Worlds Apart: A Textbook in Planetary Sciences

by Guy Consolmagno, Martha Schaefer

Designed to be accessible to those with a strong general (not professional) interest in planetary science, this volume explores the various aspects of the solar system planet by planet. Along the way, it illustrates by example how science is “done,” and constantly goes beyond the issue of merely “What do we know,” to ask such questions as “What motivates our questions?" and "How do we go about finding the answers?" Begins each chapter with a purely descriptive section about a planet; then includes two sections on topics that are related to the planet in question (e.g., atmospheric chemistry and Venus; the generation of magnetic fields and Jupiter). Later chapters consider more difficult topic such as planetary satellites, comets and the solar wind, and the origin of the solar system. Confines the use of integral calculus and most derivations to separate boxes, and reviews basic concepts of physics and chemistry, in boxes, as necessary. For undergraduate students and general readers interested in planetary science.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published March 30, 1994

About the author

American research astronomer and planetary scientist at the Vatican Observatory.

B.A. and M.A. at MIT, Ph.D. at the University of Arizona's Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, all in planetary science. After postdoctoral research and teaching at Harvard College Observatory and MIT, in 1983 he joined the US Peace Corps to serve in Kenya for two years, teaching astronomy and physics. After his return he took a position as Assistant Professor at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania.

In 1989 he entered the Society of Jesus, and took vows as a brother in 1991. On entry into the order, he was assigned as an astronomer to the Vatican Observatory, where he also serves as curator of the Vatican Meteorite collection, positions he has held since then. In addition to his continuing professional work in planetary science, he has also studied philosophy and theology. (source: Wikipedia)