Solar system: the Sun and planets Books

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Book SynopsisFrom a planet with a hexagonal storm to the home of the Solar System's largest volcano, our neighbouring bodies are unique and fascinating places. Where else would you find somewhere with days longer than its years? Humanity's understanding of planets has changed drastically since ancient times when early astronomers mistook the lights they saw in the sky for wandering stars. We've come a long way since then, but there's still so much we don't know. Could there be life on Mars? How many planets exist outside the Solar System? Is there another 'Earth' out there? And why can't we call Pluto a planet anymore? Discover more in this essential guide to planets in the Solar System and beyond by astronomer Dr Emily Drabek-Maunder of Royal Observatory Greenwich.Table of ContentsIntroduction In the Beginning: The Birth of a Solar System Navigating Our Solar System Small but Mighty: The Rocky Planets Serene Giants: The Outer Planets Everything Left Over: Dwarf Planets, Comets, Asteroids and Meteoroids Alien Worlds: Our Search for Exoplanets A Final Note: Is There Life in the Universe Other Than on Earth? Glossary

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Book SynopsisBlack holes seem like the stuff of science fiction, but the reality behind these astronomical objects is even more peculiar. So strong is the gravity within a black hole not even light can escape it, but that is just one piece of the puzzle. The science behind black holes is notoriously complex, but this concise introduction reveals how some general principles form the basis of our understanding of them, before exploring the possibilities of time travel, wormholes and spaghettification (not as tasty as it sounds!). Astronomer Dr Ed Bloomer gives you a whistle-stop guide to the fate of the Universe, the mechanics of a black hole and, most importantly, instructions for what to do should you fall into one! Discover how scientists detect these amazing phenomena and why you should probably avoid them at all costs.

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Book SynopsisThe enormous significance of the Sun to our lives has been felt ever since ominous eclipses and mysterious sunspots were observed many thousands of years ago. Scientists and astronomers from many different fields have contributed over the centuries to the rich knowledge we have of the Sun and its relationship with the Earth. What is the Sun made of? What is the solar wind? What could magnetism have to do with the Sun? How have scientists made these discoveries, and what does it all mean for us here on Earth? And what of the deep scientific mysteries that remain unresolved? Understanding our closest star has never been more important. Delve into the secrets of the Sun in this guide from Brendan Owens, Astronomer Emeritus for Royal Observatory Greenwich and Open Science Coordinator at Science Gallery at Trinity College Dublin.

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Book SynopsisGiven that it includes literally everything in existence, it’s not surprising that the Universe is the source of some of the greatest mysteries in physics. How big is it? How did it begin? And, perhaps more worryingly, how will it end? Through cosmology, the study of the evolution and structure of the Universe, experts have been attempting to untangle these tricky topics for centuries. They have found the faint traces of the Big Bang and shown that our Universe is expanding at a phenomenal rate. However, while their efforts have forged our core understanding of physics and earned them a number of Nobel Prizes, there is much that eludes us still. Explore the secrets of the cosmos with astronomer Dr Greg Brown as he entertains our fascination with impossible questions in this pocket guide to everything that ever was and ever will be.

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Book SynopsisAs one of the five planets that can be seen in the night sky without the aid of a telescope, Mars has been a source of fascination for millennia. What is it about this dusty, dry world that has captured our imaginations so completely? Astronomer Patricia Skelton investigates our relationship with Mars, beginning with the earliest observations and the curious conundrums they generated and ending with our ambitious plans for future space missions. She explores how the Red Planet helped solve the mysteries of planetary motion, sparked furious debates about the possibilities of other life in the Solar System, became an early target of space exploration and has since been a testing ground for remarkable new technologies. Over the past 60 years, Mars has played host to a succession of spacecraft, landers and rovers that continue to expand our knowledge and have also inspired us to venture further. As we look to the future, how long will it be before astronauts join them on the distant planet's surface?

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Book SynopsisMoons come, quite literally, in all shapes and sizes. Our Moon is just one of more than 200 moons in the Solar System that we've identified so far. Scientists have discovered moons made of rock, others of ice. There are moons with atmospheres or with oceans hidden beneath their surfaces, and even some with active volcanoes. Others could perhaps be suitable for life! Astronomer Anna Gammon-Ross of Royal Observatory Greenwich travels through the Solar System, hopping from one moon to the next, to discover not only what these natural satellites have in common, but also what makes each one unique. Learn about the moons that can be found in and around Saturn's rings (and the many others we suspect there could be), the objects orbiting the distant dwarf planets and the curious theory of moon-moons.

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Book SynopsisTake an awe-inspiring and informative journey through the Solar System with this beautifully illustrated deck. Featuring the Sun and all of the major objects in its orbit, including the planets, their moons, the dwarf planets and more, this deck will launch you into an exploration of Earth’s closest neighbors. The Solar System Deck is perfect for space enthusiasts and armchair astronauts, young and old, full of facts that are out of this world.

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Book SynopsisThis is just the resource you need to get middle schoolers ready for August 21, 2017—the day when millions of North Americans will have the rare chance to witness a total solar eclipse. But the book’s usefulness won’t end when the eclipse does! Solar Science offers more than three dozen hands-on, inquiry-based activities on many fascinating aspects of solar astronomy. The activities cover the Sun’s motions, space weather caused by the Sun, the measuring of time and seasons in our daily lives, and much more.The authors are award-winning experts in both astronomy and science education, so they know how to prompt students to work like scientists by asking questions, doing experiments, comparing notes, and refining and reporting results. They also know you have to make the most of every instructional minute. The book contains plenty of ideas for related writing projects; grade-appropriate math examples; and connections to music, art, fiction, and history. It’s also aligned with the three-dimensional learning encouraged by the Next Generation Science Standards and connects to the Common Core State Standards.Solar Science is ideal for teachers, informal science educators, youth group leaders, curriculum specialists, and teacher trainers. You can use these versatile activities one at a time, as the basis of a stand-alone unit on the Sun, or as a comprehensive curriculum. You get to determine the best way for your students to learn a lot while having fun with the Sun.

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Book Synopsis​On February 15, 2013, the Chelyabinsk meteor sailed over Russian skies in a streak of light that was momentarily brighter than the Sun. The remarkable event and its subsequent shock wave were witnessed and documented by countless local residents, launching a widespread scientific expedition to gather and study the remaining meteoritic fragments.This book chronicles Chelyabinsk’s tale of recovery and discovery from the minds of many of the scientists who studied the superbolide, leading field experiments and collecting meteorites and meteorite dust across the region. The Chelyabinsk superbolide is a complex and multi-aspect phenomenon. The book not only presents the results of the scientific research but also details the firsthand experiences of those involved in such efforts, providing readers with a unique opportunity to look at the "inner workings" of science that are seldom shown to the public.Over the course of their studies, the scientists collected over 200 photographs and a dozen video recordings taken by nearly 40 different eyewitnesses. Many of those never-before-published illustrations and photos can be found in full color in the pages of this book.Trade Review“It is … suitable for most non-specialists and contains many colour photographs not seen elsewhere. … All in all, a very useful summary of the effects of the superbolide, and a book to be recommended.” (Storm Dunlop, The Observatory, Vol. 141 (1281), April, 2021)Table of ContentsAcknowledgements.- Dedication.- Preface.- 1. Meteors, meteorites and the Chelyabinsk superbolide: main facts.- 2. A million observers of the superbolide.- 3. The fate of the fiery serpent.- 4. Meteorite rush: the collection of sky stones.- 5. The hunt for cosmic dust.- 6. Chebarkul meteorite ice hole.- 7. Underwater excavations and welcoming the Big Meteorite.- 8. Why the stone exploded.- 9. Chemical composition, structure and age of the Chelyabinsk bolide.- 10. Meteorology of the superbolide or super-experiment in the atmosphere.- 11. Dust ring around the Earth caused by the Chelyabinsk bolide.- 12. Basalt threads in the dust of the Chelyabinsk bolide: Pele’s hair analog.- 13. Frequency of meteorite falls.- 14. How to protect Earth from meteoroids, asteroids and comets.- 15. The cultural aftershock of the Chelyabinsk bolide.- Appendix: The lonely Moon, double asteroids, and multiple collisions.- Index.

