Planetology: Unlocking the Secrets of the Solar System

In a stunning and completely new view of the solar system, an astronaut and a geologist team up to investigate, through parallel views made possible by cutting-edge space technology, how the earth itself can help science unravel the mysteries of the heavens.

Noted planetary geologist Ellen Stofan and veteran astronaut Tom Jones pair images of Earth—many captured by space shuttle and space station crewmembers—with astonishing scenes of alien surfaces beamed home by NASAs far-ranging robotic probes. Vivid illustrations of searing lava plains, windswept deserts, and stark craters demonstrate how natural forces have shaped these varied landscapes. This comprehensive new portrait of the solar system brings to light an array of important features never seen until today—and it highlights, for the first time, the similarities and contrasts between Earth and its neighbors in space.

Anecdotal stories from space flights and exploratory missions make Planetology an absorbing read as well as an informative resource. The books unique concept draws intriguing comparisons across multiple physical processes, and its dynamic design offers a fresh approach to the study of space. With extensive media and science experience and contacts for both authors, Planetology is positioned for stellar success.

Planetary scientists Jones (a former NASA astronaut) and Stofan (U. College London) collaborated on NASA projects including the Space Radar Lab aboard space shuttle Endeavor missions. Here they introduce the field of planetology and present commentary on stunning out-of-this world images of Earth and its celestial neighbors from recent space probes. They discuss formative forces including volcanism, water, ice, and atmosphere. The large format volume includes timelines of the formation of the solar system and of space exploration, and recommended further reading. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Ellen Stofan is a planetary geologist who has conducted research on the geology of volcanic and tectonic features on Venus, Mars, Titan, and Earth. She is currently a Senior Research Scientist of proxemy Research and an Honorary Professor of Earth Sciences at University College London.

Tom Jones is a scientist, author, pilot, and former NASA astronaut. He led three space walks to install the centerpiece of the International Space Station. He is the author of Sky Walking: An Astronauts Memoir (Harper Collins, 2006) and The Complete Idiots Guide to NASA (Alpha, 2002) as well as a contributing writer to Smithsonian Air and Space magazine.