In the last few decades, the exploration of our solar system has revealed fascinating details about the worlds that lie beyond our Earth. This lavishly illustrated book invites the reader on a journey through the solar system. It starts by locating our planetary system in the Universe, then describes the Sun and its planets, the large satellites, asteroids and comets. With photographs and information from the latest space missions, the reader will discover the lunar plains scarred by asteroid impacts, the frozen deserts of Mars and Europa, the continuously erupting volcanoes of Io and the giant geysers of Triton; he will cross the rings of Saturn, plunge into the clouds of Venus and Titan, and survive the spectacular crash of the comet Shoemaker-Levy into Jupiter, to emerge with a greater appreciation of the hospitable planet we call home.
- Fully illustrated throughout with spectacular photographs
- Written by the author of Majestic Universe, Glorious Eclipses, and Space Odyssey
- French edition received the Astronomical Book of the Year prize in 1997 at the Astronomy Festival at Haute-Maurienne/Vanoise
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Reviews & endorsements
'The images, beautifully presented and in the large format, will be familiar to many readers with a passing interest in planetary geology … this book works very well as an introduction to planetary science that should ensure a steady supply of recruits for the future - definitely one to give to the budding scientist in the family.' A&G
' … truly breathtaking … From the hideous and desolate to the technicoloured and unbelievably beautiful, the planets and celestial bodies associated with them are awe-inspiring. However, with their mixtures of horrendous gases, extremes of temperature and deadly atmospheres they are inhospitable. Solar System Voyage provides a source of wonder and awe but also reminds us that whether by design or chance the fertile and friendly world that we inhabit is a unique one, in this solar system at least.' The Shetland Times
'Solar System Voyage is more spectacular that Solar System. But it also has intellectual strengths, including good material on small objects in the solar system. … Brunier also provides useful tables on solar system objects, space missions, eclipses and other topics, and spectacular images from space specials such as Comet Shoemaker-Levy's 1994 collision with Jupiter. … well worth buying for the words as well as the pictures. Martin Ince, The Times Higher Education Supplement
'Splendidly illustrated and good value. … this splendid book is worth its price for the quality and beauty of the pictures.' Richard Taylor, Spaceflight
'… for anyone with the slightest interest in space flight this is a must buy … a compelling journey exploring each celestial body in turn, using the latest images from recent space missions.' Linda Storey, Astronomy Now
'Should you buy this book? Yes, if you need a present for a budding planetary astronomer, who will love its glossy pictures.' International Space Review
'The large size format of this book even enhances this amazing new sight and may thus impress all amateur and professional astronomers.' Orion
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Product details
- Date Published: October 2002
- format: Hardback
- isbn: 9780521807241
- length: 248 pages
- dimensions: 263 x 365 x 30 mm
- weight: 2.355kg
- contains: 22 b/w illus. 233 colour illus. 7 tables
- availability: Out of stock in print form with no current plan to reprint
Table of Contents
Introduction
1. A star lost in infinite space
2. The Sun, our Star
3. Mercury: baked by the heat of the Sun
4. Venus: a vision of hell
5. The Moon: setting foot on another world
6. Mars: a trip to the desert planet
7. Phobos and Deimos: pebbles in the sky
8. Gaspra: our first asteroid
9. Jupiter: planet of storms
10. Shoemaker-Levy: timetable to collision
11. Io: the volcano planet
12. Europa: the hidden ocean
13. Saturn: the Lord of the Rings
14. Titan: an Earth in hibernation
15. Enceladus and the worlds of ice
16. Uranus: a recumbent giant
17. Halley: the great traveller
18. Neptune: the great blue sea
19. Triton: volcanoes of ice
20. Pluto and Charon: planets in limbo
Appendices.
Author
Serge Brunier, Ciel et Espace
Photo-journalist and science writer, Brunier is the author of various books covering astronomy and cosmology, and for many years was the chief editor of the French journal Ciel et Espace.
Translator
Storm Dunlop