Comparative Planetology

Comparative Planetology

Author: Cyril Ponnamperuma

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2013-10-22

Total Pages: 286

ISBN-13: 1483270025

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Comparative Planetology discusses the results of data obtained from the Viking mission to Mars along with other data from other planetary missions. The book considers the many aspects of the evolution of the solar system in a comparative fashion. The interiors of planets, crustal evolution, the origin of planetary atmospheres, and the question of the origin of life are discussed using the gathered information. Astronomers, geologists, chemists, and biologists will find the book an interesting read.


Comparative Planetology with an Earth Perspective

Comparative Planetology with an Earth Perspective

Author: Moustafa T. Chahine

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-04-17

Total Pages: 216

ISBN-13: 9401710929

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The systematic study of the planets has experienced a slow but steady progress from the efforts of a single individual (Galileo Galilei, 1564-1642) to nations that individually and collectively create whole agencies and complex infrastructures devoted to the exploration and understanding of our solar system. This quest for knowledge continues in earnest today as we attempt to understand Earth's unique place among its closest neighbors. Known diversities emphasize fractionation processes that may have occurred in the nebula during early solar system formation, and the vastly different evolutionary paths taken by the planets and their satellites. The discovery of similarities and differences among the planets has given rise to a discipline of "Comparative Planetology. " Here terrestrial properties and giant planet atmospheres are viewed and probed, surface geologies are related to atmospheres and oceans, interior structures are envisioned, magnetic fields mapped, and bizarre differences in satellites and ring systems continue to enlighten, amaze and confound the detectives of planetary science. A science organizing committee with international participation was formed to develop a conference program to address the basic issues and the fundamental processes that are common among the planets. The goals of the meeting were twofold: first the production of a reference source on comparative planetology for academia, and second, the provision of an impetus for NASA to begin a program devoted to this emerging science discipline. The conference program accommodated seventeen invited papers and nineteen poster presentations.


Planetary Astrobiology

Planetary Astrobiology

Author: Victoria Meadows

Publisher: University of Arizona Press

Published: 2020-07-07

Total Pages: 593

ISBN-13: 0816540063

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Are we alone in the universe? How did life arise on our planet? How do we search for life beyond Earth? These profound questions excite and intrigue broad cross sections of science and society. Answering these questions is the province of the emerging, strongly interdisciplinary field of astrobiology. Life is inextricably tied to the formation, chemistry, and evolution of its host world, and multidisciplinary studies of solar system worlds can provide key insights into processes that govern planetary habitability, informing the search for life in our solar system and beyond. Planetary Astrobiology brings together current knowledge across astronomy, biology, geology, physics, chemistry, and related fields, and considers the synergies between studies of solar systems and exoplanets to identify the path needed to advance the exploration of these profound questions. Planetary Astrobiology represents the combined efforts of more than seventy-five international experts consolidated into twenty chapters and provides an accessible, interdisciplinary gateway for new students and seasoned researchers who wish to learn more about this expanding field. Readers are brought to the frontiers of knowledge in astrobiology via results from the exploration of our own solar system and exoplanetary systems. The overarching goal of Planetary Astrobiology is to enhance and broaden the development of an interdisciplinary approach across the astrobiology, planetary science, and exoplanet communities, enabling a new era of comparative planetology that encompasses conditions and processes for the emergence, evolution, and detection of life.


Planetary Volcanism Across the Solar System

Planetary Volcanism Across the Solar System

Author: Tracy K. P. Gregg

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2021-12-08

Total Pages: 356

ISBN-13: 0128139870

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Planetary Volcanism across the Solar System compares and contrasts the vast array of planetary bodies in the Solar System, including Earth. The wealth of spacecraft data for almost all major solid-surface bodies in the Solar System indicate that volcanism has been a dominant mechanism in shaping the landscapes of these bodies. The book addresses key questions surrounding our understanding of planetary volcanism, such as how to integrate the data into a coherent view of how volcanic activity arises, how this mechanism shapes planets, which volcanic landforms are ubiquitous throughout the Solar System, and which are unique. By placing a singular emphasis on comparing volcanic processes and landforms on all relevant Solar System bodies, and with the explicit objective of providing a systems-level understanding of this widespread phenomenon, users will find an up-to-date, accessible and comprehensive discussion of the major volcanic processes and landforms that shape and drive the evolution of planets, moons and smaller bodies. Includes an introduction placing the book in the context of the larger Comparative Planetology series Compares volcanic processes and landforms on all relevant Solar System bodies, providing a systems-level understanding of this widespread phenomenon Offers a thorough examination of the major volcanic processes and landforms that shape and drive the evolution of planets, moons and smaller bodies Includes information from new mission data and discoveries in recent years Features over 100 color illustrations and charts to more clearly convey concepts Offers additional online content, including figures, animations, video, and other multimedia content such as interviews with contributing authors


Planetary Volcanism across the Solar System

Planetary Volcanism across the Solar System

Author: Tracy K. P. Gregg

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2021-12-04

Total Pages: 362

ISBN-13: 0128139889

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Planetary Volcanism across the Solar System compares and contrasts the vast array of planetary bodies in the Solar System, including Earth. The wealth of spacecraft data for almost all major solid-surface bodies in the Solar System indicate that volcanism has been a dominant mechanism in shaping the landscapes of these bodies. The book addresses key questions surrounding our understanding of planetary volcanism, such as how to integrate the data into a coherent view of how volcanic activity arises, how this mechanism shapes planets, which volcanic landforms are ubiquitous throughout the Solar System, and which are unique. By placing a singular emphasis on comparing volcanic processes and landforms on all relevant Solar System bodies, and with the explicit objective of providing a systems-level understanding of this widespread phenomenon, users will find an up-to-date, accessible and comprehensive discussion of the major volcanic processes and landforms that shape and drive the evolution of planets, moons and smaller bodies. Includes an introduction placing the book in the context of the larger Comparative Planetology series Compares volcanic processes and landforms on all relevant Solar System bodies, providing a systems-level understanding of this widespread phenomenon Offers a thorough examination of the major volcanic processes and landforms that shape and drive the evolution of planets, moons and smaller bodies Includes information from new mission data and discoveries in recent years Features over 100 color illustrations and charts to more clearly convey concepts Offers additional online content, including figures, animations, video, and other multimedia content such as interviews with contributing authors


Fundamental Planetary Science

Fundamental Planetary Science

Author: Jack J. Lissauer

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2013-09-09

Total Pages: 601

ISBN-13: 1107354617

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A quantitative introduction to the Solar System and planetary systems science for advanced undergraduate students, this engaging new textbook explains the wide variety of physical, chemical and geological processes that govern the motions and properties of planets. The authors provide an overview of our current knowledge and discuss some of the unanswered questions at the forefront of research in planetary science and astrobiology today. They combine knowledge of the Solar System and the properties of extrasolar planets with astrophysical observations of ongoing star and planet formation, offering a comprehensive model for understanding the origin of planetary systems. The book concludes with an introduction to the fundamental properties of living organisms and the relationship that life has to its host planet. With more than 200 exercises to help students learn how to apply the concepts covered, this textbook is ideal for a one-semester or two-quarter course for undergraduate students.