Treating each body in-depth and with great detail, it begins with discussion of small bodies and moves towards larger bodies as it emphasizes the roles of heat and tectonics in planetary evolution. The outer planets are discussed in order outward from the sun to emphasise the role distance from the sun plays in determining composition. Soundly organized around important themes, this text provides a theoretically based examination that facilitates comparative study of bodies and is accessible to non-specialists.

    It covers current research in these areas and the planetary sciences that have benefited from both earth-based and spacecraft-based experimentation. These experiments form the basis of this encyclopedic reference, which skillfully fuses synthesis and explanation. Detailed chapters review each of the major planetary bodies as well as asteroids, comets, and other small orbitals. Astronomers, physicists, and planetary scientists can use this state-of-the-art book for both research and teaching. This Second Edition features extensive new material, including expanded treatment of new meteorite classes, spacecraft findings from Mars Pathfinder through Mars Odyssey 2001, recent reflections on brown dwarfs, and descriptions of planned NASA, ESA, and Japanese planetary missions. * New edition features expanded treatment of new meteorite classes, the latest spacecraft findings from Mars, information about 100+ new discoveries of planets and stars, planned lunar and planetary missions, more end-of-chapter exercises, and more* Includes extensive new material and is amply illustrated throughout* Reviews each major planetary body, asteroids, comets, and other small orbitals