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Book SynopsisThis book addresses the problems of Geocosmos and provides a snapshot of the current research in a broad area of Earth Sciences carried out in Russia and elsewhere. The themes covered include solar physics, physics of magnetosphere, ionosphere and atmosphere, solar-terrestrial coupling links, seismology, geoelectricity, paleomagnetism and rock magnetism, as well as cross-disciplinary studies. The proceedings are carefully edited, providing a panoramic outlook of a broad area of Earth Sciences. The readership includes colleague researchers, students and early career scientists. The proceedings will help the readers to look at their research fields from various points of view. Problems of Geocosmos conferences are held by Earth Physics Department, St. Petersburg University bi-annually since 1994. It is the largest forum of this kind in Russia/former Soviet Union attracting up to 200 researchers in Earth and magnetospheric physics.

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Book SynopsisFrom earthquakes to the northern lights and tsunamis to glacier movement, the author explains thousands of phenomena in the world around us. All of this is done using language that is simple and understandable, and at the same time this book does not try to deceive the reader, as materials of this nature often do, but uses exact physical formulas where they are needed.This book serves as an invaluable reference for physics teachers and should inspire high school students to study physics. Many of them will very likely be able to understand that riveting events and phenomena lie behind those very same formulas that just yesterday seemed so boring.This is an excellent and unique way of easily submerging oneself into the world of science and a non-stop intellectual challenge that lures the reader in much more than any game of chess.Sir Andre Geim, 2010 Nobel Prize Laureate in PhysicsThere are plenty of high school students who continue to find science interesting today. Dmitry Livanov’s book, which is both useful and held in high regard, is written precisely with these young people in mind.This book can be used by teachers who want to expand the narrow scope of subject material in their classes and enable students to broaden their perspective about how to apply the laws of physics in order to understand such a complex natural object as planet Earth. This book will be of interest to high school students and graduates of high schools, specialized high schools and preparatory schools who want to test their understanding of physics, astronomy and geography. This book strengthens the foundation of scientific knowledge in today’s world, which repeatedly tests the strength of the collective body of science.Evgeniy Yamburg,Member of the Russian Academy of EducationPrincipal, School #109, Moscow Dmitry Livanov was able to write a book that is interesting both for those who are just beginning to become familiar with physics, and for those who for various reasons have forgotten much of what they knew at one time. He succeeded in doing this because he himself knows and loves physics and because physics—as the most important part of human culture—is interesting to him.I hope that readers of this book will not only recognize the usefulness and importance of physics, but also appreciate its beauty and allure.Andrey Furchenko,Doctor of Physics and Mathematics,Aide to the President of the Russian FederationTable of Contents1 The Earth in the Solar System.- 2 The Earth and the Moon.- 3 The Depths and the Surface of the Earth.- 4 The Earth’s Atmosphere.- 5 The Ocean.- 6 Fresh Water on the Earth.- 7 The Weather and Climate.

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Book SynopsisThis book offers a tour of the known galaxy, here defined as the region of interstellar space closest to Earth. The phrase the known galaxy has a particular resonance in science fiction, as it refers to the part of the Milky Way that from the perspective of a point in time centuries from now may have been explored and settled by human beings. In the known galaxy, there are gloomy ocean worlds illuminated by the light of exploding stars. There are worlds where precious gems could be as common as pebbles. There are planets eternally wandering between the stars like the Flying Dutchman. There are lava worlds, steam worlds, hot Jupiters, cold Jupiters and maybe even worlds like our Earth. The purpose of the book is to begin to give this region a sense of place, in the same way that Mars is now starting to be appreciated as a location rather than just a planet. In doing so, the book merges our current scientific knowledge of the known galaxy with speculative fiction and with older legends and myths. A sense of place is the feeling that some locations have a special meaning. This emotional connection arises from a combination of cultural and environmental factors that make individuals care about a particular place. It is challenging to create a sense of place for distant locations that no human has visited and for which our current knowledge is limited. This book attempts to take a step in this direction, by dividing the known galaxy into a number of clearly described distinct regions, by providing scientific descriptions of the likely environmental conditions on the known planets of these regions, and by linking these planets to their literary and mythological context. The book is aimed at fans of both science fact and science fiction. It combines a tour of real planets outside of our solar system with tales of their fictional counterparts. The combination of solid scientific facts and analysis with speculation and imagination will be appealing to readers who want to gain a feeling for these planets as places with a back story, rather than just as names somewhere out there in the sky.

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Book SynopsisWhy are Host Stars Important for Understanding Exoplanet Atmospheres.- Stellar Activity Phenomenology and General Principles.- Magnetic Fields the Source of Stellar Activity.-Stellar Chromospheres the Source of UV Emission.- Stellar Coronae the Source of Xray Emission.- Reconstructing the Missing Stellar Emission.- Panchromatic Spectra of Exoplanet Host Stars.- Stellar Winds.- Activity Indicator Correlations.- Host Star Driven Exoplanet Mass Loss and Possible Surface Water.- Host Star Driven Photochemistry in Exoplanet Atmospheres.- Space Weather the Effects of Host Star Flares on Exoplanets.- Heterogeneous Stellar Surfaces Spots and Faculae and their Time Variability.- Star Planet Interactions.- Effects of Stellar and Instrumental Noise on Radial Velocity Measurements.- Stellar Contamination effects on Measurements of Exoplanet Radii and Densities.- Stellar Contamination effects on Measurements of Exoplanet Molecular Column Densities.- Summary and Final Comments.

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Book SynopsisA complete and updated catalogue of impact craters and structures in South America from 2014 is presented here. Approximately eighty proven, suspected and disproven structures have been identified by several sources in this continent. All the impact sites of this large continent have been exhaustively reviewed: the proved ones, the possible ones and some very doubtful. Many sites remain without a clear geological "in situ" confirmation and some of them could be even rejected. Argentina and Brazil are leading the list containing almost everything detected. In Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Guyana, Paraguay, Perú, Uruguay and Venezuela only a few were observed. Only Ecuador is waiting for new discoveries. So far, the largest well stated impact site is still the Araguainha structure in Brazil with its 40 kilometers in diameter. However, two possible impact structures are larger than Araguainha: Malvinas, (with 250 kilometers in diameter) and Vichada in Colombia, (50 kilometers). This study also reports the existence of some Tertiary-Quaternary glassy impactite layers: the "escorias" and "tierras cocidas" of the pampas in Argentina.Table of ContentsIntroduction.- Argentina.- Bolivia.- Brazil.- Chile.- Colombia.- Paraguay.- Perú.- Uruguay.- Venezuela.- The Guianas.- South Pacific Ocean.

