Geared toward students, this guide provides an overview of the small bodies that orbit the sun. This volume in the Greenwood Guides to the Universe series covers asteroids, comets, and dwarf planets—those small bodies that revolve the Sun—and provides readers with the most up-to-date understanding of the current state of scientific knowledge about them. Scientifically sound, but written with the student in mind, Asteroids, Comets, and Dwarf Planets is an excellent first step for researching the exciting scientific discoveries of the smallest celestial bodies in the solar system. The book will introduce students to all of the areas of research surrounding the subject, answering many intriguing questions. It defines a dwarf planet and explains why Pluto is one. It looks at how such small bodies form, what they are made of, and what kind of atmospheres might they have. And it asks—and answers—whether asteroids, comets, and dwarf planets present a hazard to the Earth or to spacecraft.

Our knowledge of the universe has increased tremendously over the last century, and our discoveries are not over - there remain scientific mysteries that the next generation of astronomers and planetary scientists will need to solve. This volume in the IGreenwood Guides to the UniverseR series covers the inner planets -- Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars -- and provides readers with the most up-to-date understanding of the current state of scientific knowledge. Scientifically sound, but written with the student in mind, IInner PlanetsR is an excellent first step for researching the exciting scientific discoveries of the Earth and its closest neighbors. Our knowledge of the universe has increased tremendously over the last century, and our discoveries are not over - there remain scientific mysteries that the next generation of astronomers and planetary scientists will need to solve.This volume in the IGreenwood Guides to the UniverseR series covers the inner planets -- Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars, as well as the Moon -- and provides readers with the most up-to-date understanding of the current state of scientific knowledge. Scientifically sound, but written with the student in mind, IInner PlanetsR is an excellent first step for researching the exciting scientific discoveries of the Earth and its closest neighbors. IInner PlanetsR discusses all areas of the astronomical research surrounding the subject: L DBLExamines all of the processes that shape and sculpt the planets - cratering, volcanic activity, air and water, radiation, etc. L DBLDiscusses the features and characteristics of each planet in detail L DBLTells the stories of the great discoveries and scientific research into the inner planetsL The volume includes a glossary and a bibliography of useful resources for learning more about the subject.

Airless Bodies of the Inner Solar System: Understanding the Process Affecting Rocky, Airless Surfaces focuses on the airless, rocky bodies in the inner solar system as a host unto themselves, with a unique set of processes that require a specific set of investigative techniques. The book allows readers to understand both the basic and advanced concepts necessary to understand and employ that information. Topics covered past exploration of these surfaces, changes with time, space weathering, impact cratering, creation and evolution of regolith and soils, comparison of sample and remote sensing data, dust characterization, surface composition and thoughts for future exploration. Together these authors represent the unique combination of skills and experience required to produce an excellent book on the subject of the surfaces of airless, rocky bodies in the solar system, which will be useful both for graduate students and for working scientists.