By: Jacques Crovisier and Therese Encrenaz
173 pages, Col plates, b/w plates, illus, figs, tabs
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About this book
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About this book
This book provides a comprehensive overview of our current knowledge of comets. It presents a fascinating survey of the study of comets throughout history, from antiquity to the present day, and includes the most recent discoveries on the exceptional 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. The book also includes new insights into the composition and nature of cometary nuclei, with results from the most up-to-date observation techniques. 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. It will be of particular interest to students and researchers in astronomy, astrophysics and planetary science, as well as general readers with a good background in physics.
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.
Customer Reviews
By: Jacques Crovisier and Therese Encrenaz
173 pages, Col plates, b/w plates, illus, figs, tabs
'! 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 the state of the field, while remaining readable by the informed layperson.' Dale P. Cruikshank, Nature 'Comet Science by Jacques Crovisier and Therese Encrenaz spans the range from historical drawings to spacecraft investigations, from visual images to infrared and radio maps and spectra, and from old favourites like Comet Halley to new ones like Comet Hale-Bopp.' New Scientist 'Written in a clear and lively style, Comet Science, illustrates the vast wonders of Comets, which are the very remnants from the birth of our Solar System ! Appealing to anyone interested in the wonders of comets and astronomy, this book, which is written in a clear and straightforward style, makes it ideal for professionals and amateurs alike. Holding on to its main theme, that is, comet science, it thoroughly covers all topics with in-depth surveys into each sub-subject. Clear coloured photographs and diagrams illustrate the book throughout. As any astronomer would say, comets make a splendid introduction into the astounding and inspiring world of astronomy.' Astronomy and Space 'This is a well-written and excellently illustrated book by two world experts. it is a sheer pleasure to read. ! Both amateurs and professionals will enjoy comet browsing and studying. This book deserves an award for science appeal.' Irish Astronomical Journal '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.' Europe & Astronomy 'Readers will appreciate the happy balance between chapters devoted to observation and those devoted to techniques ! I completely agree.' Mike Moores, OUGS Journal
