Origin and early evolution of comet nuclei
Subtitle: workshop honouring Johannes Geiss on the occasion of his 80th birthday
By: H. Balsiger, K. Altwegg, W. Huebner.
Contributors: Balsinger, H.; Space science reviews.
Series: Space science series of ISSI -- v. 28
Publisher: Springer
Published: 2008
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 316
ISBN-13: 9780387854540
Subjects: Geiss, Jahannes; Comets -- Congresses; Comets -- Composition -- Congresses
Genres: Congresses
Description: Comet nuclei are the most primitive bodies in the solar system. They have been created far away from the early Sun and it is supposed that their material has been altered the least since their formation. This volume presents the results of a scientific workshop on comet nuclei and is written by experts working on interstellar clouds, star-forming regions, the solar nebula, and comets. The articles formulate the current understanding and interconnectivity of the various source regions of comet nuclei and their associated compositions and orbital characteristics. This includes a discussion on the transport of materials into the Kuiper belt and Oort cloud regions of the solar system. The distinction between direct measurements of cometary material properties and properties derived from indirect means are emphasized with the aim to guide future investigations. This book serves as a guide for researchers and graduate students working in the field of planetology and solar system exploration. It should also help to influence the planning of scientific strategies for the encounter of the Rosetta spacecraft with Comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko.
Notes: "Previously published in Space Science Reviews Volume 138, issues 1-2, 2008."

Includes bibliographical references and index.