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Book SynopsisTitan is practically a planet in its own right, with a diameter similar to that of Mercury, methane rainstorms, organic soot and ethane seas. All of the most detailed knowledge on the moon's geology, volcanology, meteorology, marine sciences and chemistry are gathered together here to paint a factually accurate hypothetical future of early human colonization on this strange world.The views from Titan’s Mayda Outpost are spectacular, but all is not well at the moon's remote science base. On the shore of a methane sea beneath glowering skies, atmospherics researcher Abigail Marco finds herself in the middle of murder, piracy and colleagues who seem to be seeing sea monsters and dead people from the past. On the Shores of Titan’s Farthest Sea provides thrills, excitement and mystery – couched in the latest science – on one of the Solar System’s most bizarre worlds, Saturn’s huge moon Titan."This riveting story, set against a plausibly well integrated interplanetary space, carries us along with its bright and interesting characters. We feel absolutely transported to a hauntingly beautiful and alien Titan through Carroll's masterful weaving of art and science." – Jani Radebaugh, Professor of Planetary Sciences, Titan dune expert, BYU"It's a fun read! Really makes Titan come alive, literally..." – Astrophysicist and author Ralph Lorenz"Michael Carroll's new novel "On the Shores of Titan's Farthest Sea" (Springer) is a gripping, good-vs-evil tale that sparkles with imagination. It's set on the shores of Kraken Mare, the vast methane sea found high in the northern latitudes of Saturn's moon, Titan, in a future when humanity has spread throughout the solar system. The villains are wicked, the heroes are scientists (Thanks, Mike!), the story is convincing, the dialogue snappy, and the scenery is right out of our catalog of findings on this cold, hazy and alien world.If you fancy skipping forward 250 years and checking out how humankind might be navigating the very geography and landforms we have uncovered in our years touring Saturn, this book is for you!" --Carolyn Porco, leader of the Cassini Imaging Science team and the Director of the Cassini Imaging Central Laboratory for Operations (CICLOPS) at the Space Science Institute in Boulder, Colorado Trade Review Table of Contents

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Book SynopsisSolar energetic particles (SEPs) emitted from the Sun are a major space weather hazard motivating the development of predictive capabilities. This book presents the results and findings of the HESPERIA (High Energy Solar Particle Events forecasting and Analysis) project of the EU HORIZON 2020 programme. It discusses the forecasting operational tools developed within the project, and presents progress to SEP research contributed by HESPERIA both from the observational as well as the SEP modelling perspective. Using multi-frequency observational data and simulations HESPERIA investigated the chain of processes from particle acceleration in the corona, particle transport in the magnetically complex corona and interplanetary space, to the detection near 1 AU. The book also elaborates on the unique software that has been constructed for inverting observations of relativistic SEPs to physical parameters that can be compared with space-borne measurements at lower energies. Introductory and pedagogical material included in the book make it accessible to students at graduate level and will be useful as background material for Space Physics and Space Weather courses with emphasis on Solar Energetic Particle Event Forecasting and Analysis.This book is published with open access under a CC BY license.Table of ContentsPreface.- Solar Energetic Particles and Space Weather: Science and Applications.- Eruptive Solar Activity related to SEP Events.- Charged Particle Transport in the Interplanetary Medium.- Particle Transport in the Earth’s Magnetosphere.- Ground-Based Measurements of High-Energy Particles by Neutron Monitors.- HESPERIA Forecasting Tools: Real-Time and Post-Event.- Gamma-Ray, Radio and SEP Observations of Relativistic Events.- Modelling of Shock-Accelerated Gamma-Ray Events.- Inversion Methodology of Ground Level Enhancements

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Book SynopsisDesigning a habitat for the lunar surface? You will need to know more than structural engineering. There are the effects of meteoroids, radiation, and low gravity. Then there are the psychological and psychosocial aspects of living in close quarters, in a dangerous environment, far away from home. All these must be considered when the habitat is sized, materials specified, and structure designed.This book provides an overview of various concepts for lunar habitats and structural designs and characterizes the lunar environment - the technical and the nontechnical. The designs take into consideration psychological comfort, structural strength against seismic and thermal activity, as well as internal pressurization and 1/6 g. Also discussed are micrometeoroid modeling, risk and redundancy as well as probability and reliability, with an introduction to analytical tools that can be useful in modeling uncertainties.Trade Review“The book covers concepts and designs of structures and habitats on the Moon in detail … . Studying the book will give the reader a deep insight into all the technical, physiological and psychological problems and lets him establish the odds for the realization of a successful global 'Moon Village' vison. … The detailed references and registers, including all relevant interviews and quotations at the end of each chapter provide pointers to a whole universe of additional information.” (Joachim J. Kehr, Journal of Space Operations & Communicator, Vol. 15 (3), April, 2018)Table of ContentsAcknowledgements.- Dedication.- About the Author- Preface.- Chapter 1: Thoughts on the Moon.- Chapter 2: Overview and context.- Chapter 3: The lunar environment.- Chapter 4: Structures.- Chapter 5: Habitat studies.- Chapter 6: Lunar-based astronomy.- Chapter 7: Materials and ISRU.- Chapter 8: Structural design of a lunar habitat.- Chapter 9: Thermal design.- Chapter 10: Preliminary probability theory.- Chapter 11: Reliability and damage.- Chapter 12: Airplanes, redundancy and lunar habitats.- Chapter 13: Advanced methodologies.- Chapter 14: Concluding thoughts.- Index.

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Book SynopsisThis book introduces the reader to the wonders of Mars, covering all aspects from our past perceptions of the planet through to the latest knowledge on its history, its surface processes such as impact cratering, volcano formation, and glaciation, and its atmosphere and climate. In addition, a series of ten intriguing open issues are considered in a more advanced way. These include such thought-provoking questions as What turned off the planet’s magnetic field?, Why are the northern and southern hemispheres so different?, What was the fate of the once abundant water?, and Is there, or was there, life on Mars? Numerous original figures, unavailable elsewhere, reproduce details of images from Viking, CTX, MOC, HiRISE, THEMIS, and HRSC. The book will appeal especially to general readers interested in planetary sciences, astronomy, astrogeology, and space exploration and to students of Earth Sciences and Natural and Environmental Sciences. The higher-level material on the remaining mysteries of Mars will also be of interest to astrogeologists and other researchers.Trade Review“This slender volume offers a useful, quick study on Mars. … The book is richly illustrated in both black and white and color. It is written in an accessible style that is thoroughly peppered with fact after fact; De Blasio offers plenty to intrigue readers about one of Earth's closest neighbors.” (P. K. Strother, Choice, Vol. 56 (10), June, 2019)Table of ContentsPart I: Mars through the millennia.- Mars as a heavenly warrior.- Mars with its odd orbit enters science.- Schiaparelli, Lowell, and the Martians.- Martian engineers or Martian lichens?.- Mars as seen by Mariners and Vikings.- A long interval and the return to Mars.- Technical box: Sending a spacecraft to Mars.- Mars in its orbit.- The big disappointment.- The rocks of the Martian surface.- The final answer.- Part II: history and geography of Mars.- The geography of Mars, shortly.- The interior of Mars.- Mystery No. 1. Why has Mars no magnetic field ?.- Ancient Mars: the Noachian period.- Mystery No. 2: Has Mars ever had a plate tectonics ?.- A tour on Noachian terrains of Mars: Noachis Terra.- The middle period: the Hesperian.- A tour on the Hesperian outflow channels.- The last period: the Amazonian.- Geological formations of Mars.- Part III: Processes at the surface of Mars.- Martian mountains.- The northern lowlands.- Mystery No. 3: What is the origin of the global dichotomy, which divides so sharply the North from the South of Mars?.- The giant impact basins on Mars.- Technical box: Impact cratering on Earth and Mars.- Valles Marineris.- Mistery No. 4: How were the Valles Marineris formed?.- The volcanoes of Mars.- Technical: Volcanic eruptions on Earth and Mars.- Mystery No. 5: Enigmatic mountains and mysterious geological formations (the strange arc of Acheron, the halos of Olympus Mons, Vastitas Borealis and Medusae Fossae formations).- Part IV: an exhibition of martian images.- Fractures.- Ice-related landforms.- Technical box: Optical images, infrared, radar maps. How data are acquired from remote sensing.- Catastrophic landslides.- Mystery No. 6: Great Ice age on Mars ?.- Morphologies due to wind.- Morphologies due to water.- Mystery No. 7: Was there an ocean on Mars?.- Breathtaking views.- Mystery No. 8: The enigmatic outflow channels.- Part V: The atmosphere, climate and life on Mars.- The atmosphere of Mars.- Dust devils.- The atmosphere of Mars.- The ice caps.- Mystery No. 9: How has the atmosphere of Mars changed? And what happened to the once abundant water ?.- The search for life on Mars.- Martian meteorites.- Mystery No. 10: Is there or was there life on Mars ?.- Ancient civilization on Mars ?.- Upcoming missions to Mars.- How to get to Mars and back.- Colonize Mars ?.- Terraforming.- Technical appendices.- Martian data.- Planitiae, Fossae, Terrae: Nomenclature of planetary geology.- Missions to: past, current, future.

