular discourse for some time. Ironically, while the Church worked to silence Galileo and Copernicus who would suggest that the sun was centre stage, they applauded when Fr. Secchi, director of the Vatican Observatory 200 years later, announced the discovery that the sun was in fact a star, like other stars, and that not even the sun was at the centre of the universe. Solar flares, storms, composition and power are all discussed.

Atmospheres
Atmospheres are thin veneers that coat some planets. These are barely worth mentioning in planetary composition terms, but, without it, no life would exist, and worlds would be very different places. The issue of atmosphere is important from the standpoint of life and space exploration. Atmosphere makes it interesting, or boring. Of course, the gaseous giants have more than their fair share of atmosphere, which again makes a difference in exploration terms. Storms are frequent on giant Jupiter, and can last for generations. Not only planets have atmosphere: Titan, a moon of Saturn reminiscent of Venus with unbroken cloud cover, is perhaps the most enigmatic and interesting world in the solar system today, with a predominantly nitrogen atmosphere (hey! like earth!) and organic chemistry (hey! like earth!)--what's going on here? In 2004 we may have a glimpse, as the ESA probe Huygens reaches the moon, and dives in, snapping pictures all the way down.

Life
Are we alone? Is there life on Mars, or indeed, are we Martians? Is there life on the moons of the giants? How does life arise? Well, this book discusses, if not definitively answers, these questions. Discussing observations and probes, experiments and speculations, the idea of life in the solar system (in smaller forms, alas, no green men here) is fully developed. Looking to harsh areas on earth which nonetheless have life forms thriving, the idea that these same inhospitable earth-based climes are no different from the better areas of other worlds takes hold. Just what is life, anyway?

Beyond the Sun
And what else is out there? Other worlds in other systems? When Voyager turned its camera around to take a snapshot of the 'family', Mars and Pluto were too faint to show up, and Earth, as a pale blue dot lacking detail, was in the midst of a 6-metre long photograph. Out among the stars, there are stellar incubators (nebulae) which grow both stars and planets; the way stars die is also presented.

An extra plus for Yale Press for keeping British spelling and punctuation conventions throughout the text.

the whole planets
colorful book of the planets.. nice material to read and to review... fun and unique

Amazing Pictures
My child adores everything about space... so I ordered this book for him... he loves it... some of the pictures are just incredible. Text quality is good but it could be better.

A captivating introduction to our nearest neighbors in space
For those of you who are very serious about the science and theory behind the formation of our Solar System, go buy "The New Solar System" by Beatty et al. For the rest of us, there's "The Planets". In this book, McNab and Younger have melded science and narrative perfectly and have even made it accessible to the layman. Only those with no interest whatsoever in astronomy would dislike The Planets.

With the exception of the Moon and Sun, the authors do not simply cover each of our neighbors chapter by chapter as do most books on the Solar System. Rather, The Planets focuses on specific themes and discusses the planets in the context of those themes. One chapter is devoted to the inner planets and attempts to explain why the Earth turned out so radically different from its rocky neighbors. Another focuses on the different atmospheres of the planets and the effects they have on surface conditions. Naturally, the potential for life on the planets is a separate topic as well.

Accompanying the text are outstanding photographs taken by the robot spacecraft sent to the planets along with some artists' conceptions of localities that were inaccessible to the robots but perhaps one day will be. The visuals allow this book to double as a coffee table adornment! Also, integrated within the narrative are details of the various missions of exploration that taught us virtually everything we know today of the Solar System. One chapter documents the exciting "space race" between the US and Soviet Union in the 1960s that culminated in the manned lunar landings.

I sell most non-reference books after reading them unless they contain outstanding visuals or are otherwise useful. Can you guess what I'm doing with this one? My rating should give you a hint!

Compelling and User-Friendly for Non-scientists
I have, in my life, read many books which I was unable to put down until I had read the whole thing. This had never happened with a non-fiction book until my son got The Planets for his birthday. It seemed rather old for him so I picked it up to check it out and began reading. Five hours later I was done and thirsty for more.

The organization was unusual for a book about the solar system, not ordered by planet, but moving fluidly from topic to topic. The chapter about atmosphere was particularly thought-provoking. The details about the missions and probes which gathered all the information presented was fascinating. The greatest thing about this book was that the science was presented in a "user-friendly" fashion which was completely unintimidating.

My son enjoyed the pictures and was intrigued by some of the abridged passages I read to him, but it's probably not for the under 10 set. I'm just glad my brother has such a high opinion of my son's intellectual capabilities or I might never have seen this book. I highly recommend this book for anyone who has ever looked up and wondered. ... Read more

Book Description

The Cambridge Planetary Handbook is an invaluable reference text, bringing together key facts and data on the planets and their satellites, discoverers and researchers. It summarises many centuries' worth of data, from the earliest observations of the planets through to the most recent spaceprobe findings. The author discusses the history, mythology and theories of the main objects in our solar system, and provides a comprehensive information section with accurate and up-to-date data on the planets. The book contains excellent photography and explanatory illustrations, along with numerous historical drawings from Galileo, Huygens, Herschel and other astronomers. This book is a must for all astronomy enthusiasts, as well as academic researchers, students and teachers. Those unfamiliar with the sky will find this a user-friendly guide written in clear, non-technical language. ... Read more

