The solar system has always been a messy place in which gravity wreaks havoc. Moons form, asteroids and comets crash into planets, ice ages commence, and dinosaurs disappear. By describing the dramatic consequences of such disturbances, this authoritative and entertaining book reveals the fundamental interconnectedness of the solar system--and what it means for life on Earth.
After relating a brief history of the solar system, Alan Rubin describes how astronomers determined our location in the Milky Way. He provides succinct and up-to-date accounts of the energetic interactions among planetary bodies, the generation of the Earth's magnetic field, the effects of other solar-system objects on our climate, the moon's genesis, the heating of asteroids, and the origin of the mysterious tektites. Along the way, Rubin introduces us to the individual scientists--including the famous, the now obscure, and the newest generation of researchers--who have enhanced our understanding of the galactic neighborhood. He shows how scientific discoveries are made; he discusses the uncertainty that presides over the boundaries of knowledge as well as the occasional reluctance of scientists to change their minds even when confronted by compelling evidence. This fresh historical perspective reveals science as it is: an imperfect but self-correcting enterprise.
Journeying to the frontiers of knowledge, Rubin concludes with the exciting realm of astrobiology. He chronicles the history of the search for life on Mars and describes cutting-edge lines of astrobiological inquiry, including panspermia (the possible transfer of life from planet to planet), the likelihood of technologically advanced alien civilizations in our galaxy, and our probable responses to alien contact.
Authoritative and up-to-date but also entertaining and fluidly written, Disturbing the Solar System will appeal to any reader who has ever picked up a rock or gazed at the moon with a sense of wonder.
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Descrizione libro paperback. Condizione: New. Language: ENG. Codice articolo 9780691117430
Descrizione libro Condizione: New. Reveals the interconnectedness of the solar system - and what it means for life on Earth. Relating a history of the solar system, this work describes how astronomers determined our location in the Milky Way. It provides accounts of the energetic interactions among planetary bodies, the generation of the Earth's magnetic field, and more. Num Pages: 384 pages, 69 halftones. 31 line illus. 2 tables. BIC Classification: PGS; WNX. Category: (P) Professional & Vocational; (U) Tertiary Education (US: College). Dimension: 235 x 156 x 27. Weight in Grams: 540. . 2004. Paperback. . . . . Codice articolo V9780691117430
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Descrizione libro Condizione: New. Codice articolo 1736007-n
Descrizione libro Paperback. Condizione: new. Paperback. The solar system has always been a messy place in which gravity wreaks havoc. Moons form, asteroids and comets crash into planets, ice ages commence, and dinosaurs disappear. By describing the dramatic consequences of such disturbances, this authoritative and entertaining book reveals the fundamental interconnectedness of the solar system - and what it means for life on Earth. Here, Alan Rubin provides succinct and up-to-date accounts of the energetic interactions among planetary bodies, the generation of Earth's magnetic field, the effects of other solar-system objects on our climate, the heating of asteroids, and the origin of the mysterious tektites. Along the way, Rubin introduces us to the individual scientists - including the famous, the obscure, and the newest generation of researchers - who have enhanced our understanding of the galactic neighborhood. Reveals the interconnectedness of the solar system - and what it means for life on Earth. Relating a history of the solar system, this work describes how astronomers determined our location in the Milky Way. It provides accounts of the energetic interactions among planetary bodies, the generation of the Earth's magnetic field, and more. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability. Codice articolo 9780691117430
Descrizione libro Condizione: New. Reveals the interconnectedness of the solar system - and what it means for life on Earth. Relating a history of the solar system, this work describes how astronomers determined our location in the Milky Way. It provides accounts of the energetic interactions among planetary bodies, the generation of the Earth's magnetic field, and more. Num Pages: 384 pages, 69 halftones. 31 line illus. 2 tables. BIC Classification: PGS; WNX. Category: (P) Professional & Vocational; (U) Tertiary Education (US: College). Dimension: 235 x 156 x 27. Weight in Grams: 540. . 2004. Paperback. . . . . Books ship from the US and Ireland. Codice articolo V9780691117430
Descrizione libro Paperback. Condizione: Brand New. 384 pages. 9.00x6.00x1.00 inches. In Stock. Codice articolo __0691117438