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Book SynopsisThis didactic book uses a data-driven approach to connect measurements made by plasma instruments to the real world. This approach makes full use of the instruments’ capability and examines the data at the most detailed level an experiment can provide. Students using this approach will learn what instruments can measure, and working with real-world data will pave their way to models consistent with these observations. While conceived as a teaching tool, the book contains a considerable amount of new information. It emphasizes recent results, such as particle measurements made from the Cluster ion experiment, explores the consequences of new discoveries, and evaluates new trends or techniques in the field. At the same time, the author ensures that the physical concepts used to interpret the data are general and widely applicable. The topics included help readers understand basic problems fundamental to space plasma physics. Some are appearing for the first time in a space physics textbook. Others present different perspectives and interpretations of old problems and models that were previously considered incontestable. This book is essential reading for graduate students in space plasma physics, and a useful reference for the broader astrophysics community. Table of Contents1 Basic Equations and Concepts 11.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.2 Fundamental Equations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21.3 Statistical Equations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41.4 Electric and Magnetic Field in Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71.5 Transformation of E and B Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111.6 Macroscopic Equations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181.7 Plasma Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221.8 Examples of Plasma Distributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311.9 Concluding Remarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342 Charged Particle Acceleration 392.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392.2 Motion in Uniform E and B Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402.3 E ⇥ B Acceleration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 452.4 Motion in Inhomogeneous Magnetic Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . 572.5 Other Particle Acceleration Mechanisms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 632.6 Waves and Wave-Particle Interaction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 682.7 Cyclotron Resonance Theory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 722.8 Concluding Remarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 783 Escaping Solar Particles 813.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 813.2 Observations of Solar Wind Ions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 833.3 Observations of Solar Wind Electrons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 913.4 Solar Wind Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 963.5 Kinetic Models of the SW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 993.6 Heuristic Interpretation of the Solar Wind . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1043.7 Electrostatic Solitary Waves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1083.8 Concluding Remarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1104 Collisionless Shocks 1174.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1174.2 Observations of Earth’s Bow Shock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1194.3 Entropy Across Earth’s Bow Shock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1254.4 ICME Shock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1334.5 Nonlinear Structures Upstream of Bow Shock . . . . . . . . . . . 1404.6 Growth of Nonlinear Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1584.7 Acceleration of Particles at the Bow Shock . . . . . . . . . . . . 1614.8 Concluding Remarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1655 Current Sheets and Boundaries 1835.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1835.2 Magnetic Reconnection on Earth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1845.3 SW Entry into Magnetosphere through Cusps . . . . . . . . . . . 1915.4 Particle Motions in Magnetic Neutral Regions . . . . . . . . . . . 1985.5 Kinetic Models of Current Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2045.6 Kinetic Equations for Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2085.7 Tearing Mode Instability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2145.8 Concluding Remarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2186 Current and Electric Field 2256.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2256.2 Observations of Electron and Ion Beams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2266.3 Motion Parallel to E and B Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2316.4 Electric Potential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2366.5 A Model of Double Layer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2466.6 Currents in the Magnetosphere and Ionosphere . . . . . . . . . . 2516.7 Ring Current in Magnetospheres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2566.8 Magnetosphere-Ionosphere Coupling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2646.9 Auroral Kilometric Radiation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2726.10 Concluding Remarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2757 Topics for Further Studies 2817.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2817.2 Large-scale Current Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2817.3 Heating Space Plasmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2847.4 Boltzmann Collisional Term (@f/@t)c . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2867.5 Runaway Electrons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2927.6 Collective Interactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295

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Book SynopsisThe editors present a state-of-the-art overview on the Physics of Space Weather and its effects on technological and biological systems on the ground and in space. It opens with a general introduction on the subject, followed by a historical review on the major developments in the field of solar terrestrial relationships leading to its development into the up-to-date field of space weather. Specific emphasis is placed on the technological effects that have impacted society in the past century at times of major solar activity. Chapter 2 summarizes key milestones, starting from the base of solar observations with classic telescopes up to recent space observations and new mission developments with EUV and X-ray telescopes (e.g., STEREO), yielding an unprecedented view of the sun-earth system. Chapter 3 provides a scientific summary of the present understanding of the physics of the sun-earth system based on the latest results from spacecraft designed to observe the Sun, the interplanetary medium and geospace. Chapter 4 describes how the plasma and magnetic field structure of the earth's magnetosphere is impacted by the variation of the solar and interplanetary conditions, providing the necessary science and technology background for missions in low and near earth's orbit. Chapter 5 elaborates the physics of the layer of the earth's upper atmosphere that is the cause of disruptions in radio-wave communications and GPS (Global Positioning System) errors, which is of crucial importance for projects like Galileo. In Chapters 6-10, the impacts of technology used up to now in space, on earth and on life are reviewed. Trade ReviewFrom the reviews: "The volume surveys the broad expanse of space weather through 14 chapters contributed by 20 expert practitioners. … its extensive reference lists at the end of each chapter are extremely valuable. I believe the book functions best by sitting on the library reference shelf where it can be readily consulted as needed." (Thomas J. Bogdan, Physics Today, December 2007) "Space Weather: Physics and Effects is an attempt to summarize the entire field of space weather. … It is generally well produced, includes an exhaustive table of contents and has nearly 40 pages of prefatory materials including a four-page list of acronyms, and what seems like an adequate index." (W. Jeffrey Hughes, EOS, March, 2009)Table of Contents1. Introduction,- 2. Space Weather Forecasting Historically Viewed through the Lens of Meterology,- 3. The Solar and Interplanetary Drivers of Space and Storms,- 4. The Coupling of the Solar Wind to the Earth's Magnetosphere,- 5. Major Radiation Environments in the Heliosphere and their Implications for Interplanetary Travel,- 6. Radiation Belts and Ring Currents,- 7. Ionospheric Response,- 8. Solar Effects in the Middle and Lower Stratosphere and Probable Associations with the Troposphere,- 9. Space Weather Effects on Communications,- 10. Space Weather Effects on Power Grids,- 11. Space Weather Impacts on Space Radiation,- 12. Effects on Spacecraft Hardware and Operations,- 13. Effects on Satellite Navigation,- 14. Forecasting Space Weather,-15. Outlook.

