Description
Book SynopsisAn astonishing exploration of planet formation and the origins of life by one of the world’s most innovative planetary geologists.
In 1959, the Soviet probe Luna 3 took the first photos of the far side of the moon.
Trade Review“Delightful. ... The story swings from the birth of the universe, through the history of astronomy, to the modern understanding of the piece-by-piece building of the planets. ... Makes the solar system an even weirder and more wonderful place than it seemed before.” — Wall Street Journal “A gripping and endlessly fascinating account of how planets formed.” — Alan Stern, planetary scientist and leader of NASA’s New Horizons mission to Pluto "If the planets were born out of material orbiting the Sun, like raindrops condensing from a cloud, why do they differ so much in structure and chemical composition? This detailed book assesses the astronomical and geological evidence on the origin of planetary diversity." — Nature. "Best Science Picks of the week" “When the Earth Had Two Moons is a lyrical exploration of our solar system, introducing not just the facts of its formation and nature but the implications for all of us living on Earth.” — Amy Mainzer, visiting scientist at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and professor of planetary science at the University of Arizona “An enthusiast as well as a fine writer, Asphaug lays it out from the beginning. . . . An expert, entertaining review of what’s known about the solar system.” — Kirkus Reviews “Asphaug draws upon his years of research and expertise to provide the reader with a truly wondrous and surprising exploration of planet formation and the origins of life. A meticulous and expertly presented work of science, When the Earth Had Two Moons is unreservedly and enthusiastically recommended.” — Midwest Book Review “An enthusiastic and erudite guide.” — Publishers Weekly
