Encyclopedia of planetary sciences
By: edited by James H. Shirley and Rhodes W. Fairbridge.
Contributors: Shirley, James H.; Fairbridge, Rhodes Whitmore, 1914-
Edition: 1st ed.
Series: Encyclopedia of earth sciences series; Encyclopedia of earth sciences.
Publisher: Chapman & Hall; Springer
Published: 1997
Place of publication: London; New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 990
Subjects: Planetology -- Encyclopedias; Planets -- Encyclopedias; Astrophysics -- Encyclopedias
Genres: Encyclopedias.
Description: Planetary science is a truly multidisciplinary subject. The book deals with the atmospheres, surfaces and interiors of the planets and moons, and with the interplanetary environment of plasma and fields, as well as with asteroids and meteorites. Processes such as accretion, differentiation, thermal evolution, and impact cratering form another category of entries. Remote sensing techniques employed in investigation and exploration, such as magnetometry, photometry, and spectroscopy are described in separate articles. In addition, the Encyclopedia chronicles the history of planetary science, including biographies of pioneering scientists, and detailed descriptions of all major lunar and planetary missions and programs.

The Encyclopedia of Planetary Sciences is superbly illustrated throughout with over 450 line drawings, 180 black and white photographs, and 63 color illustrations. It will be a key reference source for planetary scientists, astronomers, and workers in related disciplines such as geophysics, geology, and the atmospheric sciences.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and indexes.
System requirements: IBM compatible PC or Macintosh ; CD-ROM drive.