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Book SynopsisA thorough introduction to solar physics based on recent spacecraft observations. The author introduces the solar corona and sets it in the context of basic plasma physics before moving on to discuss plasma instabilities and plasma heating processes. The latest results on coronal heating and radiation are presented. Spectacular phenomena such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections are described in detail, together with their potential effects on the Earth. Table of ContentsThermal Radiation.- Hydrostatics.- Hydrodynamics.- Magnetic Fields.- Magneto-Hydrodynamics (MHD).- MHD Oscillations.- Propagating MHD Waves.- Coronal Heating.- Magnetic Reconnection.- Particle Acceleration.- Particle Kinematics.- Hard X-Rays.- Gamma-Rays.- Radio Emission.- Flare Plasma Dynamics.- Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs).

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Book SynopsisPART I CHAPTER 1 T E — , , . . . . . . . . . 15 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Geological change — the answers within, and without. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Man on the Moon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Back to the beginning — from the Big Bang to early Earth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Impact — the ubiquitous process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 The oldest rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Time to cool — birth of the Kaapvaal continent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Old crust in the Vredefort Dome. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Rifting, oceans, volcanism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Mountains, fire and ice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 The unique Bushveld magmatic event. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 CHAPTER 2 C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Extinction or survival — our restless Earth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Meteorite-impact catastrophes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Normal (background) versus mass extinctions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 A brief look at the impact record in the Solar System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 What are the projectiles capable of causing an impact catastrophe?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 What is an impact crater? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 How can we identify impact structures? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Shock metamorphism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 CHAPTER 3 T A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Tswaing meteorite crater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 Does Tswaing have a twin? (Kalkkop Crater, Eastern Cape Province) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 South Africa’ s other Giant Impact Morokweng impact structure, — North West Province . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Our southern African neighbours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Testimony of earliest impact catastrophe — Barberton and the Northern Cape Province . . 113 Traces of catastrophe in the Karoo?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 6 CHAPTER 4 V : T W . . . 117 The Vredefort Structure revealed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118 Getting to know the giant: By road through the Vredefort Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 Traversing the outer parts of the Vredefort Dome (Fochville to Parys) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 5 The geology of the Vredefort Dome. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Trade ReviewFrom the reviews of the third edition:“Third edition of Meteorite Impact! … by Reimold (Museum for Natural History, Humboldt Univ., Germany) and Gibson (Univ. of the Witwatersrand, South Africa) is two things. First, it is an interesting, comprehensive field guide to an exceptional geologic site that warrants further exploration and interest. Second, it is a primer on Earth hazards with the typical popular-level approach. … content gives the reader an easily understandable and personable on-site perspective to this complex area. … Summing Up: Recommended. Lower- and upper-division undergraduates and general readers.” (L. R. Johnston, Choice, Vol. 48 (9), May, 2011)Table of ContentsI.- The Early History of Earth — Impact, Volcanoes and Early Life.- Chaos and Catastrophe.- The Impact Heritage of Southern Africa.- Vredefort: The Largest and Oldest Impact Structure in the World.- The Recent History of the Vredefort Dome Area.- Frequently Asked Questions.- What Does the Future Hold for Humankind?.- Tourism in the Vredefort Dome.- II.- Tour Guide through the Vredefort Dome.

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Book SynopsisAccretion flows, winds and jets of compact astrophysical objects and stars are generally described within the framework of hydrodynamical and magnetohydrodynamical (MHD) flows. Analytical analysis of the problem provides profound physical insights, which are essential for interpreting and understanding the results of numerical simulations. Providing such a physical understanding of MHD Flows in Compact Astrophysical Objects is the main goal of this book, which is an updated translation of a successful Russian graduate textbook. The book provides the first detailed introduction into the method of the Grad-Shafranov equation, describing analytically the very broad class of hydrodynamical and MHD flows. It starts with the classical examples of hydrodynamical accretion onto relativistic and nonrelativistic objects. The force-free limit of the Grad-Shafranov equation allows us to analyze in detail the physics of the magnetospheres of radio pulsars and black holes, including the Blandford-Znajek process of energy extraction from a rotating black hole immersed in an external magnetic field. Finally, on the basis of the full MHD version of the Grad-Shafranov equation the author discusses the problems of jet collimation and particle acceleration in Active Galactic Nuclei, radio pulsars, and Young Stellar Objects. The comparison of the analytical results with numerical simulations demonstrates their good agreement. Assuming that the reader is familiar with the basic physical and mathematical concepts of General Relativity, the author uses the 3+1 split approach which allows the formulation of all results in terms of physically clear language of three dimensional vectors. The book contains detailed derivations of equations, numerous exercises, and an extensive bibliography. It therefore serves as both an introductory text for graduate students and a valuable reference work for researchers in the field.Trade ReviewFrom the reviews: “The volume primarily addresses the Grad-Shafranov approach to describe axisymmetric stationary flows around astrophysical objects, including ones where General Relativity is important. … Each chapter has an abstract and an introduction to the kinds of sources to which its equations apply. … the astrophysics-group … able to make more use of it than I can.” (Viginia Trimble, The Observatory, Vol. 130 (1214), June, 2010)Table of ContentsPreface.............................................................. 5 Introduction......................................................... 9 Chapter 1 Hydrodynamic limit - classical problems of accretion and ejection.... 13 1.1 Astrophysical introduction - accretion onto compact objects.... 13 1 1 1 Accretion disks........................................... 14 1.1.2 Standard model............................................ 17 1.1.3 ADAF, ADIOS, etc.......................................... 20 1.2 Basic properties of transonic hydrodynamical flows............. 22 1.2.1 Basic equations........................................... 22 1.2.2 Spherically symmetric flow................................ 24 1.2.3 Plane potential flow...................................... 27 1.3 Axisymmetric stationary flows - nonrelativistic case........... 34 1.3.1 Basic equations........................................... 34 1.3.2 Mathematical interlude - covariant language............... 35 1.3.3 Structure of the two-dimensional flow..................... 37 1.3.4 Bondi-Hoyle accretion..................................... 45 1.3.5 Ejection from slowly rotating star........................ 49 1.4 Axisymmetric stationary accretion onto black hole.............. 57 1.4.1 Physical interlude - (3+1)-split in the Kerr metric....... 57 1.4.2 Basic equations........................................... 61 1.4.3 Exact solutions........................................... 65 1.4.4 Bondi-Hoyle accretion - relativistic limit................ 67 1.4.5 Accretion onto slowly rotating black hole................. 70 1.4.6 Accretion of a gas with small angular momentum onto nonrotating black hole......... 71 1.4.7 Thin transonic disk....................................... 77 1.5 Conclusion..................................................... 87 1 Chapter 2 Force-free limit - radio pulsar magnetosphere........................ 89 2.1 Astrophysical introduction..................................... 89 2.2 Main physical processes........................................ 92 2.2.1 Vacuum approximation...................................... 92 2.2.2 Particle creation in a strong magnetic field.............. 96 2.2.3 Structure of the magnetosphere............................ 99 2.3 Generation of secondary plasma.................................104 2.3.1 'Internal gap'............................................104 2.3.2 Neutron star surface......................................109 2.3.3 Propagation of gamma-quanta in superstrong magnetic field......................110 2.3.4 Effects of the general relativity.........................111 2.3.5 Particle generation in the magnetosphere................. 113 2.3.6 'Hollow cone' model...................................... 114 2.3.7 Particle generation - 'external gap'..................... 119 2.4 Pulsar equation............................................... 119 2.4.1 Force-free approximation. Magnetization parameter........ 119 2.4.2 Electromagnetic field. Integrals of motion............... 121 2.4.3 Grad-Shafranov equation.................................. 124 2.4.4 Mathematical interlude - quasi stationary approach....... 127 2.5 Energy loss of radio pulsars.................................. 130 2.5.1 Current loss mechanism................................... 130 2.5.2 Braking of inclined and orthogonal rotator............... 133 2.6 Structure of the magnetosphere................................ 141 2.6.1 Exact solutions.......................................... 141 2.6.2 Structure of the magnetosphere with longitudinal currents 158 2.6.3 Models of th

