Table of Contents

Introduction; 1. A star lost in infinite space; 2. The Sun, our Star; 3. Mercury: baked by the heat of the Sun; 4. Venus: a vision of hell; 5. The Moon: setting foot on another world; 6. Mars: a trip to the desert planet; 7. Phobos and Deimos: pebbles in the sky; 8. Gaspra: our first asteroid; 9. Jupiter: planet of storms; 10. Shoemaker-Levy: timetable to collision; 11. Io: the volcano planet; 12. Europa: the hidden ocean; 13. Saturn: the Lord of the Rings; 14. Titan: an Earth in hibernation; 15. Enceladus and the worlds of ice; 16. Uranus: a recumbent giant; 17. Halley: the great traveller; 18. Neptune: the great blue sea; 19. Triton: volcanoes of ice; 20. Pluto and Charon: planets in limbo; Appendices.

Promotional Information

Fully illustrated guide to the solar system.

About the Author

Photo-journalist and science writer, Brunier is the author of various books covering astronomy and cosmology, and for many years was the chief editor of the French journal Ciel et Espace.

Reviews

'The images, beautifully presented and in the large format, will be familiar to many readers with a passing interest in planetary geology ... this book works very well as an introduction to planetary science that should ensure a steady supply of recruits for the future - definitely one to give to the budding scientist in the family.' A&G ' ... truly breathtaking ... From the hideous and desolate to the technicoloured and unbelievably beautiful, the planets and celestial bodies associated with them are awe-inspiring. However, with their mixtures of horrendous gases, extremes of temperature and deadly atmospheres they are inhospitable. Solar System Voyage provides a source of wonder and awe but also reminds us that whether by design or chance the fertile and friendly world that we inhabit is a unique one, in this solar system at least.' The Shetland Times 'Solar System Voyage is more spectacular that Solar System. But it also has intellectual strengths, including good material on small objects in the solar system. ... Brunier also provides useful tables on solar system objects, space missions, eclipses and other topics, and spectacular images from space specials such as Comet Shoemaker-Levy's 1994 collision with Jupiter. ... well worth buying for the words as well as the pictures. Martin Ince, The Times Higher Education Supplement 'Splendidly illustrated and good value. ... this splendid book is worth its price for the quality and beauty of the pictures.' Richard Taylor, Spaceflight '... for anyone with the slightest interest in space flight this is a must buy ... a compelling journey exploring each celestial body in turn, using the latest images from recent space missions.' Linda Storey, Astronomy Now 'Should you buy this book? Yes, if you need a present for a budding planetary astronomer, who will love its glossy pictures.' International Space Review 'The large size format of this book even enhances this amazing new sight and may thus impress all amateur and professional astronomers.' Orion