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Elsevier

Books in Space and planetary science

This portfolio covers planetary geology, space missions, remote sensing, and extra terrestrial environments. It supports planetary scientists, astronomers, and space engineers in exploring solar system bodies and understanding planetary processes. Featuring state-of-the-art research, mission data analysis, and theoretical models, these resources advance knowledge of planetary formation, habitability, and space exploration challenges.

  • Principles of Planetary Science

    From the Earth–Moon System to Retrograde Triton and ExoLife
    • 1st Edition
    • Nick Gorkavyi + 2 more
    • 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. 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.

  • Harmonizing Earth Observation Data for Enhanced Spatial Analysis

    • 1st Edition
    • Tomaž Podobnikar
    • English
    Harmonizing Earth Observation Data for Enhanced Spatial Analysis explores the critical aspects of Earth observation (EO) data and its pivotal role in spatial analysis. The book begins by addressing the quality aspects of EO data, emphasizing the importance of reliable and accurate information for meaningful analysis. It reviews the interaction and integration of various EO datasets, highlighting the necessity of combining diverse data sources to enhance analytical outcomes. In addition, sections cover essential techniques such as downsampling, generalization, and upsampling, providing insights into how these processes can optimize data usability while maintaining integrity.A significant focus is placed on harmonization, detailing strategies to reduce uncertainty and improve data consistency across multidimensional datasets. This harmonization is crucial for effective spatial analysis, which relies on coherent datasets to derive actionable insights. Additionally, the book discusses the interplay between EO and geospatial data, illustrating how their integration can enhance spatial analysis capabilities. It presents comprehensive workflows and tools that facilitate advanced spatial analysis, equipping researchers and practitioners with the necessary resources to harness EO data effectively.

  • The Theory of Cosmic Ray Modulation

    • 1st Edition
    • R. Du Toit Strauss + 1 more
    • English
    The Theory of Cosmic Ray Modulation concretely lays out the current understanding of cosmic ray particle interactions, offering a comprehensive introduction to the underlying theory, observational data, and practical applications that have implications for various fields, including high-energy astrophysics, space weather, and cosmogenic isotope studies. The book provides a solid theoretical foundation, explaining the physical processes involved in cosmic ray modulation. It delves into mathematical details with meticulous explanations and applies them to topics ranging from the implications of cosmic rays in space-based anti-matter research to their role in studying solar variability over timescales, and even in planetary habitability.This book not only provides a solid foundation for research but also offers wider perspectives on the impact of cosmic rays in our understanding of the universe. With its strong underlying theory and up-to-date coverage, it is a must-read for anyone actively working in the field of cosmic rays or on fields influenced by charged particle physics.

  • Planetary Tectonism across the Solar System

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 2
    • Christian Klimczak + 2 more
    • English
    Planetary Tectonism across the Solar System, Volume Two in the Comparative Planetology series, addresses key questions surrounding planetary tectonism, such our understanding of the global contraction of Mercury, the formation of giant rift zones on Saturn’s icy moons, or the tesserated terrain on Venus. The book makes connections to Earth, such as how deformation on Mercury is both similar and different, and how to apply theoretical considerations behind plate tectonics on Earth to other planets. The book offers up-to-date, accessible and comprehensive discussions on the major tectonic processes and landforms that shape and drive the evolution of planets, moons and smaller bodies. By placing a singular emphasis on comparing tectonic processes and landforms on all relevant Solar System bodies, with the explicit objective of providing a systems-level understanding of this widespread phenomenon, this book is ideal for anyone studying planetary tectonism.

  • The Oscillating Universe

    Einsteinian Cosmology of Black Holes and Gravitational Waves
    • 1st Edition
    • Nick Gorkavyi
    • English
    The Oscillating Universe: Einsteinian Cosmology of Black Holes and Gravitational Waves introduces the concept of cyclic cosmology within the framework of General Relativity. This book unravels the mysteries behind the Big Bang, the accelerating expansion of the universe, and the role of gravitational radiation and black holes in shaping our cosmos. With a comprehensive mathematical description of the oscillating universe and variable gravitational mass, readers will grasp the significance of the latest cosmological revolution sparked by the recent discoveries of gravitational waves.Students, professional astronomers, and cosmologists will find this book to be a valuable resource. It offers a popular presentation of the history of modern cosmology, discussions on recent discoveries in the study of the universe, and an introduction to the cutting-edge cyclic cosmology theory. This book provides a unique opportunity to understand the evolving landscape of cosmology and the implications of cyclic cosmology.

