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Elsevier

Principles of Planetary Science

From the Earth–Moon System to Retrograde Triton and ExoLife

  • 1st Edition - December 1, 2026
  • Latest edition
  • Authors: Nick Gorkavyi, Oreste Reale, Tatiana Taidakova
  • Language: English

Principles of Planetary Science: From the Earth–Moon System to Retrograde Triton and ExoLife offers a captivating journey into the origins and evolution of our Solar System. Desi… Read more

Description

Principles of Planetary Science: From the Earth–Moon System to Retrograde Triton and ExoLife offers a captivating journey into the origins and evolution of our Solar System. Designed for students, researchers, and space enthusiasts, this book combines clear explanations with stunning illustrations and online resources to make complex phenomena accessible. It covers fundamental topics such as Earth’s formation, lunar origins, planetary atmospheres, asteroid dynamics, and the mysteries surrounding exoplanets and irregular satellites. The volume emphasizes original models and recent discoveries, encouraging critical thinking and inspiring future research.

Whether used as a textbook or reference, it provides a solid scientific foundation while highlighting unresolved problems and intriguing phenomena. The book’s engaging approach aims to foster curiosity, deepen understanding, and motivate exploration of space data through satellite images and telescopic observations. This comprehensive yet accessible volume is an essential resource for anyone interested in the dynamic processes shaping our planetary neighborhood and beyond.

Key features

  • Offers insights into unresolved problems and mysteries of the Solar System, inspiring further research
  • Presents original theoretical models for lunar and planetary origins, enhancing scientific understanding
  • Includes richly illustrated online resources, enabling readers to explore space data and images from satellites and telescopes
  • Combines fundamental concepts with cutting-edge research, making complex phenomena accessible to a broad audience
  • Serves as both a textbook and a reference for professional astronomers and early-career researchers

Readership

Graduate students, researchers, and professionals in planetary science; Astrophysicists, space scientists, astronomy educators, planetary geologists, exoplanet researchers

Table of contents

1. Introduction to the Solar System

2. Earth. Origin from Planetesimals

3. Earth. Floating Lithosphere, Volcanoes, and Earthquakes

4. Earth. The Biosphere

5. Earth. Atmosphere and Clouds

6. Earth. Space Satellites Looking Down

7. Earth. The Hydrosphere and Its Origin

8. The Moon. Surface

9. The Moon. Subsurface Water

10. The Moon. Minerals

11. The Moon. A Catastrophe of Catastrophic Origin

12. The Moon. A Regular Origin

13. The Interplanetary Environment

14. Mercury and Venus

15. The Origin of Mars and the Asteroid Belt

16. The Geology of Mars and Its Moons

17. The Atmosphere of Mars

18. Cities on Mars?

19. Asteroid Moons

20. Asteroid Hazard

21. The Jupiter System

22. The Saturn System

23. The Uranus System

24. The Neptune System

25. Pluto and the Trans-Neptunian Region

26. Exoplanets

27. Conclusion. The Future of Modern Planetary Science

Product details

  • Edition: 1
  • Latest edition
  • Published: December 1, 2026
  • Language: English

About the authors

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Nick Gorkavyi

Dr. Nick Gorkavyi, Lead Programmer/Analyst in the Science Systems and Applications, is an esteemed author and recipient of numerous prestigious scientific awards including the NASA Robert H. Goddard Award, is renowned for his contributions to astronomy and his 40 years of experience in theoretical physics and astronomy. In recognition of his contributions to the field of astronomy, the International Astronomical Union named Asteroid 4654 Gor'kavyj in his honor. Affiliated with NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center for over a decade, he also imparts knowledge as a professor at Chelyabinsk University and was previously affiliated with Simeiz Observatory in Crimea. Dr. Gorkavyi's expertise and dedication to advancing our understanding of the universe make him a valuable asset to the scientific community.
Affiliations and expertise
Lead Programmer/Analyst, Science Systems and Applications, USA

OR

Oreste Reale

Dr. Oreste Reale has extensive experience in meteorology and remote sensing, contributing to the development of operational meteorological centers and conducting research in atmospheric sciences. He has held key roles in NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, including Senior Scientist, Group Lead, and Director of the GESTAR program. Since 2021, he has served as Chief Scientist at SSAI, overseeing internal research initiatives and sponsored programs. He has been a consistent member of the NASA Sounder Science Team and PI on multiple grants related to atmospheric radiance assimilation, cloud retrievals, and long-term climate prediction. His work also includes experimental research on observing system simulation experiments, including applications for Mars exploration.
Affiliations and expertise
Corporate Chief Scientist, Science Systems and Applications, USA

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Tatiana Taidakova

Dr. Tatiana Taidakova has a distinguished career in astrophysics, with extensive research on planetary rings, the dynamics of small Solar System bodies, interplanetary dust, satellite system formation, and exoplanet interactions with protoplanetary disks, as well as geodynamics. She has authored over 40 scientific publications and developed innovative methods, including a new integral of motion for particles influenced by solar radiation and an efficient finite-difference scheme for celestial mechanics simulations that account for dissipative effects. Her work has significantly contributed to understanding celestial mechanics and planetary system evolution. She has been recognized with awards from the American Astronomical Society and the Payne-Gaposchkin Memorial Foundation.
Affiliations and expertise
Senior Scientist, Greenwich Institute for Science and Technology, USA