Book Description

Written by Peter Wlasuk, an astronomer at the Florida International University, Observing the Moon is a definitive work. An invaluable reference book for anyone seriously interested in the Moon and its geology, it is also a perfect companion for practical amateur astronomers. Detailed and extensively illustrated chapters catalog most of the interesting lunar features visible in modest telescopes. They are preceded by a crash course in modern lunar geology and followed by chapters on photographic and CCD imaging, drawing and lunar topography. A CD-ROM accompanies the book and contains a gallery of lunar images. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Don't Waste Your Money, There are Better Books, and Cheaper
Wlasuk's book, _Observing the Moon_ is OK if you have nothing else, but there are better references available, for less money. His illustrations are so-so and his explanations somewhat hard to follow. In many cases, his descriptions of lunar features are not illustrated, so one cannot see what he is describing. A better book for the serious lunar astronomer is Ernest Cherrington's _Exploring the Moon With Binoculars and Small Telescopes_, available on Amazon.com for about 1/3 the price of Wlasuk's book.

A primer for observing our nearest neighhbor
Peter Wlasuk takes us on a tour of the moon and shows us how to see the sights. The one thing that disappointed me was that the included CD-ROM was PC-only. It mostly contains a collection of TIFF formatted images and PDF files, very easy to adapt for multiple platforms.

Correction to review
The first list review is for a different book. Same title, different author (Gerald North).

Some of the most fascinating phenomena on the moon's surface
Gerald North is a prominent and accessible lunar expert who draws upon his experience and expertise in Observing The Moon: The Modern' Astronomer's Guide to provide the reader with some of the most fascinating phenomena on the moon's surface, including practical information on how to find them and explore them. North also offers useful viewing advice that will prove invaluable for both the novice stargazer and the dedicated moonwatcher. He also discusses telescopes, cameras, computer hardware and software for every budget range as he guides the reader in getting the maximum out of his or her available equipment. Observing The Moon includes everything a backyard astronomer needs to know about shooting photos of the moon, addressing time exposures, high-resolution photography and slow films, as well as the optimal processing techniques, equipment and types of film to use. A virtual travel guide to the moon, Observing The Moon is a "must" for personal, professional, academic, and community library astronomy reference collections.

A Moon Observer's Handbook
Wlasuk's book is a useful reference for amateur observers and contains specific information about many lunar surface features. Illustrations are clear although some of the photography (b&w only) is inferior compared to other similar books. The book contains several observer report templates and are especially useful if the amateur is hunting for so-called Transient Lunar Phenomena, most likely venting of volcanic gas. A CD-ROM (termed a 'lunar atlas') is included. However, several features I wanted to look out were not on the CD! (I.e., the important volcanic crater Aristarchus--possibly still an active area of vulcanism on the Moon). I personally did not agree with the orthodox recounting of how the Moon formed. Fission is still a workable hypothesis. And it is clear the Apollo missions created more questions than answers about the Moon. One unresolved question not mentioned in this book is the tektite controversy. Some evidence (Apollo 12 specimen and Apollo 16 volcanic glasses) points to at least one type of tektite found on Earth as being lunar in origin. Despite these points, I still recommend this volume for your favorite "lunatic." : ) ... Read more

Book Description

Nearest Star: The Exciting Science of Our Sun

by Leon Golub and Jay M. Pasachoff

To be published by Harvard University Press May 2001 "A book written with both knowledge of and affection for the subject, so that portions of it are almost as warming as the sun itself."Virginia Trimble, University of Maryland and University of California at Irvine "It's easy to take for granted our nearest star, the star that provides us with heat and light, ingredients we need for our existence. But with clear prose, the authors bring us an exciting and important tale of what we know about our vital neighbor, how we know it, and what we're still learning at the forefront of research."Wendy Freedman, Carnegie Observatories, a leader of the Hubble Space Telescope's Key Project on the Cosmic Distance Scale "The Sun is life, and for us Earthlings it anchors the most important real estate in the universe. Until this century we didn't have a clue as to how the Sun works. Golub and Pasachoff--expert solar physicists--unveil in everyday language the Sun's wonderfully energetic alchemy and the many ways it influences our lives. They provide a harmonious balance between historical reflection and cutting-edge science."Leif J. Robinson, Editor Emeritus, "Sky & Telescope" magazine "The State of the Sun: Here, in a single, beautifully written volume, Golub and Pasachoff have brought us all up to date about the most important star of all. This book should appeal to everyone who have gone outside, felt the heat of the Sun, and wanted to learn more about it. The chapter on eclipses is particularly good, which is not surprising considering that Pasachoff has seen more eclipses than anyone else I know. Both authors are expert and their words are easy to understand, enjoy, and learn from."David Levy "A happy life here on Earth depends on many things - sufficient food, clean water, good health, a friendly environment, harmony, beauty. But all of these are insignificant compared to one more - sunlight. Without the sun our Earth would be a dead and frozen wasteland. This excellent book by two eloquent experts describes our wondrous star. It is huge, complex, turbulent, constantly erupting and ultimately evolving. - An important star, an important book."Paul Hodge, Professor of Astronomy, University of Washington, Editor, The Astronomical Journal "This timely book considers the latest achievements and advances in solar physics. Written by two of the world's most active and brilliant astrophysicists, it offers clues that may lead to the resolution of many of the most fundamental questions facing solar physicists, including the hotly debated question of the nature of the relationship between the sun and the earth." Serge Koutchmy, "Directeur de Recherche" at Paris Institut d'Astrophysique; CNRS-France ... Read more