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Book SynopsisEssential Astrophysics is a book to learn or teach from, as well as a fundamental reference volume for anyone interested in astronomy and astrophysics. It presents astrophysics from basic principles without requiring any previous study of astronomy or astrophysics. It serves as a comprehensive introductory text, which takes the student through the field of astrophysics in lecture-sized chapters of basic physical principles applied to the cosmos.This one-semester overview will be enjoyed by undergraduate students with an interest in the physical sciences, such as astronomy, chemistry, engineering or physics, as well as by any curious student interested in learning about our celestial science. The mathematics required for understanding the text is on the level of simple algebra, for that is all that is needed to describe the fundamental principles. The text is of sufficient breadth and depth to prepare the interested student for more advanced specialised courses in the future. Astronomical examples are provided throughout the text, to reinforce the basic concepts and physics, and to demonstrate the use of the relevant formulae. In this way, the student learns to apply the fundamental equations and principles to cosmic objects and situations. Astronomical and physical constants and units as well as the most fundamental equations can be found in the appendix. Essential Astrophysics goes beyond the typical textbook by including references to the seminal papers in the field, with further reference to recent applications, results, or specialised literature.Trade ReviewFrom the reviews:“This work fills a unique position in the literature. It is a concrete, middle-level treatment that devotes as much attention to methods of research and observation as it does to results. Here at last is a book in English which bridges the gap between elementary introductory accounts and advanced technical monographs. … It is also a fine book for hobbyists and others with some grounding in astronomy who want to explore these matters in greater depth than elementary texts allow.” (Philosophy, Religion and Science Book Reviews, bookinspections.wordpress.com, May, 2014)“This set of lecture notes on astrophysics discusses the topics that would be taught in an introductory undergraduate class. The text is sufficiently comprehensive to be used as the principle textbook for a lecture course or for self-study. … the references are excellent, enabling those who need more detail to find information quickly. The book will be easy to follow for anyone with a solid background in lower-level undergraduate physics. A valuable acquisition for academic library collections. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above.” (A. Spero, Choice, Vol. 51 (6), February, 2014)Table of ContentsList of focus elements.- List of tables.- Preface.- Observing the Universe.- Radiation.- Gravity.- Cosmic Motion.- Moving Particles.- Detecting Atoms in Stars.- Transmutation of the Elements.- What Makes the Sun Shine?.- The Extended Solar Atmosphere.- The Sun Amongst the Stars.- The Material Between the Stars.- Formation of the Stars and their Planets.- Stellar End States.- A Larger, Expanding Universe.- Origin, Life and Destiny of the Observable Universe.- References.- Author index.- Subject index.

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Book SynopsisThis atlas is based on the lunar global Digital Elevation Models (DEM) of Chang'E-1 (CE-1), and presents CCD stereo image data with digital photogrammetry. The spatial resolution of the DEM in this atlas is 500m, with horizontal accuracy of 192m and vertical accuracy of 120m. Color-shaded relief maps with contour lines are used to show the lunar topographical characteristics. The topographical data gathered by CE-1 can provide fundamental information for the study of lunar topographical, morphological and geological structures, as well as for lunar evolution research.Trade Review“This lovely, featured book will have you easily finding your way about the lunar surface. … I recommend ‘The Chang’E-1 Topographic Atlas of the Moon’ by Chunlai Li, Jianjun Liu, Lingli Mu, Xin Ren and Wei Zuo. It may guide you to all sorts of interesting features and finds.” (Mark Mortimer, Universe Today, universetoday.com, March, 2016)Table of ContentsPart I Introduction of the CCD Stereo Camera.- Part II Global topographic map of the Moon by CD-1.- Part III Subdivision topographic maps of the Moon.- Appendix – Gazetteer.

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Book SynopsisHow are mountains formed? Why are there old and young mountains? Why do the shapes of South America and Africa fit so well together? Why is the Pacific surrounded by a ring of volcanoes and earthquake prone areas while the edges of the Atlantic are relatively peaceful?Frisch and Meschede and Blakey answer all these questions and more through the presentation and explanation of the geo-dynamic processes upon which the theory of continental drift is based and which have lead to the concept of plate tectonics. Trade ReviewFrom the reviews:“The authors discuss all major aspects of the subject in chapters focusing on theory development; plate movements and geometry; continental grabens, margins, and abyssal plains; mid-ocean ridges; hot spots; subduction zones, island arcs, volcanism, and metamorphism; transform faults; terrenes; mountain building; and more. … One of the book’s strongest points is the many excellent, colorful maps and cross-sections that complement the text. References to the literature are well chosen. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduate through professional readership.” (T. L. T. Grose, Choice, Vol. 49 (2), October, 2011)Table of Contents1. Contractional theory, continental drift and plate tectonics,- 2 Plate movements and their geometric relationships,- 3. Continental graben structures,- 4. Passive continental margins and abyssal plains,- 5. Mid-ocean ridges,- 6. Hot spots,- 7. Subduction zones, island arcs and active continental maragins,- 8. Transform faults,- 9. Terranes,- 10. Early Precambrian plate tectonics,- 11. Plate tectonics and mountain building,- 12. Old orogens,- 13. Young orogens - the Earth's loftiest places.

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Book SynopsisThis thesis presents accurate analyses of the spin-orbit angle for many remarkable transiting exoplanetary systems, including the first measurement of the Rossiter-McLaughlin effect for a multiple transiting system. The author presents the observational methods needed to probe the spin-orbit angle, the relation between the stellar spin axis and planetary orbital axis. Measurements of the spin-orbit angle provide us a unique and valuable opportunity to understand the origin of close-in giant exoplanets, called "hot Jupiters". The first method introduced involves observations of the Rossiter-McLaughlin effect (RM effect). The author points out the issues with the previous theoretical modeling of the RM effect and derives a new and improved theory. Applications of the new theory to observational data are also presented for a number of remarkable systems, and the author shows that the new theory minimizes the systematic errors by applying it to the observational data. The author also describes another method for constraining the spin-orbit angle: by combining the measurements of stellar flux variations due to dark spots on the stellar surface, with the projected stellar rotational velocity measured via spectroscopy, the spin-orbit angles "along the line-of-sight" are constrained for the transiting exoplanetary systems reported by the Kepler space telescope.Table of ContentsIntroduction.- Evolution History of Extrasolar Planetary Systems.- Improved Modeling of the Rossiter-McLaughlin Effect.- New Observations and Improved Analyses of the Rossiter-McLaughlin Effect.- Toward the Measurements of Spin-Orbit Relations for Small Planets.- Summary and Future Prospects.

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Book SynopsisPart of everyday life, yet rich in symbolic meaning, renderings of the sun and the moon are present in all folk and tribal art traditions of India. They are always in relationship with each other. Agrarian societies keep track of time by referring to markers in the seasonal variations of the sun, moon, and the planets. Over the course of time, they have also woven wonderful stories and myths around them. Here, for the first time, is a collection of unusual stories and exquisite art from some of the finest living artists, on this most universal of themes.

