Solar System Evolution A New Perspective [Paperback]

This book describes the origin and evolution of the solar system, with an emphasis on interpretation.This completely rewritten new edition begins with an historical perspective of the place of the solar system in the universe. Chapters discuss satellites, comets, centaurs, asteroids and explanations on why Earth and Venus turned out so differently, and how Mars and Mercury are the survivors of many similar bodies, are also disscused. It is concluded that our solar system is the end product of many accidental and chance events. This leads to the discussion of whether planets like our Earth are likely to be found eleswhere in the universe.This completely rewritten new edition begins with an historical perspective of the place of the solar system in the universe. Chapters discuss satellites, comets, centaurs, asteroids and explanations on why Earth and Venus turned out so differently, and how Mars and Mercury are the survivors of many similar bodies, are also disscused. It is concluded that our solar system is the end product of many accidental and chance events. This leads to the discussion of whether planets like our Earth are likely to be found eleswhere in the universe.This completely rewritten new edition begins with a historical perspective of the place of the solar system in the universe. Evidence from meteorites is used to describe how the planets were formed and the giant planets are considered in the light of the discovery of new extrasolar giants. Other chapters discuss satellites, comets, centaurs, asteroids and why Pluto is not a planet. Explanations on why Earth and Venus turned out so differently, and how Mars and Mercury are the survivors of many similar bodies, are also discussed.Preface; Acknowledgements; Prologue; 1. A brief history; 2. The universe; 3. Stars; 4. The solar nebula; 5. Composition and chemical evolution of the nebula; 6. The evidence from meteorites; 7. Building planets; 8. The giant planets; 9. Satellites and rings; 10. The refugees; l3