Book Description

Part exo-archaeological treatise and part cultural commentary, After The Martian Apocalypse is an uncompromising and groundbreaking perspective on a cosmic controversy that has perplexed scientists and astronomers for years. Here, Mac Tonnies details the latest Mars discoveries and their paradigm-toppling implications, offering strong new evidence that points to an extinct civilization on the Red Planet -- and explaining how our own survival may depend on confronting the strange and ancient truths to be found there. Facing the prospect of a previous intelligent extraterrestrial civilization, Tonnies portrays Mars as a scientific and cultural conundrum. He challenges orthodox notions of mankind's role in space -- and illuminates the imperative concept that to truly understand our own world, we must first understand our unsettling and enigmatic planetary neighbor. ... Read more

Download Description

The solar system-our sun and the planets and other bodies that orbit it-has remained essentially the same for hundreds of millions of years. What, then, is the New Solar System? Quite simply, what's new is our understanding of what in fact makes up the solar system, and our deeper understanding of long-known objects such as the planets, their satellites, comets, and asteroids. The ancient Romans observed and noted the motions of the known planets at that time. But it wasn't until 1781 that Uranus was discovered. Neptune was discovered in 1846, and Pluto was discovered in 1930. Pluto's moon, Charon, was only discovered in 1978, or about the time that robotic exploration of the solar system became a serious undertaking. Scientific American's UNDERSTANDING THE NEW SOLAR SYSTEM reveals the latest knowledge of the composition and nature of our solar family. Here you'll discover what lies beyond the orbit of Pluto, which solar body is the most volcanically active, and which solar system bodies have atmospheres and may harbor primitive life, and much, much more. ... Read more

Book Description

Unimaginably distant, and yet at the same time the most Earthlike of the planets, Mars has exerted a powerful pull on the human imagination for thousands of years. It mesmerized the millions who watched as the small robot known as Sojourner explored its faraway surface from July to September 1997.

Now, with a definitive book on this compelling subject, National Geographic presents a state-of-the-art report on the planet itself, the technology that allows us to explore it, and the prospects for further exciting discoveries. Highlighted by an astonishing collection of more than 125 full-color photographs, Mars includes a stunning, 3-dimensional, 8-page panoramic gatefold with images that capture the genuine wonder of discovery at the Pathfinder landing site. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Mars by Raeburn
This work has spectacular pictures of the Martian surface
developed from recent expeditions. The shots of the Valles
Marineris are panoramic as is the Orphir plateau surface.
The planet has a heavily cratered terrain with many
photo shots of the Southern Polar Cap consisting of water and
CO 2. This book would be a treasure chest for a school class
project in science. It is highly recommended for a young
audience or for curious elders and other red planet enthusiasts. The detailed descriptions of the planet add
significantly to the overall presentation. The book is a
worthy addition to any science library.

In Limbo...
This book can't decide if it is a coffee table picture book or something more serious and suffers as a consequence as it is not particularly good at either. I suppose it might be a nice, very non-technical introduction to the study of Mars for the very non-technical. If you are looking for a nice picture book (which I was) I think you'll find this falls a little short. I was hoping for something analagous to the NGS book, Orbit, and I did not get it.

OUT OF THIS WORLD
AN EXCELLENT COLLECTION OF PHOTOS AND INFO. THIS BOOK IS AWESOME FOR THE PERSON WHO LOVES SCIENCE AND SPACE. HISTORY, FACTS, OPINIONS AND A WHOLE LOT MORE MAKE THIS BOOK A WINNER. WELL WORTH OWNING FOR YEARS TO COME.
A MUST FOR SPACE BUFFS.

Wonderful introduction to our cold and dry neighbor
This outstanding book is published by National Geographic and it shows! Enough colorful pictures to qualify as a coffee table book but plenty of interesting text to work through as well. The book is written for the "educated layman", not too technical but at the same time assuming a basic understanding of science. The ratio of text to pictures is similar to the National Geographic magazine, perhaps a bit heavier on the text.

Raeburn begins with a summary of the different beliefs held about Mars before the spacecraft era, including the widely held one initiated by Lowell about canals constructed by intelligent Martians. Raeburn spends the bulk of the book taking us through NASA's various missions to Mars: Mariner, Viking, Pathfinder, and Global Surveyor. The book was published in 1998 and hence only provides a "preview" of the Global Surveyor findings. Today, of course, we have a complete global map of Mars in astonishing detail.

