Description
Book SynopsisAmongst the famous planetary inhabitants of our solar system there is an entire ecosystem of smaller, less recognised bodies in the form of comets and 'minor' planets. These native residents, derived from the building blocks of planets, contain valuable information. By studying them in detail, we may learn about the processes that occurred from the Sun's birth to the emergence of the solar system as we know it today.Small Bodies of the Solar System paints a detailed picture of the space missions, laboratory experiments and computer experiments behind our current understanding of the comets, minor planets, meteors and meteorites. With a rich selection of pictures, this book combines personal reflection and poetic imagery with a mathematical and physical overview to introduce the reader to these small wonders of our universe.
Table of ContentsPreface; What is a Comet?: Chasing the Nucleus; Minor Planets and Dwarf Planets: Splinters and Survivors; The Smallest Pieces: Meteors and Meteorites; The Evolution of Comets: Capture, Fake Death and Outbursts; Space Projectiles: A Hazard to Humanity; How it All Started: The Birth of Our Solar System; Water, Life and Death: Existential Aspects of Comets; Index;