  • Presolar Grains in Extra-Terrestrial Materials

    Probing Stars with Stardust
    • 1st Edition
    • Sachiko Amari
    • English
    Presolar Grains in Extra-Terrestrial Materials: Probing Stars with Stardust presents the latest research on presolar grains and their stellar sources in a cohesive resource for bringing researchers in cosmochemistry, astrophysics, and astronomy up to speed on the state-of-the-art developments, analysis, and future implications. Beginning with a historical perspective on the study of presolar grains, the book then reviews the properties and features of a variety of presolar grains, including sililcon carbide, graphite, diamonds, oxides, and silicates. It also includes techniques for analyzing presolar grains in the lab, and covers the stars that are considered sources of presolar grains, such as asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars, supernovae, novae, and born-again AGB stars. Condensation calculations in various types of stars and minerals observed and/or expected in the stellar atmospheres and presolar grains are also presented.By providing the latest state in the study of of presolar grains and relevant fields of astronomy and astrophysics, Presolar Grains in Extra-Terrestrial Materials serves as an up-to-date summary of data, analysis, and implications of the study of presolar grains and their stellar sources.

  • Titan After Cassini-Huygens

    • 1st Edition
    • Rosaly M.C. Lopes + 3 more
    • English
    **2026 PROSE Award Finalist in Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy, and Cosmology**Titan After Cassini-Huygens is the most up-to-date and comprehensive coverage of our knowledge on Titan, including results and insights from the joint NASA/European Space Agency/Italian Space Agency mission Cassini-Huygens and the conclusions drawn by experts following detailed analysis of the mission data. Our knowledge of Titan has increased substantially due to observations from the Cassini-Huygens mission, which ended in 2017. Since then, observations from Earth, as well as laboratory and theoretical studies, have continued to add to our knowledge. These conclusions, combined with the latest ground-based and theoretical research, provide the most recent understanding of the science of Titan, covering the origin and evolution of Titan, its magnetic and plasma environment, surface, interior structure, geology, atmosphere, and the astrobiological potential for the oceans on the moon.The first book of the new COSPAR book series, Titan After Cassini-Huygens, is an integral reference for scientists, researchers, and academics working on Titan or ocean worlds.Part of the COSPAR Book SeriesEdited by Jean-Louis Fellous, former Executive Director of COSPAR (Committee on Space Research; 2008–2019)

  • Optics of the Moon

    • 1st Edition
    • Yuriy Shkuratov + 2 more
    • English
    Optics of the Moon offers a modern approach to lunar remote sensing. It presents methods for interpreting optics of surfaces with complicated structures, in particular, the lunar regolith. For example, this book illustrates how phase-ratio techniques can lead to the detection of surface structure anomalies and describes polarimetric studies of the lunar surface and their use. This book addresses many questions related to the surfaces of the Moon, such as why the Moon looks like a ball at a large phase angle and like a disk in full moon, why the lunar surface has slight color variations, and why at large phase angles its polarization degree closely correlates with albedo.Including historical perspectives, case studies, maps, and figures to enhance the understanding of both theory and techniques, Optics of the Moon is a valuable resource for researchers and students in lunar and planetary science and remote sensing.

  • Magnetohydrodynamic Processes in Solar Plasmas

    • 1st Edition
    • Abhishek Kumar Srivastava + 2 more
    • English
    Magnetohydrodynamic Processes in Solar Plasmas provides a comprehensive theory and practice of basic plasma processes in the Sun and heliosphere. It deals with the basic dynamics of the Sun from its interior up to its outer atmosphere in the framework of Magnetohydrodynamics... Topics covered include essential phenomena in the solar interior such as magnetism, dynamos and helioseismology and in the solar atmosphere such as waves, shocks, instabilities, reconnection and coronal heating. The book provides frontline research aspects of solar plasma processes. In addition, the content is relevant for astrophysical plasmas, laboratory plasmas, fluid dynamics and related basic fields. Magnetohydrodynamic Processes in Solar Plasmas not only focuses on the fundamentals of the processes under consideration but in addition it presents recent research developments. In this manner it forms an essential reference for researchers, academics and advanced students in solar physics, astrophysics and related disciplines.

  • Astrochemical Modeling

    Practical Aspects of Microphysics in Numerical Simulations
    • 1st Edition
    • Stefano Bovino + 1 more
    • English
    Astrochemical Modelling: Practical Aspects of Microphysics in Numerical Simulations is a comprehensive and detailed guide to dealing with the standard problems that students and researchers face when they need to take into account astrochemistry in their models, including building chemical networks, determining the relevant processes, and understanding the theoretical challenges and the numerical limitations. The book provides chapters covering the theoretical background on the predominant areas of astrochemistry, with each chapter following theoretical background with information on existing databases, step-by-step computational examples with solutions to recurrent problems, and an overview of the different processes and their numerical implementation. Furthermore, a section on case studies provides concrete examples of computational modelling usage for real-world applications and cases where the techniques can be applied is also included.