Also, Raeburn optimistically looks forward to NASA's continuing "faster, cheaper, better" program of Mars exploration. We already know that the orbiter and polar lander failed, so let's hope that the craft to be launched this year fare better. Raeburn also notes that in 2005 a craft will be launched that should bring rocks from Mars back to Earth!

Overall, definitely worth the price of entry for the pictures alone. There are even some neat 3-D pictures inside and the book provides 3-D glasses!

The best book on Mars exploration in over five years!
When I saw the large size of the book I was expecting a nice coffee table/waiting room book for readers to glance through. However, with Matt Golombek as a contributor I knew that some serious science would be on the agenda. After reading the book, I was amazed at how the author(s) weaved a fascinating narrative together with solid science. This book is for the serious student as well as the public at large. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Asteroids are many things to many people. For some observers, those "mountains in the sky" point to the cataclysmic origins of the universe. Others see untold wealth in the planetary fragments, which harbor great stores of precious metals. Still others see in asteroids the likelihood of global destruction--after all, one of them, slamming into the earth millions of years ago, may very well have condemned the dinosaurs to extinction, and deep space harbors untold potential threats to the earth.

In this engaging volume, Curtis Peebles surveys the science of asteroids, offering a highly readable account of the many ways in which they form out of the flotsam and jetsam of larger celestial bodies, the dust and debris of space. He adds to this scientific overview an anecdotal history of asteroid discovery and detection, which, he writes, was often the work of gifted astronomers working with less than ideal equipment, and all too often dismissed by their professional counterparts. Peebles discusses in detail the rules by which asteroids are catalogued and named--some, for instance, bear the monikers of eminent scientists, others of their patrons, and still others of more unlikely honorees, such as the group of asteroids named for the various Beatles. He also touches on efforts to protect Earth from asteroid impacts--the father of that planetary defense being none other than the poet Lord Byron--which he calls "the only natural disaster that human society can prevent."

Students of the history of space science will profit from Peebles's careful research, while astronomy buffs will enjoy his lucid narrative.--Gregory McNamee ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Excellent book for those interested in the topic
Once upon a time, asteroids were "the vermin of the skies," as Peebles indicates. However, with the success of the NEAR mission and with concerns over the cataclysmic effects of asteroid impacts making their way even into popular culture, they are of great interest today.

The book lives up to the title, providing a very brief background on the birth of modern astronomy with Kepler and Galileo before getting to the discovery of the first asteroids. The first clue was the large gap between Mars and Jupiter, where astronomers in the 1700s began looking for a missing planet. By early in the next century, they'd found several, though they were all too small. And by the early 1900s, astronomers were getting a little tired of them, there were so many (about 2,000).

Skipping up to modern times, we now have dedicated instruments that are all but swamping the system with findings: The Lincoln Near-Earth Asteroid Research (LINEAR) project, using automated techniques, found over 25,000 new asteroids in less than two years.

Peebles also focuses on different categories of asteroids, since not all are found between Earth and Mars: some approach the Earth (sometimes unnervingly closely), while others, in the Kuiper Belt, are beyond the orbit of Neptune. The discovery of each of these classes is described in separate chapters as well as, when appropriate, the theory behind the formation of each and how it was developed.

Two chapters serve as something of footnotes, one on the different sources of asteroid names (dead astronomers, Greek mythology, places, etc.), and the other on the controversy in San Diego over streetlighting. The latter seems somewhat out-of-place in this book, though the story is worth telling: basically, there was a great fight over whether the city should install streetlights with a low impact on the nearby Palomar Observatory or a higher impact. The former were disliked by some due to their orangish, unflattering lighting. To make a long story short, the astronomers win in the short-run but lose in the long-run as a new administration comes in and, at significant expense, votes to install the high-impact lighting. Peebles does not describe the resulting effects at Mt. Palomar, which is a great absence from the book and effectively undercuts much of his argument.

The final chapters cover the potential for asteroid impacts, the discovery of Shoemaker-Levy 9 and its subsequent impact on Jupiter, and the possibility of defending against impacts.

Some minor goofs: Minor Planet Center director Brian Marsden (one of the most significant figures in modern solar system astronomy) is referred to as "Bruce Marsden" once, and the NASA administrator during the Challenger disaster, James Beggs, is consistently referred to as "Biggs."

My only other criticism is that the recounting gets a little tedious at times: asteroid X is discovered, then asteroid Y, then asteroid Z, and so on. But that would be a little hard to avoid in this sort of history, and Peebles manages to provide enough background, covering theory, techniques, and historical circumstances, to stay out of that rut most of the time.

It's an excellent book for those interested in the topic.

Worthwhile despite a quirky complaint...
An outstanding introductory and reference work on the current thinking behind the asteroid phenomenon, including the controversies over naming, geological studies etc. Covers in some depth the main periods of asteroid discovery, from visual to photographic to automated. Also deals briefly with issues of asteroid origin; a very interesting discussion of the analysis of "groups" of asteroids, identified by similarities in their orbital elements, as well as interesting treatment of Jupiter's effects on sweeping out lanes in the asteroid belt. Excellent treatment of the NEA threat, from its inception up through the SL-9 impact.

