How far away is the Sun? What is a shooting star? Why is there life on Earth? Learn the answers to these questions and more in this fun and fact-filled guide to our universe, the solar system and natural phenomena like life and gravity. In this awesome guide, discover how to become an astronomer by studying the Sun, Moon and stars in our galaxy, as well as learning about the terrains of different planets (did you know that there are volcanoes known as pancake domes found only on Venus?!). As well as up-to-date information and mind-boggling facts, Learn about Space and Planets is full of step-by-step activities and experiments you can do at home, to help illustrate the science right in front of your eyes! How would you fancy creating an exploding volcano, or seeing how craters are made using flour, cocoa powder and sprinkles? Enjoy learning all about space and planets, and be prepared to have your mind blown!

Based on 3D smoothed particle hydrodynamics simulations performed with unprecedented high resolution, this book examines the giant impacts that dominate many planets' late accretion and evolution. The numerical methods developed are now publicly available, greatly facilitating future studies of planetary impacts in our solar system and exoplanetary systems. The book focuses on four main topics: (1) The development of new methods to construct initial conditions as well as a hydrodynamical simulation code to evolve them, using 1000 times more simulation particles than the previous standard. (2) The numerical convergence of giant impact simulations -- standard-resolution simulations fail to converge on even bulk properties like the post-impact rotation period. (3) The collision thought to have knocked over the planet Uranus causing it to spin on its side. (4) The erosion of atmospheres by giant impacts onto terrestrial planets, and the first full 3D simulations of collisions in this regime.

Based on 3D smoothed particle hydrodynamics simulations performed with unprecedented high resolution, this book examines the giant impacts that dominate many planets' late accretion and evolution. The numerical methods developed are now publicly available, greatly facilitating future studies of planetary impacts in our solar system and exoplanetary systems. The book focuses on four main topics: (1) The development of new methods to construct initial conditions as well as a hydrodynamical simulation code to evolve them, using 1000 times more simulation particles than the previous standard. (2) The numerical convergence of giant impact simulations -- standard-resolution simulations fail to converge on even bulk properties like the post-impact rotation period. (3) The collision thought to have knocked over the planet Uranus causing it to spin on its side. (4) The erosion of atmospheres by giant impacts onto terrestrial planets, and the first full 3D simulations of collisions in this regime.