  • Ices in the Solar-System

    A Volatile-Driven Journey from the Inner Solar System to its Far Reaches
    • 1st Edition
    • Richard Soare + 4 more
    • English
    Ices in the Solar System: A Volatile-Driven Journey from the Inner Solar System to Its FarReaches explores the origins, evolution and distribution of various ice species throughout thesolar system.Geographicall... the book’s focus on ice(s) migrates outwardly from Mercury, the Earth and theMoon, Mars, then Ceres and other volatile-rich small bodies; it carries on with the moons ofJupiter, Saturn, and Uranus, followed by Pluto and other Kuiper Belt/Trans-Neptunian objects.Conceptually and empirically, the book depicts the often-enigmatic narratives of the differentice species (H2O, CO2, CH4, etc.) in the solar system and examines their interaction with a widerange of surface, near-subsurface, interior and atmospheric processes.

  • Atlas of Earth's Meteor Showers

    • 1st Edition
    • Peter Jenniskens
    • English
    **2025 PROSE Award Finalist in Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy, and Cosmology**The International Astronomical Union formalized the naming of meteor showers in 2006. Each newly discovered shower now is assigned a unique and officially recognized name, number, and 3-letter code. Close to a thousand possible meteor showers have since been reported, over a hundred in the cause of writing this book.Atlas of Earth's Meteor Showers takes stock of all reported detections by going back to the combined video and radar data in hand at the end of 2021, in order to weed out duplicates and false detections. Maps were created that show the direction of motion of meteors (their radiant) during 5-day and 10-day intervals throughout the year. All 500+ showers recognized are briefly described from their radiant, speed, and orbital elements, and the meteoroid mass distribution index was calculated. Physical properties of the meteoroids were derived from their beginning, peak and end height, from their deceleration in Earth's atmosphere, and from spectroscopic information. Candidate parent bodies are mentioned and the age of the stream was calculated from the dispersions in orbital elements and from the meteor magnitude distribution index. A brief history is given of the shower's discovery, of when features were first recognized, and of results from dynamical modeling, all with references to the literature.

  • Water Worlds in the Solar System

    • 1st Edition
    • Antony Joseph
    • English
    Water Worlds in the Solar System: In Search of Habitable Environments and Life is a comprehensive reference on the formation, availability, habitability potential, and astrobiological implications of water in the Solar System. The book provides understanding of the importance of water on Earth to elucidate potential water and biosignature sources on other bodies in the Solar System. It covers processes involved in the formation of Earth and its Moon, genesis of water on those bodies, events on early Earth, and other processes that are applicable to celestial bodies in the Solar System, directly correlating data available on water on other bodies to over 15 Earth analogue sites. This book forms a comprehensive overview on water in the Solar System, from formation to biosignature and habitability considerations. It is ideal for academics, researchers and students working in the field of planetary science, extraterrestrial water research and habitability potential.

  • Planetary Exploration Horizon 2061

    A Long-Term Perspective for Planetary Exploration
    • 1st Edition
    • Michel Blanc
    • English
    Planetary Exploration Horizon 2061: A Long-Term Perspective for Planetary Exploration synthesizes all the material elaborated and discussed during three workshops devoted to the Horizon 2061 foresight exercise. Sections cover the science of planetary systems, space missions to solar system objects, technologies for exploration, and infrastructures and services to support the missions and to maximize their science return. The editors follow the path of the implementation of a planetary mission, from the needed support in terms of navigation and communication, through the handling of samples returned to Earth, to the development of more permanent infrastructures for scientific human outposts on the Moon and Mars. This book also includes a special chapter entirely devoted to contributions from students and early-career scientists: the “Horizon 2061 generation” and a final chapter on important avenues for the actual implementation of the planetary missions coming out of our “Dreams for Horizon 2061”: International cooperation, and the growing role and initiatives of private enterprise in planetary exploration.

  • New Frontiers in Astrobiology

    • 1st Edition
    • Rebecca Thombre + 1 more
    • English
    New Frontiers in Astrobiology presents a simple and concise overview of the emerging field of astrobiology. Astrobiology studies the evolution, origin, and future of life on Earth and beyond. This book provides a brief overview of the current research and future status of this fascinating field. The book covers a wide range of topics from the history of astrobiology, the big bang, prebiotic chemistry, theories of the origin of life, extreme environments on Earth, and the quest for intelligent life in space. Currently, there is a critical gap in knowledge related to the future scope of astrobiology and its applications in science and society. The hallmark of the book is that it takes critical perspectives to analyze the new frontiers in astrobiology post Mars 2020/ExoMars missions that encompass the latestdevelopments in the detection of biosignatures and habitability beyond our Solar System (exomoons, exoplanets). The book will be a valuable resource for students, researchers, and scientists who seek greater insights into understanding the current status and future of astrobiology.