Quirky treatment of light pollution in the middle of the book, in the context of the naming phenomenon (an asteroid was named for the city of San Diego after a light pollution ordinance was passed, but later rescinded, though the asteroid kept its name). It was an interesting discussion, and a story that deserves to be told, but didn't belong in the middle of this book.

A tribute to the asteroids and comets hunters
A very good book to anyone that desires to acquire a good glimmer about the subject of Near Earth Objects and their threat to our civilization.

It covers all aspects from technical to politics and is a real tribute to many dedicated professionals and amateurs astronomers, geologist and others various scientists which are making history in asteroid and comets hunting. It also make me disapointed to know that the Southern hemisphere, were I live, is like a blind concerning the NEOs search effort.

Only one aspect prevent me too score 5 stars: In my opinion, the too long discussion on chapter 8 about he streetlights issue of San Diego.

A wonderful start book for anyone who intend to initiate in the NEOs study.

A good history of the "vermin of the skies."
Although it's a little dry in places and could use some more illustrations and a few more photographs, the book does a decent job of introducing the reader to the history of asteroids, their discoverers, the implications for mass extinctions on earth, and the efforts being taken today to detect them and deflect them before they have a chance to make a bad impression. ... Read more

Amazon.co.uk Review

As Oliver Morton shows in his superb new book, Mapping Mars, Mars has clouds, winds, and shorelines. It has river valleys, mountains, volcanoes, and even glaciers. Even were it lifeless, it could support life, albeit of an almost unimaginably marginal kind. What Mars lacks is places. There are no "theres" there, nor will there be--until our feet make an impact on its soil.

Oliver Morton has a sense of place and a hunger for Mars, and a thrilling manner of communicating both. His account of our nearest neighbor's history, geology, and human potential is exhaustive. Morton touches on just about everything, from soil composition to survival techniques; from Martians to maps (maps, above all: they are his abiding subject, metaphor, and organizing principle). His artistry is to hide his daunting range of interests under a passionate and gripping human narrative: this book is about what Mars has meant, means, and may one day mean for us. And he has a wide-ranging definition of who "we" are. Like a good military historian, Morton knows to pay attention to the foot soldiers of science, as well as to the achievements of their celebrated masters. He understands how different the sciences are from each other, and how rivalries between them arise. Further, Morton understands where these people and their institutions sit in the general culture. He understands the crossover between science and science fiction, between space advocates and space fans.

All of which makes Morton's book something more than just "the story of Mars." It is, in addition, an astute study of how we go about exploring our world. --Simon Ings ... Read more

Reviews (10)

A Divergent Mapping Of Mars
Mapping Mars by Oliver Morton is an excellent book! Morton takes the reader on the very human journey to map Mars from Percival Lowell to the folks planning the 2003 rovers. Along the way, Morton brings everything that conceivably connects to this mapping effort, including Mars art [I'm proud to say I have an original Bill Hartmann hanging on my living room wall] and Mars fiction [no, I won't sell you my signed first editions of Stan Robinson's Mars books], into the mix. I also found Mapping Mars to be one of the best introductions to geology and geologists at the end of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century I've read in recent years. My one complaint [and it's not really Morton's fault - Morton was just passing on a piece of history] is with the following passage:

[Robert Zubrin] told [his students] that no one did more for society, or was more worthy of respect, than scientists and engineers. If that was so, asked one of the kids one day, why was Zubrin just a teacher. Zubrin came up with an answer-he always had answers-but he took the question to heart. He began applying to graduate schools....

I agree with most of the sentiment in this passage, except the part about teachers somehow being less admirable than scientists. I was trained as a geologist and I teach high school earth science. I get asked the same question all the time AND I too have an answer:

Someone has to begin training the folks that'll be the first people on Mars [and help the rest become damn fine citizens of the Earth].

I highly recommend Mapping Mars, especially to anyone with an interest in Mars, geology and geologists, mapping, the cultural offshoots of the exploration of our solar system, and the future. I'd personally love to go and field check all those Mars maps we've been making back here on Earth, but I'll be too old, plus I have health concerns that would keep me off any crew (but like Gene Shoemaker, someone has to inspire and educate folks back here on Earth). Read Mapping Mars and maybe you'll be inspired to go.

Great read
When I first saw this book I was fascinated, but I held off till it came out in paperback. Mapping Mars is a very different book than Hartmann's Traveler's Guide. Morton is concerned with helping us understand the process we have gone through in the understanding of the face of Mars. As such, he interviewed many key players in the space-age study of Mars and paints his portrait of Mars through their work.

Mapping Mars is concerned more with the "big picture" of Mars than the Traveler's Guide. As such its illustrations are more concerned with showing the evolution of our maps and our mental images of Mars. Part of that "big picture" is our cultural view of Mars through our science fiction, art and exploration plans. He spends quite a bit of time on these topics - but does not sacrifice the science content.

The book reads like a series of personal vignettes of the people involved in the illumination of Mars - people like Hartmann, Michael Carr, Michael Malin and Bob Zubrin.

Mapping Mars reads well and draws the reader into the personal and scientific journey of understanding Mars.

Highly recommended.

