Physics and Chemistry of the Solar System

This is a study of the planetary physics and physical chemistry of the part of the universe that is best understood - our own solar system. Although many fundamental questions remain unanswered, research in these areas has advanced quickly, and the planetary sciences have benefited from both earth-based and spacecraft-based experimentation. These experiments form the basis of this encylopaedic reference, which fuses synthesis and explanation. Chapters review each of the major planetary bodies as well as asteroids, comets and other small orbitals. The book has been based on a course taught at MIT and is intended for upper-division students with one year of mathematics, chemistry and physics.