Principles of Planetary Science

From the Earth-Moon System to Retrograde Triton and Exolife
Erscheinungsjahr 2026
ISBN: 978-0-443-48541-1
Verlag: Elsevier Science

Buch, Englisch, 470 Seiten, Format (B × H): 152 mm x 229 mm

Principles of Planetary Science: From the Earth–Moon System to Retrograde Triton and ExoLife offers a captivating journey into the origins and evolution of our Solar System. Designed for students, researchers, and space enthusiasts, this book combines clear explanations with stunning illustrations and online resources to make complex phenomena accessible. It covers fundamental topics such as Earth’s formation, lunar origins, planetary atmospheres, asteroid dynamics, and the mysteries surrounding exoplanets and irregular satellites. The volume emphasizes original models and recent discoveries, encouraging critical thinking and inspiring future research.

Whether used as a textbook or reference, it provides a solid scientific foundation while highlighting unresolved problems and intriguing phenomena. The book’s engaging approach aims to foster curiosity, deepen understanding, and motivate exploration of space data through satellite images and telescopic observations. This comprehensive yet accessible volume is an essential resource for anyone interested in the dynamic processes shaping our planetary neighborhood and beyond.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Gorkavyi, Nick

Reale, Oreste

Taidakova, Tatiana

Fachgebiete

• Technische Wissenschaften Sonstige Technologien | Angewandte Technik Weltraumforschung

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1. Introduction to the Solar System
2. Earth. Origin from Planetesimals
3. Earth. Floating Lithosphere, Volcanoes, and Earthquakes
4. Earth. The Biosphere
5. Earth. Atmosphere and Clouds
6. Earth. Space Satellites Looking Down
7. Earth. The Hydrosphere and Its Origin
8. The Moon. Surface
9. The Moon. Subsurface Water
10. The Moon. Minerals
11. The Moon. A Catastrophe of Catastrophic Origin
12. The Moon. A Regular Origin
13. The Interplanetary Environment
14. Mercury and Venus
15. The Origin of Mars and the Asteroid Belt
16. The Geology of Mars and Its Moons
17. The Atmosphere of Mars
18. Cities on Mars?
19. Asteroid Moons
20. Asteroid Hazard
21. The Jupiter System
22. The Saturn System
23. The Uranus System
24. The Neptune System
25. Pluto and the Trans-Neptunian Region
26. Exoplanets
27. Conclusion. The Future of Modern Planetary Science

Über Autor(innen)

Gorkavyi, Nick
Dr. Nick Gorkavyi, Lead Programmer/Analyst in the Science Systems and Applications, is an esteemed author and recipient of numerous prestigious scientific awards including the NASA Robert H. Goddard Award, is renowned for his contributions to astronomy and his 40 years of experience in theoretical physics and astronomy. In recognition of his contributions to the field of astronomy, the International Astronomical Union named Asteroid 4654 Gor'kavyj in his honor. Affiliated with NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center for over a decade, he also imparts knowledge as a professor at Chelyabinsk University and was previously affiliated with Simeiz Observatory in Crimea. Dr. Gorkavyi's expertise and dedication to advancing our understanding of the universe make him a valuable asset to the scientific community.

Taidakova, Tatiana
Dr. Tatiana Taidakova has a distinguished career in astrophysics, with extensive research on planetary rings, the dynamics of small Solar System bodies, interplanetary dust, satellite system formation, and exoplanet interactions with protoplanetary disks, as well as geodynamics. She has authored over 40 scientific publications and developed innovative methods, including a new integral of motion for particles influenced by solar radiation and an efficient finite-difference scheme for celestial mechanics simulations that account for dissipative effects. Her work has significantly contributed to understanding celestial mechanics and planetary system evolution. She has been recognized with awards from the American Astronomical Society and the Payne-Gaposchkin Memorial Foundation.

Reale, Oreste
Dr. Oreste Reale has extensive experience in meteorology and remote sensing, contributing to the development of operational meteorological centers and conducting research in atmospheric sciences. He has held key roles in NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, including Senior Scientist, Group Lead, and Director of the GESTAR program. Since 2021, he has served as Chief Scientist at SSAI, overseeing internal research initiatives and sponsored programs. He has been a consistent member of the NASA Sounder Science Team and PI on multiple grants related to atmospheric radiance assimilation, cloud retrievals, and long-term climate prediction. His work also includes experimental research on observing system simulation experiments, including applications for Mars exploration.