Synopses & Reviews
This book provides a comprehensive overview of our current knowledge of comets. It presents a fascinating survey of the study of comets throughout history, from antiquity to the present day, and includes the most recent discoveries on the exceptional comets Hale-Bopp and Hyakutake. The authors discuss the role of comets in the formation of our Solar System and describe the links among comets, asteroids and the recently discovered Kuiper-belt objects. The book also includes new insights into the composition and nature of cometary nuclei, with results from the most up-to-date observation techniques. Written in a clear and lively style, and beautifully illustrated, this book will appeal to anyone interested in comets and astronomy, professionals and amateurs alike. It will be of particular interest to students and researchers in astronomy, astrophysics and planetary science, as well as general readers with a good background in physics.
Review
"Colour images, detailed figures and informative tables enliven this accessible introduction to the dirty snowball remnants of the birth of our planetary system. Comet Science by Jacques Crovisier and Therese Encrenaz spans the range from historical drawings to spacecraft investigations, from visual images to infrared and radio maps and spectra, and from old favorites like Comet Halley to new ones like Comet Hale-Bopp." New Scientist"...is a solid, broad overview of all aspects of cometary science. The real value of Comet Science lies in its methodical approach to describing comets and the forces and processes involved in their origin and evolution." Sky &Telescope"an enjoyable read, accessible to the general reader". Sky &Telescope Oct 2001
Synopsis
This book provides a comprehensive overview of our current knowledge of comets. It presents a fascinating survey of the study of comets throughout history and includes the most recent discoveries on the comets Hale-Bopp and Hyakutake. The authors discuss the role of comets in the formation of our Solar System and describe the links between comets, asteroids and the recently discovered Kuiper-belt objects. Written in a clear and lively style, and beautifully illustrated, this book will appeal to anyone interested in comets and astronomy, professionals and amateurs alike.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. [167]-170) and index.