Introduction to Comets

Erscheinungsjahr 1981
ISBN: 978-0-521-23906-6
Verlag: Cambridge University Press

Buch, Englisch, 240 Seiten, Format (B × H): 157 mm x 237 mm, Gewicht: 594 g

Drs. Brandt and Chapman provide a comprehensive introduction to comets by consolidating in one text information from the fields of history, physics, astronomy, and space science. Comets have intrigued man since ancient times, when astronomical phenomena were interpreted as evidence of divine intervention in human affairs. Today, attention to the behaviour of comets remains strong, although interest is now more specific than theological. Aided by increased technology, many space scientists look to the return of Halley's Comet in 1985–6 with the expectation that spacecraft might be sent to intercept the comet and take measurements in situ. The authors trace the historical development of investigations into the nature of comets, in addition to presenting an up-to-date account of cometary research.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Brandt, John C.

Chapman, Robert D.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Preface; Part I. The Historical Perspective: 1. Comets in history; 2. Development of modern ideas on the physics of comets; Part II. The Current Perspective: 3. Dynamics of comets; 4. Structure of comets; 5. Model and origins of comets; 6. Comets and the solar system; Part III. The Future Perspective: 7. Recent comets and some current developments; 8. Missions to comets; Part IV. The Lay Perspective: 9. Are comets dangerous?; 10. Comet lore; Notes; Suggested readings; Index of comets; Index.