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Book SynopsisIntroduction/Foreword Venus Evolution Through Time (Wilson, C., Breuer, D., Gillmann, C., Smrekar, S.E., Spohn, T., and Widemann, T.).- Venus, the Planet: Introduction to the Evolution of Earth's Sister Planet (O'Rourke, J. G., Wilson, C. F., Borrelli, M. E. et al.).- Synergies Between Venus & Exoplanetary Observations (Way, M. J., Ostberg, C., Foley, B. J. et al.).- The Habitability of Venus (Westall, F., Höning, D., Avice, G. et al.).- Magma Ocean, Water, and the Early Atmosphere of Venus (Salvador, A., Avice, G., Breuer, D. Gillmann, C. et al.).- Noble Gases and Stable Isotopes Track the Origin and Early Evolution of the Venus Atmosphere (Avice, G., Parai, R., Jacobson, S. et al.).- Sedimentary Processes on Venus (Carter, L., Gilmore, M. S., Ghail, R. C., Byrne, P. K. et al.).- Volcanic and Tectonic Constraints on the Evolution of Venus (Ghail, R., Smrekar, S. E., Byrne, P. K., Gilmore, M. S. et al.).- Mineralogy of the Venus Surface (Gilmore, M. S., Dyar, D., Mueller, N., Brossier, J. et al.).- Resurfacing History and Volcanic Activity of Venus (Herrick, R.R., Bjonnes, E., Carter, L., Taras, G. et al.).- . Possible Effects of Volcanic Eruptions on the Modern Atmosphere of Venus (Wilson, C., Marcq, E., Gillmann, C., Widemann, T. et al.).- Dynamics and Evolution of Venus' Mantle Through Time (Rolf, T., Weller, M., Gülcher, A. et al.).- Venus Evolution Through Time: Key Science Questions, Selected Mission Concepts and Future Investigations (Widemann, T., Smrekar, S. E., Garvin, J. B., Straume-Lindner, A. G. et al.).

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Book SynopsisPreface.- Dedication.- BepiColombo - Mission Overview and Science Goals.- MioFirst Comprehensive Exploration of Mercury's Space Environment: Mission Overview.- BepiColombo Ground Segment and Mission Operations.- Mission Data Processor Aboard the BepiColombo Mio Spacecraft: Design and Scientific Operation Concept.- Geodesy, Geophysics and Fundamental Physics Investigations of the BepiColombo Mission.- Investigating Mercury's Environment with the Two-Spacecraft BepiColombo Mission.- Rationale for BepiColombo Studies of Mercury's Surface and Composition.- BepiColombo Science Investigations During Cruise and Flybys at the Earth, Venus and Mercury.- The BepiColombo Laser Altimeter.- ISA, a High Sensitivity Accelerometer in the Interplanetary Space.- Mercury Dust Monitor (MDM) Onboard the Mio Orbiter of the BepiColombo Mission.- Studying the Composition and Mineralogy of the Hermean Surface with the Mercury Radiometer and Thermal Infrared Spectrometer (MERTIS) for the BepiColombo Mission: An Update.- The BepiColomboMio Magnetometer en Route to Mercury.- The Mercury Gamma-Ray and Neutron Spectrometer (MGNS) Onboard the Mercury Planetary Orbiter of the BepiColombo Mission: Design Updates and First Measurements in Space.- The BepiColombo Mercury Imaging X-Ray Spectrometer: Science Goals, Instrument Performance and Operations.- Gravity, Geodesy and Fundamental Physics with BepiColombo's MORE Investigation.- The BepiColombo Planetary Magnetometer MPO-MAG: What Can We Learn from the Hermean Magnetic Field?.- Pre-flight Calibration and Near-Earth Commissioning Results of the Mercury Plasma Particle Experiment (MPPE) Onboard MMO (Mio).- Plasma Wave Investigation (PWI) Aboard BepiColombo Mio on the Trip to the First Measurement of Electric Fields, Electromagnetic Waves, and Radio Waves Around Mercury.- The MEFISTO and WPT Electric Field Sensors of the Plasma Wave Investigation on the BepiColombo Mio Spacecraft.- Measurements of Magnetic Field Fluctuations for Plasma Wave Investigation by the Search Coil Magnetometers (SCM) Onboard Bepicolombo Mio (Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter).- SERENA: Particle Instrument Suite for Determining the Sun-Mercury Interaction from BepiColombo.- SIMBIO-SYS: Scientific Cameras and Spectrometer for the BepiColombo Mission.- Solar Intensity X-Ray and Particle Spectrometer SIXS: Instrument Design and First Results.- The BepiColombo Environment Radiation Monitor, BERM.- Correction to: Studying the Composition and Mineralogy of the Hermean Surface with the Mercury Radiometer and Thermal Infrared Spectrometer (MERTIS) for the BepiColombo Mission: An Update.- Correction to: SERENA: Particle Instrument Suite for Determining the Sun-Mercury Interaction from BepiColombo.

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Book SynopsisThanks to NASA's Dawn mission, the last half-decade has witnessed a significant advance in our understanding of Ceres. The largest object between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, Ceres is the most water-rich body in the inner solar system after Earth which shows evidence of brine-driven activity in its recent history, and even possibly at the present. The potential existence of a subsurface ocean or regional seas in Ceres and its salt- and organic-rich composition underscore its astro-biological significance. After signaling the discovery of the asteroid belt more than two centuries ago, Ceres once again reveals new insights for us to understand the formation, evolution, and habitability of this large icy body in our solar system. This book reviews the current state of knowledge about Ceres after the extensive scientific exploration by the Dawn mission. Starting from the introduction of the discovery of Ceres and what we know about this enigmatic world before Dawn's arrival, each chapter focuses on one aspect of Ceres, including its surface composition, its geology, the role of water ice in shaping Ceres's surface, its interior structure, and expressions of cryovolcanic or brine activity at the surface. Following this framework, the book addresses the astro-biological significance of Ceres. The last chapter summarizes the new questions opened by the Dawn mission and the next step to exploring the dwarf planet closest to Earth.Table of ContentsDiscovery of Ceres and Asteroid Belt; Pre-Dawn Exploration of Ceres; Dawn Mission Overview; Surface Composition; Geology; Water Ice; Interior Structure; Recent Activity; Astrobiological Significance; Open Questions and Future Exploration;

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Book SynopsisThis perspective of this book views Earth's various layers as a whole system, and tries to understand how to achieve harmony and sustainable development between human society and nature, with the theme of " habitability of the Earth." This book is one effort at providing an overview of some of the recent exciting advances Chinese geoscientists have made. It is the concerted team effort of a group of researchers from diverse backgrounds to generalize their vision for Earth science in the next 10 years. The book is intended for scholars, administrators of the Science and Technology policy department, and science research funding agencies. This is an open access book.Table of Contents1. Overview.- 2. Scientific perspectives: challenges for human cognition.- 3. Basic Scientific Issues relating to Earth habitability.- 4. Scientific and technological support: fundamental theoretical issues with revolutionary technologies.- 5. Realization: intersectionality, integration, collaboration, and cooperation.

