Encrenaz Searching for Water in the Universe

2007
ISBN: 978-0-387-34174-3
Verlag: Springer

Encrenaz Searching for Water in the Universe

In Searching for Water in the Solar System, Thérèse Encrenaz takes the reader on a journey through the Universe in search of water. She begins by introducing the most well-known of molecule H2O, its physical and chemical characteristics and its cosmic Formation and abundance. She examines the methods by which the presence of water is detected, both within the solar system and beyond. One by one she visits a diversity of locations in the cosmos, from the nearest planets to the furthest galaxies, where water has been discovered. In the formation of the solar system, she explains how the water molecule played a major part, with the so-called ‘ice frontier’ determining the natures of the terrestrial and giant planets.

The book explores the presence of water in the various bodies of the Solar System: in the giant planets, with their rings and systems of satellites, in comets, asteroids and in the terrestrial planets. By tracing the history of water in the atmospheres of Mars, Venus and the Earth, the author explains how small differences in temperatures, causing water to exist in different states on different planets – vapour on Venus, liquid on Earth and solid ice on Mars – have led to a great divergence in the evolutions of the three planets. The story of water on Mars, an aspect of great topical interest, offers an insight into the possibility (still only a theory) that there was once life on that planet. The book concludes by looking at the important role played by water in studies of habitable exoplanets.

Zielgruppe

Popular/general

Autoren/Hrsg.

Encrenaz, Thérèse

Fachgebiete

• Naturwissenschaften Astronomie Astronomie: Sachbuch
• Naturwissenschaften Astronomie Astronomie: Allgemeines
• Naturwissenschaften Biowissenschaften Biowissenschaften Exobiologie, Astrobiologie
• Geowissenschaften Geologie Hydrologie, Hydrogeologie
• Wirtschaftswissenschaften Wirtschaftssektoren & Branchen Fertigungsindustrie Luftfahrtindustrie
• Naturwissenschaften Biowissenschaften Biowissenschaften Evolutionsbiologie
• Interdisziplinäres Wissenschaften Wissenschaften: Allgemeines Populärwissenschaftliche Werke
• Naturwissenschaften Astronomie Raumfahrt
• Naturwissenschaften Astronomie Exobiologie, Astrobiologie, Xenobiologie
• Technische Wissenschaften Verkehrstechnik | Transportgewerbe Luft- und Raumfahrttechnik, Luftverkehr

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Why water?.- A very simple molecule.- The quest for cosmic water.- The ice line and the birth of the planets.- Comets and water.- Water in the outer solar system.- At the ice line: the asteroids.- Water and the terrestrial planets.- The search for other Earths.