Some of the best science journalism I've seen
I highly recommend Oliver Morton's Mapping Mars. Not only does it frame the debate about the likelihood of life on Mars, but also does a great job of explaning our changing understanding of the planet.

It also conveys a sense of Mars as a real place, and discusses how the meaning of Mars changes depending on our sense of whether or not we think there is life there.

Finally, it asks a crucial question: what do we mean by "nature" and how tied up is that notion with "life"?

And it has cool pictures.

A splendid book , a major achievement.
First of all, if you have the slightest interest in the geology of Mars, or in maps, or in planetary science (and, if not, why are you here?) you *need* to read this book.

"This is a splendid book and a major achievement in the study of Mars.... A number of authors might fairly claim to have written the best Mars novel, but this is the best factual book on Mars that money can buy."
-- New Scientist, Google for online review

"When the investigator, having under consideration a fact or group of facts whose origin or cause is unknown, seeks to discover their origin, his first step is to make a guess." --GK Gilbert, Science 3(53), 1896 (which codified the method of multiple working hypotheses). Gilbert, of course, was "one of the happy generation of American geologists who...took their impressive beards and intellects to every corner of the American West."

Tidbits: Gene Shoemaker's first map of Meteor Crater, in 1957, was done for the old AEC, as part of a truly crackbrained scheme to manufacture plutonium by detonating uranium-wrapped A-bombs underground. Which, thank heavens, never got very far. Gene didn't like the idea, either, but who's to turn down funding?

No map of exotic lands is complete without exotic names, and the map of Mars is well-stocked: Noctis Labyrinthus, the Labyrinth of Night. Tithonium Chasma, Albe Patera --a volcano that occupies an area about equal to that of India --Claritas Fossae, Utopia Planita... Olympus Mons! Formerly Nix Olympica, the Snows of Olympus --and the highest mountain known to humanity. Mauna Kea, Earth's biggest volcano, would fit comfortably inside Olympus' summit caldera. OM contains some 3.5 million cubic km of rock--or the area of Texas, if excavated 8 km deep. This is one *humongous* mountain. And Vastitas Borealis, the northern lowlands, is arguably the flattest place in the solar system.

I like the respectful attention Morton pays to science fiction about Mars -- which echoes the attention and affection paid to SF writers by working planetary scientists. Of course, sometimes these are the same people, as with UofA planetologist, novelist (Mars Underground, recommended), photographer, artist and all-around Renaissance man Bill Hartmann (who we really should invite as an AGS guest speaker); and Geoffrey Landis, a NASA space scientist and parttime novelist (Mars Crossing, recommended) who helped to develop the Mars Pathfinder.

About the only place that Mapping Mars fails us is in the illustrations. The publisher made a valiant effort, but an octavo-format book just doesn't have the page size for drama. Fortunately, you can Google for suitably-impressive maps and photos of Mars.

Happy reading! -- Pete Tillman
Consulting Geologist, Tucson & Santa Fe (USA)

Anyone home next door?
"There's a world on my wall", writes Morton. Distant, remote, mysterious, it has been the subject of speculation, invention, misconception and investigation. Mars has provoked almost as much interest as our moon. Morton traces the early views of what this distant planet might represent and how a generation of human probing has revealed. It's a world of extremes, he declares. The highest mountains in the solar system. Immense chasms that might indicate massive water flows or something else not found in earthly canyons. The atmosphere is thin and cold, but can sustain global dust storms. In short, everything we learn about Mars raises more questions than provides answers. The world on his wall is one of several attempts to map this remote place and characterise it. Morton's account is informative and compelling as he presents what we have learned and the people who have provided the information.

Morton shows how the struggle to understand Mars is faced with limitations. The usual path of comparison with features on Earth prove feeble and vague. Antarctica is one model, the Hawaiian volcanoes another. Neither fits sufficiently to provide valid comparisons. Mars, he urges, must be understood within its own framework. That implies the picture must be built up from a fresh foundation. The foundation has only been sketched by the various probes sent to Mars during the past generation. The interpreters of data transmitted from fly-by probes, landers and surface rovers are the heroes of Morton's account.

Mapping Mars had its origins in Berlin in 1830 when two astronomers sought to establish the length of the Martian day. The 1877 "opposition" led to Schiaparelli's establishing the first nomenclature of visible features, including the famous "canali", misperceived by American Percival Lowell as "canals". When NASA sent the Mariners to Mars, it was Merton Davies who initiated the first true mapping efforts. Morton vividly describes the difficulties in translating fly-by images into realistic representations of the Martian surface. One example of the task is the eight-hour long process needed to transmit a single image the Mariner probe produced back to NASA. Morton then introduces the artists who produced the first graphic drawings made from these early images.

New tools offered additional information, allowing the artist to refine their work. Laser pictures combined with radar mapping added fresh details. The maps improved, and with them, the analysis of how Mars is constructed. The discovery of Martian magnetism offered both insights and challenges. Fresh ideas of Mars' internal structure and process had to be developed. Visible ice, long conceived as frozen carbon dioxide, had to be reassessed. Is there water on Mars, and what has been its role?