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Book SynopsisThe book comes in three parts: "The Rising Sun in a Developing World", "Solar Power for the World" and "PV Today and Forever". It provides a historical summary and gives a comprehensive overview of the present photovoltaic (PV) situation worldwide and future strategies for development and implementation. The author is a world leader in PV and all renewable energies.The book is illustrated with about 100 pictures.Trade Review"...an interesting collection of anecdotes concerning solar projects written by the people who were and are actually on the scene. Though the book does not ignore technical aspects, it highlights personal problems and difficulties, especially the institutional and cultural snags that are seldom included in professional papers. In chapter 1, Palz (World Council for Renewable Energy, Belgium) provides a review of the entire field, emphasizing photovoltaic cells. The remaining chapters are authored by solar experts who collectively span the various specialties and national emphases that complicate the construction of viable projects. In each chapter, the author describes his/her educational background, technical specialty, and personal projects. The authors also discuss project failures, which are often omitted from other works even though they may be very instructive to the reader. Solar technology is still in flux, and dead ends are to be expected. Valuable for all students of solar energy. Summing Up: Recommended. All levels/libraries."—J. C. Comer, Emeritus, Northern Illinois University, in CHOICE, August 2011, Vol. 48, #11"Power for the World by Wolfgang Palz is more than an Encyclopedia of Solar Cells. ... Wolfgang Palz is a master in assembling people, themes, and information that makes the reader live the exciting lives of these pioneers with the development of solar cells from its very beginning to the present. He let his many authors describe the fascination with success and the frustration by so many impediments in between. He stimulates the philosophy that leads to this beginning of the solar age. Wolfgang Palz, during his travels through the continents, is a master of creating friendship between scientists, engineers, industries, and politicians worldwide with his charming personality, for the common goal to make this the starting of the solar age. From his desk at the European Union in Brussels he has directed over decades all the essential research in Europe in solar cells. Now he has created a truly remarkable book that needs to find its place on the bookshelf of any one working or interested in solar. It is one of the few books that will be taken out again and again to find more of the exciting description of lived history. The timing of creating this book was exactly right. This is one of the culmination points of Wolfgang Palz’s life, congratulations."—Dr. Karl BoerTable of ContentsAbout the AuthorList of ContributorsHymn to the SunForewordHermann Scheer MPIntroductionChapter 1Part I: The Rising Sun in a Developing World1. Electric Power, A Pillar of Modern Society1.1 Electricity in Today’s Life1.2 The Conventional World of Electricity1.3 Solar PV: A Part of the New Semiconductor World2. Looking Back to Light the Future2.1 The Emergence of Electricity2.2 From the "Voltaic Pile" to the Photovoltaic Cell2.3 Photovoltaic Power: The First steps3. Solar Power for Space Satellites4. First Ideas about Lighting us with Solar Power4.1 Mutations of the Societies in the US and Europe4.2 A New Awareness for Solar Power4.3 The Oil-Price Shocks, The Nuclear Disaster 19865. After the Vision: AMountain of Challenges5.1 PV in the Starting Blocks in 19735.2 The Cost Problem: Technological Challenges5.3 The Chicken and Egg Problem: Mass Production5.4 Entrenched Energy Strategies and Politics5.5 Against Dominant Allocations of State Budgets5.6 Administrations5.7 The Energy Buy-Back Time, The Module Lifetime5.8 Intermittency of Supply5.9 Environmental Challenges6 Leadership of Action6.1 The Pioneering Role of the United States6.2 France: A European Solar Pioneer6.3 PV Start up in Germany6.4 PV Ups and Downs in Japan6.5 UNESCO6.6 The European Union6.7 The G86.8 The Energy Empire Fights BackPart II: Solar Power for the World1. Basics for a new Solar Age1.1 The Ethical Imperative of Photovoltaics1.2 Cost and Social Acceptance: Ingredientsfor a Viable Energy Strategy1.3 PV as Part of a Holistic Approach towardsRenewable Energy Implementationand Energy Conservation1.4 And what about the Power Plants on the Road?1.4.1 Car drivers and their power plants1.4.2 Mobilising PV for transport2. Driving Forces2.1 Aspiration of the People2.2 Preserving Nature and Alleviating Climate Change2.3 Peak Oil2.4 Energy Security of Supply3. The Role of Stake Holders in Society3.1 Governments and Administrations3.2 Industry and Finance3.3 PV Costs and Benefits for Society; a Special Rolefor the Grid Operators4. New Energy Paradigm4.1 Centralised or Decentralised PV4.2 What Role for the Conventional Power Utilities?4.3 Communities and Regions Mastering theirown Energy Supply4.4 The Autonomous Energy House: Solar Architectureand the Building Industry5. Power for the People5.1 Starting a Global Strategy: 10 Watts per Head5.2 PV for the People in the Industrialised World5.3 PV for the People in the Solar Belt6. Power for the Poor6.1 Getting Involved6.2 PV Power for the Poor in the Developing Countries6.3 Power for the Poor in the Industrialised Countries7. Power for PeacePart III: PV Today and Forever1. Solar Power 2009/10: AWealth of Achievements1.1 The Global PV Markets 2009/101.2 Political, Financial, and Industrial Environment1.3 The Technology Boom goes on2. Outlook2.1 On the Threshold of Commercial Viability 2.2 Outlook Towards 20202.3 PV as Part of a 100% RE World3. ConclusionsAppendixCartoonChapter 2 My Solar Age Started with TchernobylFranz AltChapter 3 More Electricity for Less Co2Yves BambergerChapter 4 Solar Power in PracticeStefan BehlingChapter 5 The Story of Developing Solar Glass FacadesJoachim BenemannChapter 6 Bringing the Oil Industry into the PictureKarl Wolfgang BöerChapter 7 Factory for Sale — or the Long and StonyWay to Cheap Solar Energy: The Story ofthe Thin-Film CdTe Solar Cells; First Solarand Others — A Semi-AutobiographyDieter BonnetChapter 8 Photovoltaics in the World Bank Group PortfolioAnil CabraalChapter 9 Solar Bicycles, Mercedes, Handcuffs — PlusEnergyBuildingsGallus CadonauChapter 10 Photovoltaic Power Systems for Lifting WomenOut of Poverty in Sub-Saharan AfricaDominique CampanaChapter 11 Solar Cell Development Work at COMSATLaboratories (1967–1975)Denis J. CurtinChapter 12 SolarBankMichael T. EckhartChapter 13 Will This Work? Is It Realistic?Thoughts and Acts of a Political Practitionerwith a Solar VisionHans-Josef FellChapter 14 The IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists ConferenceAmerico F. (Moe) ForestieriChapter 15 Review of China’s Solar PV Industry in 2009Gao HuChapter 16 Lighting the World: Yesterday, Today and TomorrowBiswajit GhoshChapter 17 The Role of Research Institutes for the Promotionof PV: The Case of Fraunhofer ISE (Institute ofSolar Energy Systems)Adolf GoetzbergerChapter 18 Abandoning Nuclear in Favor of RenewableEnergiesGiuliano GrassiChapter 19 Nonconventional Sensitized Mesoscopic(Grätzel) Solar CellsMichael GrätzelChapter 20 The PV World Conference in ViennaWolfgang HeinChapter 21 PV in Japan — Yesterday, Today and TomorrowOsamui Ikki and Izumi KaizukaChapter 22 PV in Europe, from 1974 to 2009:A Personal ExperienceHelmut KiessChapter 23 PV in Berlin — How It All Began: The Storyof Solon, Q-Cells, PV in BrazilStefan KrauterChapter 24 Three Steps to a Solar System — 1–40% and 100%Harry LehmannChapter 25 France Did Not Want to Look for the Sun…Alain Liébard and Yves-Bruno CivelChapter 26 On the International Call for Photovoltaics of 2008Daniel LincotChapter 27 High Efficiency Photovoltaics for a SustainableWorldAntonio LuqueChapter 39 Terrestrial Photovoltaic Industry — The BeginningPeter F. VaradiChapter 40 Solar Power in Geneva, SwitzerlandPhilippe VerburghChapter 41 Early PV Markets and Solar Solutions in South AsiaNeville Williams

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Book SynopsisStars - Fundamentals of Their Physics.- Formation of Stars.- Stellar Rotation - How to Observe it.- Stellar Rotation Along the HR-diagram.- Stellar Dynamos.- Stellar Rotation and Stellar Activity.- Rotational Properties of Compact Objects.

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