The Solar System

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This completely revised and updated third edition of The Solar System covers 200 features within Earth’s solar system from the big bang theory to spacecraft engineering. Updates reflect advancements in science and technology since the last edition was published. 20 brand-new topics have been added to this comprehensive essay collection including new images from the James Webb Space Telescope. All other essays have been thoroughly revised and expanded to ensure the coverage in these volumes is accurate and current.

Essays range from 2,000 to 5,000 words and each entry begins with an “Overview” detailing basic information and important facts about the subject. “Knowledge Gained & Methods of Study/Applications” details how the topic is investigated, what scientific knowledge we have accumulated, or the uses of the knowledge we have gained. “Context” addresses the topic from the larger perspective of the history of solar system science and its relevance to humankind. A “Byline” provides the name of the scholar who wrote each essay and a “Further Reading” list offers an annotated selection of important resources for further study.

Hundreds of full color photos are featured in these volumes, bringing each topic to life. The detailed, vibrant images assist readers in making sense of each concept and developing a strong understanding of the wide variety of celestial bodies and phenomena in our solar system.

Some of the fascinating topics covered within these volumes include: 

• Archaeoastronomy

• Astrophysics

• Dark Matter

• Earth’s Origin

• Gamma-Ray Bursts

• Infrared Astronomy

• Lunar History

• Nuclear Synthesis in Starts

• Planetary Formation

• Plasma Physics

• Radio Astronomy

• Solar Radiation

• Space Tourism

• Space-Time Distortions

A table containing common units of measure appears at the beginning of each volume as well as a Complete List of Contents. Following volume 3 is a collection of helpful appendices including:

• A Glossary

• A General Bibliography

• Online Resources

• Subject Index

Authoritative and essential to both astronomy and earth sciences studies, these volumes are designed to meet the needs of high school and undergraduate students as well as general readers. No other general reference dedicated to the solar system is this complete and up-to-date, featuring the latest information from space telescopes, interplanetary probes, planetary missions, and the burgeoning field of private space travel.

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