Asteroids: Astronomical and Geological Bodies

Cambridge Planetary Science

by Thomas H. Burbine

Asteroid science is a fundamental topic in planetary science and is key to furthering our understanding of planetary formation and the evolution of the Solar System. Ground-based observations and missions have provided a wealth of new data in recent years, and forthcoming missions promise further exciting results. This accessible book presents a comprehensive introduction to asteroid science, summarising the astronomical and geological characteristics of asteroids. The interdisciplinary nature of asteroid science is reflected in the broad range of topics covered, including asteroid and meteorite classification, chemical and physical properties of asteroids, observational techniques, cratering, and the discovery of asteroids and how they are named. Other chapters discuss past, present and future space missions and the threat that these bodies pose for Earth. Based on an upper-level course on asteroids and meteorites taught by the author, this book is ideal for students, researchers and professional scientists looking for an overview of asteroid science.

369 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 15, 2016

Reviews

[Tanwen Cooper · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good overview. I dipped into this one rather than reading it from start to finish, and it worked very well as that. It was easy to navigate and covered a vast range of topics.

Get's quite technical in places, but I think as long as you have A-level maths and physics it should be fine. Aims to cater to both geologists who don't know the physics and physicists that don't know the geology, and does a good job of breaking it down.