Unlike most science writers, Morton gives strong place to the speculative in considering Mars. He laces the story of science with the world of fiction. New information has transformed the writing of speculative fiction and the presentation of "space art" in depicting the planet and its features. He is an enthusiast for these efforts, imparting the struggle novelists and artists have had in "getting it right". They are to be commended for their efforts as Morton is in introducing them to us.

The water issue raises important questions about future, manned, missions to the planet Morton examines the possibilities within a clear explanation of what is plausible. He accepts that manned missions are inevitable, but can only be accomplished from a knowledgeable basis. The ultimate question, can Mars be "terraformed" to permit "normal" habitation by Earthlings, is also evaluated. Will such an effort come from a planet-wide consortium of nations? [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada] ... Read more

Book Description

A rare planetary alignment, a visionary team, and two space probes transform our knowledge of the solar systemEvery 176 years, Earth and the outer planets gather on one side of the sun, allowing close observation in a single flight, or Grand Tour. To exploit this alignment, the Voyager team developed the so-called gravity assist that essentially sling-shot Voyager I and II from planet to planet. Since their 1977 launch, the probes have discovered strange new worlds and transmitted streams of revolutionary data and eye-popping images that have exploded long-held theories and raised new questions about our solar system.

With unfettered access to NASA archives and imagery, and interviews with Voyager scientists and engineers, Dethloff and Schorn have produced the only comprehensive account of one of man’s foremost scientific and engineering achievements. Readers are invited into Voyager’s inner circle, conceiving, launching, and directing the craft as it discovers rings around Jupiter, geysers on Triton, and intriguing possibilities of extraterrestrial life.

Beyond all expectations Voyager is still transmitting 7 billion miles away as it continues out of our solar system into interstellar space, sparking the imagination of a new generation of space visionaries and enthusiasts. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Superb history of Voyager
This is a superb history of the voyager project. Well written with plenty of illustrations. It's a must for anyone interested in the accomplishments of remote exploration of the outer planets. One note however. A previous reviewer faulted the authors for not being knowledgeable about planetary astronomy. Ronald Schorn, the co-author, was once head of planetary astronomy for NASA. He's treated this subject exhaustively in his previous book, "Planetary Astronomy: From Ancient Times to the Third Millenium." Obviously the author didn't wish to rehash what he had already published.

A Stunning History of a Stunning Space Science Mission
"Voyager's Grand Tour: To the Outer Planets and Beyond," is an excellent book that tells the fascinating story of an overwhelmingly significant pair of probes that went to the outer planets of the Solar System, one of which is still providing scientific data as it reaches our heliopause.

The Voyager project was one of the most important in the history of NASA and the first to visit the outer planets of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. It originated during the early 1960s when astronomers realized that once every 176 years both the Earth and all the giant planets of the Solar System gather on one side of the Sun. This geometric line-up made possible close up observation of all the planets in the outer solar system (with the exception of Pluto) in a single flight, the "Grand Tour." The flyby of each planet would bend the spacecraft's flight path and increase its velocity enough to deliver it to the next destination. This would occur through a complicated process known as "gravity assist," something like a slingshot effect, whereby the flight time to Neptune could be reduced from 30 to 12 years. NASA launched these missions from Cape Canaveral, Florida: Voyager 2 lifting off on August 20, 1977, with Voyager 1 entered space on a faster, shorter trajectory on September 5, 1977. These spacecraft would take a spectacular windshield tour of the outer Solar System gas giant planets.

The scientific results of the Voyager mission were astounding, essentially rewriting the textbooks on the Solar System. Over a period of more than a decade the probes explored all the giant outer planets, 48 of their moons, and the unique systems of rings and magnetic fields that those planets possess. The two spacecraft returned to Earth information that revolutionized the science of planetary astronomy, helping to resolve some key questions while raising intriguing new ones about the origin and evolution of the planets in this Solar System. The two Voyagers took well over 100,000 images of the outer planets, rings, and satellites, as well as millions of magnetic, chemical spectra, and radiation measurements. They discovered rings around Jupiter, volcanoes on Io, ice on Europa, shepherding satellites in Saturn's rings, new moons around Uranus and Neptune, and geysers on Triton. The last imaging sequence was Voyager 1's portrait of most of the Solar System, showing Earth and six other planets as sparks in a dark sky lit by a single bright star, the Sun.

Perhaps a personal anecdote is in order here. When Voyager reached Jupiter in 1979 I was a starving graduate student working on a Ph.D. in the history of the American West. Like everyone, I saw the images that came back to Earth and was truly impressed. When I filed my income tax form the next year I included a little note, which I'm sure made the clerk at the IRS chuckle, that stated that I wanted all of my tax money paid that year to go to NASA because of what it had accomplished with Voyager. Perhaps it was silly gesture but it points up the impressive nature of the scientific return.

This book makes clear that Voyager was an early step in humanity's exploratory journey extending not only to the outer planets but also beyond the Solar System. It is a scintillating portrait of a critical program and a must read for all interested in the history of space exploration.

Highly recommended!

