Mars (Space Science Series) [Hardcover]

Hugh H. Kieffer (Editor), Bruce M. Jakosky (Editor), Conway W. Snyder (Editor), Mildred Matthews (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1992 | ISBN-10: 0816512574 | ISBN-13: 978-0816512577 | Edition: annotated edition

The planet Mars has been a subject of wonder for millennia, as attested by its place in mythology, by later speculation about its canals, and by the scientific and public excitement over the Viking mission. Although the scientific literature about the planet is voluminous, no comprehensive treatment of the results of modern spacecraft exploration has yet been made available. This volume fills that gap by providing a summary of what is presently known about Mars and identifying many puzzles such as polar cap variance, occurrence of dust storms, and the possible location of water. The introductory chapter cites questions, controversies, and milestones in the study of Mars, and also includes an annotated book list, basic data about the planet, and a guide to Martian seasons. A chapter on telescopic observation credits the contributions made by many amateurs that have advanced our knowledge of variations observed on Mars. A chapter on spacecraft exploration, by an American and a Russian author who have participated in all Mars missions, includes a revelation of an additional Soviet attempt. Twenty-nine technical articles cover geophysics; bedrock geology; surface; atmosphere; exosphere and magnetic field; and climate history. Two chapters address the search for life on Mars; three concluding chapters consider the Martian satellites. An indispensable reference for scientists, Mars will also serve as a complete sourcebook for serious amateur astronomers.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A well-balanced and thoughtful collection that acknowledges the existence of many unresolved questions concerning the formation and evolution of the planet." —Science "An important, well-balanced new book which will serve as a valuable source of both inspiration and reference material for the forseeable future." —The Observatory (England) "This book is a real landmark in summarising our understanding of the Red Planet." —Journal of the British Astronomical Association

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1498 pages
• Publisher: University of Arizona Press; annotated edition edition (October 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0816512574
• ISBN-13: 978-0816512577
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.3 x 2.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #775,370 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #74 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Astronomy & Space Science > Mars

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This is extreme!, October 30, 2001

By 

Joan Roch (Montréal, Qc Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mars (Space Science Series) (Hardcover)

As a Mars enthusiast, I originally bought this book because I just couldn't find anything really new in any other kind of book.

I knew some of this book would be outdated. Indeed, it predates by a few years PathFinder, Global Surveyor and the brand new Odyssey. But you just cannot invalidate 1500 pages of science in a few years, so I bought it.

Well, I was not disappointed! There is one (or more) chapter for every topic you could think of about Mars. And each chapter contains tons of scientifically accurate data, presented in an completely neutral way. Basically, everything is new, or if I thought I knew it, the book just goes way further.

This book is not for the casual reader. You must be highly motivated and/or and technically-educated to make the most of it.

And, of course, you must realize that this book is only a summary of what you could learn about the planet if you had the time (and mental capacity) to handle all of it.

And, you should also be aware that this book is only one book about one planet. Because the Arizona Press has "a few" other books, about "Mercury" (800 pages), "Venus II" (1500 pages), "Uranus" (1076 pages), "Neptune and Triton" (1249), "Pluto and Charon" (728 pages), etc.

As soon as I have finished "Mars", I will go and buy the rest (one at a time), because you just can't beat this collection.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Mars - The Viking "Bible", February 16, 2001

By 

Nick Hoffman (Bundoora, Vic Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mars (Space Science Series) (Hardcover)

If you want to seriously know things about Mars, our "brother" planet, you must have this book on your desk. This volume is totally indispensible for serious Mars students and is the distilled wisdom of the Mars Viking Missions, plus eveything else that went before.

Although new data is emerging about the Red planet, you cannot take it in isolation. The new data shows details within the framework of the old Viking-era Mars, which you must understand to be able to communicate with workers in the field.

Some new conceps and insights render parts of this volume dated, but it is dispassionate and unbiassed so the basic data and images are presented before too much interpretation is overlaid.

If you don't have this book, you aren't trying.

The only reason I gave this book 4-Star rather than 5-Star award is because it is written on a high technical/scientific level which renders it difficult for non-scientific readers. For scientists, it probably rates a Six!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Quality Mars reference, April 27, 2000

By 

Mr Matthew R Hender - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mars (Space Science Series) (Hardcover)

As the editors state, it is the next best thing to the full list of scientific literature about Mars (the list of references they refer to is 95 pages long, or about 3,000 publications). The next best thing is just fine by me. The editors also state that it is at a level appropriate for graduate study (like myself), however it would also suit a keen enthusiast.

As a reference book it isn't riveting bed time reading but, as a reference book, it is top quality and for its intended readers it is excellent.