Provides an introduction to the planets, stars, comets, and meteors that can be found in the solar system.

Publisher description

The latest discoveries about our universe to keep readers updated on the latest developments in space.

Discover the mysteries of the Universe and journey to galaxies beyond our own in this fact-including companion to space. From icy worlds and hot, fiery giants to the biggest telescopes and latest spacecraft, this ebook covers more than 40 profiles of the planets, stars, and objects in our Universe. Find out all about our neighbouring planets, from tiny Mercury to gigantic Jupiter. Discover what lies beyond our Solar System and the stars we can see in the night sky. Learn about the latest space technology and when humans may finally land on Mars. Broken down by type, each object is presented in a clear, engaging way, with stunning images and bite-sized chunks of information. Detailed NASA photography brings the mysteries of outer space to life, while pronunciation guides help with tricky names, and a visual index gives a quick overview of all the key objects in the ebook. Filled with fascinating details for every young stargazer and budding astronaut, My Book of Stars and Planets is the perfect first reference book on space and the Universe for kids.

This is volume 3 of Planets, Stars and Stellar Systems, a six-volume compendium of modern astronomical research covering subjects of key interest to the main fields of contemporary astronomy. This volume on “Solar and Stellar Planetary Systems” edited by Linda French and Paul Kalas presents accessible review chapters From Disks to Planets, Dynamical Evolution of Planetary Systems, The Terrestrial Planets, Gas and Ice Giant Interiors, Atmospheres of Jovian Planets, Planetary Magnetospheres, Planetary Rings, An Overview of the Asteroids and Meteorites, Dusty Planetary Systems and Exoplanet Detection Methods. All chapters of the handbook were written by practicing professionals. They include sufficient background material and references to the current literature to allow readers to learn enough about a specialty within astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology to get started on their own practical research projects. In the spirit of the series Stars and Stellar Systems published by Chicago University Press in the 1960s and 1970s, each chapter of Planets, Stars and Stellar Systems can stand on its own as a fundamental review of its respective sub-discipline, and each volume can be used as a textbook or recommended reference work for advanced undergraduate or postgraduate courses. Advanced students and professional astronomers in their roles as both lecturers and researchers will welcome Planets, Stars and Stellar Systems as a comprehensive and pedagogical reference work on astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology.

What does the surface of Venus look like? What's in a comet? In this book you'll learn about stars, planets, and humanity's first brave steps into the solar system!