Synopses & Reviews
What are meteorites? Where do they come from? Are they a threat? What are they made of? How common are they? As centuries have passed, our knowledge of these extraterrestrial objects has advanced immensely, and today, the scientific study of meteorites provides a wealth of information about the solar system. Meteorites reveal clues to some of the greatest scientific enigmas:
- the origin of life on Earth
- the mass extinction of species
- the nature and composition of asteroids
- the conditions during the formation of the solar system
- the dust from stars that died long before our Sun formed.
Written by a team of experts, Meteorites is an accessible, comprehensive guide that features over two hundred full-color photographs, diagrams and graphs. Look no further for a wonderful introduction to these powerful, yet mystifying, objects. Brigitte Zanda is Associate Professor at the Mineralogy Laboratory of the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris, and Adjunct Member of the Graduate Faculty at Rutgers University. Following on from her PhD in Geochemistry, she has written many papers in Meteoritics and Planetary Science and other journals, and is a member of the Nomenclature Committee of the Meteoritical Society. Monica Rotaru is Department Chief of Earth Sciences at the Palais de la découverte in Paris, where she organizes scientific exhibitions. After her PhD in geochemistry, she has conducted research in climatology and written television science documentaries.
Review
"It is full packed on information and illustrations, striking the right balance between history and science." The Tecumseh Review"This is a nice popular science book on planetary science that bravely encompasses many of the more complex aspects of planetary science, including short-lived radionuclides, exposure ages and nucleosysnthesis, all in a remarkably well-presented manner...it is very readable...The book is well illustrated with many magnificent pictures and diagrams...this book is a must....As a source for quick facts, which never seem to be at hand when you need them, and ways to explain planetary science in a concise, but accurate manner,...My advice is to just flip the pages and you'll probably end up buying a copy." Meteoritics &Planetary Science
Review
andldquo;This is a beautifully written, well-researched book that looks at the science, history, and social aspect of meteorites. Here is the story of stones from space, and I recommend it to anyone interested in these fascinating bits of other worlds which have landed here on Earth.andrdquo;
Review
andldquo;Golia has brought to her truly wonderful subject a matching spirit of wonder and has explored the science and magic, art and uses of andlsquo;lightning rock,andrsquo; andlsquo;iron rain,andrsquo; and sacred betyls, with passion, witandmdash;and fiery compression.andrdquo;
Synopsis
Comprehensive and highly illustrated guide to meteorites and the fascinating contributions they make to science.
Synopsis
Throughout history, we have been fascinated by meteorites and their significance. As time has passed, we have learned more about these extraterrestrial objects and today, the scientific study of meteorites provides a wealth of information about the solar system. They reveal clues to some of the greatest scientific enigmas such as the origin of life on Earth and the formation of the solar system. This comprehensive and beautifully illustrated guide to meteorites will expertly answer all your questions about these mysterious objects and the fascinating contributions they make to science.
Synopsis
Among the rarest things on earth, meteorites carry an air of mystery and drama while having left a pervasive, outsized mark on our planet and civilization. In
Meteorite, Maria Golia tells the long history of our engagement with these sky-born space rocks. Arriving amid thunderous blasts and flame-streaked skies, meteorites were once thought to be messengers from the gods. Worshipped in the past, now scrutinized with equal zeal by scientists, meteorites helped sculpt Earthandrsquo;s features and have shaped our understanding of the planetandrsquo;s origins. Prized for their outlandish qualities, meteorites are a collectible and a commodity, objects of art and artistsandrsquo; desires and a literary muse; and andlsquo;meteorite huntingandrsquo; is an adventurous, lucrative profession for some and an addictive hobby for thousands of others.and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;
A richly illustrated, remarkably wide-ranging account of the culture and science surrounding meteorites, Goliaandrsquo;s book explores the ancient, lasting power of the meteorite to inspire and awe.
About the Author
Brigitte Zanda is Associate Professor at the Mineralogy Laboratory of the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris, and Adjunct Member of the Graduate Faculty at Rutgers University. Following on from her PhD in Geochemistry, she has written many papers in Meteoritics and Planetary Science and other journals, and is a member of the Nomenclature Committee of the Meteoritical Society.Monica Rotaru is Department Chief of Earth Sciences at the Palais de la découverte in Paris, where she organises scientific exhibitions. After her PhD in geochemistry, she has conducted research in climatology and written television science documentaries.
Table of Contents
1. The harder they fall C. Perron; 2. Stones fallen from the sky U. Marvin; 3. Impact craters P. Thomas; 4. Cretaceous Park R. Rocchia, E. Robin and H. Leroux; 5. Like no rock on Earth B. Zanda, M. Christophe Michel Lévy, M. Bourot Denise and C. Caillet Komorowski; 6. Little planets D. Benest; 7. The Sound and the Fury J.-P. Bibring; 8. Signed carbon F. Robert, M. Festou and F. Raulin; 9. A stormy nebula R. Hewins; 10. The age of the solar system G. Manhès; 11. Galactic fossils E. Zinner; 12. Leafing through the past two centuries... P. Pellas; Glossary; Acknowledgements; Illustration credits.