An Outstanding Voyage of Discovery
This book is a scientific history of the Voyager 1 and 2 missions, with in-depth coverage of the technological development of the spacecraft, the scientists and engineers involved, and budgetary and political concerns. This history stretches back for decades, culminating in the launch of the two vessels in 1977 and their exploration of the outer planets, and their current wanderings at the edges of interstellar space. Note that actual planetary science covering our new knowledge of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and their many moons is found in other books, even though that knowledge was provided by the Voyager vessels. Here the authors betray their weaknesses in planetary astronomy with very rushed coverage of those matters, which only appear in the final third of the book anyway. Meanwhile some of the technical and budgetary coverage gets quite tedious, although such scientific history is meant to be the focus of the book. But as a whole this volume does give a very in-depth history of mankind's most far-reaching scientific achievement, as we have realized the dream of extending human knowledge through and beyond our solar system. [~doomsdayer520~] ... Read more

Book Description

A concise, illustrated guide to the solar system.

Just as explorers of the sixteenth century unveiled the night skies, the Hubble space telescope and space probes such as Voyager, Pioneer and Cassini are expanding our knowledge of the planetary world.

New fields of research are opening up such as the exploration of the populous world of the asteroids and comets. Scientists have recently discovered a new family of transneputnal bodies as far away as Neptune's orbit. This discovery may even lead to the demotion of Pluto from a planet to a one of these smaller bodies.

This comprehensive reference explains the origin of stars and the sun and extensively covers each planet. Illustrated with spectacular photographs and meticulous color diagrams.

Key sections cover: - The solar system and the sun - Inner Planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars - Outer Planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto - Minor Bodies: comets, asteroids and meteorites

A detailed directory of web sites direct readers to relevant sources of information. The Solar System is an appealing, authoritative reference for any stargazer. ... Read more

Book Description

Jack Zirker takes us on an imaginary voyage from the center of the sun to its surface, showing us how sunlight is made and finally following the sun's energy to the far reaches of the solar system. Along the way, he introduces the basic processes at work in our nearest star and the exciting answers solar scientists are finding to problems that have long perplexed astronomers.

Journey from the Center of the Sun describes how theory and practice are coming together to provide a new understanding of this old star. At this moment, solar physicists are collecting the best observations ever obtained about the sun's interior and dynamic atmosphere, while a new breed of theorists is interpreting these data using computer simulations. Zirker reports on cutting-edge advances and looks at the tough questions solar physicists are beginning to crack. How can we account for the solar wind that causes the sun to lose mass at an astonishing rate? Where have all the neutrinos gone? How does the sun generate magnetic sunspots, and why does it have a sunspot cycle? What causes a solar flare to explode? How does the sun affect the earth's climate? What is a sunquake?

For the armchair astronomer or the student of astrophysics, this book provides an unusually complete picture of solar physics today.

... Read more

Reviews (5)

Journey from the Center of the Sun
We have learned a lot about the sun in recent years, from data taken using powerful telescopes on the ground and in space, from computer simulations of the manner in which the sun vibrates, and even from underground mines, where neutrinos originating in the sun have been captured. Zirker, an eminent solar physicist, has deftly met the difficult challenge of explaining these sophisticated observations to the lay reader in a manner that is both engaging and informative. As his theme, he follows the propagation of energy from its origin in nuclear fusion in the solar core until it escapes the outer reaches of the solar atmosphere in the form of radiation and particles. Each stage in this process is carefully described, and analogies to more common physical situations are used with effect. The illustrations are generally helpful, and the more technical endnotes prove very useful. The book concludes by comparing the sun with other stars and by discussing the influence of the sun on Earth. In content it is similar to Nearest Star by Leon Golub and Jay M. Pasachoff (CH, Oct'01), but it is somewhat more advanced and discussion of the physical principles is more satisfactory.

A Stellar Journey (pun intended)
This book takes you through an incredible journey inside our nearest star. If you ever thought the sun was just a big nuclear furnace, here you will learn of the amazing complexities and mysteries of this star that gives us all life. Along the way you will meet many of the great scientist that contributed to the wealth of knowledge that we have amassed about the sun over the short time (relative to the sun's life) that we have inhabited this third planet from it.

Dr. Zirker begins with many of the questions we still have about the sun; such as - Why the thin corona outer atmosphere is much hotter that the surface (photosphere)? How is the solar wind accelerated to velocities of 800 km/s? What causes the huge coronal mass ejections and solar flares that have direct consequences on earth? Why does the sun follow solar cycles? Where are the missing neutrinos that should be produced from the proton-proton chain reaction taking place in the core?

The book gives the latest research on these and many other aspects of solar science such as the relatively new fields of helioseismology, chaos theory, fractal geometry, and others. Along the way you will learn why the light produced in the core by the thermonuclear process takes a million years to reach the surface (and then only another 8.3 minutes to reach the earth), why the intense activity in the convection zone (the zone that reaches some 200,000 km below the surface) is attributed to sound waves, and how the sunspots are related to the intense magnetic storms occurring on the sun.

One of the subtle things you will get from this book is how the scientific process works - how theories are proposed, experiments designed and preformed and theories revised (or abandoned) and how our sci