Customer Reviews

Planetology: Unlocking the Secrets of the Solar System

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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.

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.

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!

This should be in every scientists collection if they are studying anything about Earth sciences, especially geology and planetology. They have very clear pictures describing what is in the text. Its easy to understand, for high school and college students. If you're interested in our solar system, you need to get this.

Ever wanted to understand the cosmos, but afraid it'll be too complicated? Want an astronomy textbook which makes astrophysics as easy to understand as your ABCs?? Planetology is just that, a book which explains how planets WORK. There are more comprehensive tomes about the solar system and the universe out there, yet this is the one to get if you always wanted to learn about our planetary neighbors, but are more interested in understanding them geologically the sane way you could understand our earth (which is also covered) than in incredible numbers, though there are a few of these as well. Co-authored by an academic and an artist who has contributed to many of these projects, this one strikes the best balance between precision and simplicity out there now. BUY IT AND ENJOY

Tom Jones and his co-author Ellen Stofan know their subject. Both are planetary geologists who worked for NASA -- Dr. Jones as an astronaut with frequent Shuttle missions and Dr. Stofan as a senior researcher at the Jet Propulsion Lab. Their collaboration on "Planetology: Unlocking the Secrets of the Solar System" is a tour de force. The text, which lucidly describes the geologic features of the planets in the solar system, is illustrated with breathtaking imagery. The telescopic snapshots of our planetary neighbors and the masterful photographs of earth's own notable surface features fulfill the expectations for a book that carries the National Geographic imprint.

The authors drive home the inter-connectedness of our cosmic ecosystem and how, like on a giant chess board, the geological upheaval in one part can affect the rest. In a time of growing concern for the environment, this is a message a large audience could stand to hear. But my favorite pages are those in which the authors offer personal vignettes from their unique vantage points on the dazzling world in which we live. Their exquisite prose conveys the awe-inspiring nature of our corner of the universe.

Strap in and let these expert tour guides show you the details of our miraculous solar system!

This was bought as a Christmas gift for someone who loves astronomy. I'd never heard of this book but was impressed with the description and automatically assumed that it'd be good since it's a National Geographic publication. The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because I didn't physically look through the book since it was sent directly to the recipient's home. It's the day after Christmas and I've not yet asked him what he thinks of it.