Our Worlds: The Magnetism and Thrill of Planetary Exploration [Paperback]

S. Alan Stern (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 28, 1999 | ISBN-10: 0521644402 | ISBN-13: 978-0521644402 | Edition: 1

Our Worlds provides a rare "insider" look into the universe and planetary science during the current golden age of space exploration. Readers are guided on an exciting voyage of discovery by eight distinguished researchers who explore the universe with cutting edge techniques. From Chief Scientist on NASA's New Millennium Program Ellen Stofan to planetary theorist Bill McKinnon, each writes from a personal point of view, sharing to the fullest the science and emotion found in the most enticing discoveries and the wonders of the solar system. This volume gives readers an up-close view of Mars, Venus, and the Moon; a trip with Halley's Comet; a visit to the moons of Io, Titan, and Triton; and the ability to experience asteroids in their natural element. Coverage details the most current knowledge of the solar system learned from space missions, including Magellan and Galileo. This volume fully captures the breadth of planetary science, from inner to outer worlds, from telescopic to robotic exploration, and provides an unique glimpse into the drives and interests of the men and women behind the science. It is the most encompassing book on the subject to date and will interest anyone who looks at the night sky and wonders what it would feel like to be able to get a closer look. Alan Stern is a planetary scientist and astrophysicist with both observational and theoretical interests. He is the leader of the Southwest Research Institute's Geophysical, Astrophysical, and Planetary Science group located in Boulder, CO.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Eight planetary scientists describe their personal inner worlds as well as the planets, moons, asteroids, and comets to which they have devoted their careers. Their work is plagued by countless setbacks (including equipment failures, funding cuts, and cloudy skies) and inconveniences (frigid weather and monotonous diets in remote locations). They may wait years to collect a few precious hours of data from a space mission. But thanks to the support of colleagues and family?and timely good luck?they have successfully pursued educational and research opportunities and maintained their optimism and sense of wonder. The contributors write with varying degrees of formality, humor, and self-revelation, but all convey their enthusiasm for the celestial worlds they study as well as the world of professional astronomy. Recommended for public and academic libraries. (Index and illustrations not seen.)?Nancy Curtis, Univ. of Maine, Orono
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"...highlights the human story of planetary science...presents the life stories of nine planetary scientists...their research, their lives, and how they got involved in what they're doing." Astronomy

"...superb." Science Books & Films

"An unexpected plus is how much cutting-edge science gets conveyed so well in so few pages...anyone who has struggled to understand concepts like mineral spectroscopy, orbital dynamics, and cratering rates will appreciate how easily they can be grasped when presented with a little care..." Sky & Telescope

"The contributors write with varying degrees of formality, humor, and self-revelation, but all convey their enthusiasm for the celestial worlds they study as well as the world of professional astronomy. Recommended for public and academic libraries." Library Journal

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 184 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 1 edition (March 28, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521644402
• ISBN-13: 978-0521644402
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,571,518 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars The Solar System is Ours - Nearly, August 20, 2009

By 

Lawrie Williams (Millaa Millaa, Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Our Worlds: The Magnetism and Thrill of Planetary Exploration (Paperback)

I enjoyed this book.

For me, it brought to life the intense joy of exploration. There are worlds enough in our own Solar System to keep us humans busy for generations to come. It is so sad that the USA chose to turn its back on manned space exploration after the triumph of the Moon landings. Twenty more years of effort and the English-speaking people of the world would have been gathering energy and mineral resources from space instead of the history that happened instead - futile wars, climate degradation and social collapse.

Instead the dream was carried forward by only a precious few dedicated scientist/technicians. "Our Worlds..." takes us into their lives, it details how they learned about the dozens of worlds up there - planets, moons, asteroids, comets - and gives us a hint of what could have been, what could still be but not for most of us alive today. For the baton of Solar System exploration, settlement and resource management will now be carried forward by others....