Planetology: Unlocking the Secrets of the Solar System [Hardcover]

Tom Jones (Author), Ellen Stofan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 18, 2008

In a stunning and completely new view of the solar system, an astronaut and a geologist team up to investigate, through parallel views made possible by cutting-edge space technology, how the earth itself can help science unravel the mysteries of the heavens.

Noted planetary geologist Ellen Stofan and veteran astronaut Tom Jones pair images of Earth—many captured by space shuttle and space station crewmembers—with astonishing scenes of alien surfaces beamed home by NASA’s far-ranging robotic probes. Vivid illustrations of searing lava plains, windswept deserts, and stark craters demonstrate how natural forces have shaped these varied landscapes. This comprehensive new portrait of the solar system brings to light an array of important features never seen until today—and it highlights, for the first time, the similarities and contrasts between Earth and its neighbors in space.

Anecdotal stories from space flights and exploratory missions make Planetology an absorbing read as well as an informative resource. The book’s unique concept draws intriguing comparisons across multiple physical processes, and its dynamic design offers a fresh approach to the study of space. With extensive media and science experience and contacts for both authors, Planetology is positioned for stellar success.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ellen Stofan is a planetary geologist who has conducted research on the geology of volcanic and tectonic features on Venus, Mars, Titan, and Earth. She is currently a Senior Research Scientist of proxemy Research and an Honorary Professor of Earth Sciences at University College London.

Tom Jones is a scientist, author, pilot, and former NASA astronaut. He led three space walks to install the centerpiece of the International Space Station. He is the author of Sky Walking: An Astronaut’s Memoir (Harper Collins, 2006) and The Complete Idiots Guide to NASA (Alpha, 2002) as well as a contributing writer to Smithsonian Air and Space magazine.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: National Geographic (November 18, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1426201214
• ISBN-13: 978-1426201219
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 0.8 x 10.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #609,322 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bringing the Planets into Your Living Room, March 3, 2009

By 

Roger D. Launius "Historian" (Washington, D.C., United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Planetology: Unlocking the Secrets of the Solar System (Hardcover)

Large format illustrated books about space exploration are always breathtaking, always because of the stunning imagery collected by NASA and other national space efforts. Sometimes the text is also illuminating. "Planetology: Unlocking the Secrets of the Solar System," by space scientist and former astronaut Tom Jones and planetary geologist Ellen Stofan, offers a unique perspective on this important episode in human history. It relates to a popular audience an overview of the origins and evolution of the solar system. But "Planetology" does so in a manner not seen previously, indeed the organization of this book is strikingly different from most others of its type.

Authors Jones and Stofan focus on the geological, climatological, biological, and planetary processes that have led to the solar system as we understand it today. Instead of discussions of individual planets, or even groups of planets, they discuss various processes--one example is volcanism, another is impacts and cratering--in the evolution of the various planetary bodies. Within that process, they then describe how this has affected various planetary bodies over time. They do the same for weather, atmospheres, other geological processes, and the like. It is a fascinating approach, but sometimes difficult to follow without single-minded devotion to analyzing the subject at hand. It is a process that planetary scientists will appreciate and it raises the bar in the explanation of the solar system above most other books on the subject. Of course, this book is as much about the Earth as a planet as it is the other planets of the Solar System. Comparisons across the planets is an illuminating way of looking at the forces that have shaped the Solar System.

As an added feature, "Planetology" also provides superb imagery to illustrate what has been taking place. It is a work well worth reading and pondering.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars not what i expected, July 17, 2009

By 

Dennis R. Maccaskie "geologist" - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Planetology: Unlocking the Secrets of the Solar System (Hardcover)

The title is somewhat misleading. I admit, of all the various sol-system bodies, damn near everything we know is about Earth. However, without actually counting pages, I estimate that about half the pages deal mainly with Earth, either in text or photo - planetology of Earth has its own name, it's called "Geology." Also, with a title like "Planetology," one might expect a little more theory somewhere inside; instead, it's pretty much all comparative geomorphology.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This May be the Perfect Book!, December 24, 2008

By 

Linda Kendzierski "Linda K" (Spring Lake, NC, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Planetology: Unlocking the Secrets of the Solar System (Hardcover)

We've all seen the term "visually stunning" in various reviews for books and movies before, but rarely have I seen such a perfect example. For anyone who's looking for a last minute gift idea for a "science nut," I have the perfect answer. Whether you (or your intended recipient) are into volcanolgy, geology, space science, earth science, art, or natural history, "Planetology" by Tom Jones and Ellen Stofan is the perfect gift.

The book is absolutely stunning - the images are breathtaking, and the text is fascinating. It's written in a clear, concise, easy to understand format, and gives you a whole new look at our solar system. The authors have taken a new approach toward discussing the solar system. Rather than a "solar system by numbers" approach (i.e., Chapter One - The Sun; Chapter 2 - Mercury; etc.), they have taken different geologic processes (volcanoes, water erosion, etc.) and explored how these are manifested throughout the solar system. The book also includes some anecdotes from Tom's shuttle missions, which are an added bonus.

All in all, I can't say enough good about this book. Don't have anyone who's a science enthusiast on your list? Get it for yourself! Actually, trust me, and get it for yourself anyway!