  • Hayabusa2 Asteroid Sample Return Mission

    Technological Innovation and Advances
    • 1st Edition
    • Masatoshi Hirabayashi + 1 more
    • English
    Hayabusa2 Asteroid Sample Return Mission: Technological Innovation and Advances covers the second Japanese asteroid sample return mission. The purpose of the mission is to survey the asteroid Ryugu’s surface features, touch down on the asteroid, form an artificial crater by shooting an impactor, and collect sample materials. This book covers these operations, along with everything known about key technologies, hardware and ground systems upon Hayabusa2’s return to Earth in 2020. This book is the definitive reference on the mission and provides space and planetary scientists with information on established technologies to further advance the knowledge and technologies in future space exploration missions.

  • Machine Learning for Planetary Science

    • 1st Edition
    • Joern Helbert + 3 more
    • English
    Machine Learning for Planetary Science presents planetary scientists with a way to introduce machine learning into the research workflow as increasingly large nonlinear datasets are acquired from planetary exploration missions. The book explores research that leverages machine learning methods to enhance our scientific understanding of planetary data and serves as a guide for selecting the right methods and tools for solving a variety of everyday problems in planetary science using machine learning. Illustrating ways to employ machine learning in practice with case studies, the book is clearly organized into four parts to provide thorough context and easy navigation. The book covers a range of issues, from data analysis on the ground to data analysis onboard a spacecraft, and from prioritization of novel or interesting observations to enhanced missions planning. This book is therefore a key resource for planetary scientists working in data analysis, missions planning, and scientific observation.

  • Extreme Space Weather

    • 1st Edition
    • Ryuho Kataoka
    • English
    Extreme Space Weather not only allows readers to learn the basics of complex space weather phenomena and future directions for research in space physics and extreme space events. The book begins with a brief overview of space weather, including sunspot cycles, solar winds and geomagnetic fields. From there, the book moves on to extreme space weather phenomena, including mass coronal ejections, solar flares and magnetic storms. The book also includes a discussion of both observed and theoretical extreme events. This book is ideal for students and researchers in geophysics and space physics departments, as well as those in hazard and disaster preparedness.

  • Cross-Scale Coupling and Energy Transfer in the Magnetosphere-Ionosphere-Thermosphere System

    • 1st Edition
    • Yukitoshi Nishimura + 3 more
    • English
    Cross-Scale Coupling and Energy Transfer in the Magnetosphere-Ionosp... System provides a systematic understanding of Magnetosphere-Ionosp... dynamics. Cross-scale coupling has become increasingly important in the Space Physics community. Although large-scale processes can specify the averaged state of the system reasonably well, they cannot accurately describe localized and rapidly varying structures in space in actual events. Such localized and variable structures can be as intense as the large-scale features. This book covers observations on quantifying coupling and energetics and simulation on evaluating impacts of cross-scale processes. It includes an in-depth review and summary of the current status of multi-scale coupling processes, fundamental physics, and concise illustrations and plots that are usable in tutorial presentations and classrooms. Organized by physical quantities in the system, Cross-Scale Coupling and Energy Transfer in the Magnetosphere-Ionosp... System reviews recent advances in cross-scale coupling and energy transfer processes, making it an important resource for space physicists and researchers working on the magnetosphere, ionosphere, and thermosphere.

  • Planetary Volcanism across the Solar System

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 1
    • Tracy K. P. Gregg + 2 more
    • English
    Planetary Volcanism across the Solar System compares and contrasts the vast array of planetary bodies in the Solar System, including Earth. The wealth of spacecraft data for almost all major solid-surface bodies in the Solar System indicate that volcanism has been a dominant mechanism in shaping the landscapes of these bodies. The book addresses key questions surrounding our understanding of planetary volcanism, such as how to integrate the data into a coherent view of how volcanic activity arises, how this mechanism shapes planets, which volcanic landforms are ubiquitous throughout the Solar System, and which are unique. By placing a singular emphasis on comparing volcanic processes and landforms on all relevant Solar System bodies, and with the explicit objective of providing a systems-level understanding of this widespread phenomenon, users will find an up-to-date, accessible and comprehensive discussion of the major volcanic processes and landforms that shape and drive the evolution of planets, moons and smaller bodies.

  • Nonlinear Wave and Plasma Structures in the Auroral and Subauroral Geospace

    • 1st Edition
    • Evgeny Mishin + 1 more
    • English
    Nonlinear Wave and Plasma Structures in the Auroral and Subauroral Geospace presents a comprehensive examination of the self-consistent processes leading to multiscale electromagnetic and plasma structures in the magnetosphere and ionosphere near the plasmapause, particularly in the auroral and subauroral geospace. It utilizes simulations and a large number of relevant in situ measurements conducted by the most recent satellite missions, as well as ground-based optical and radar observations to verify the conclusions and analysis. Including several case studies of observations related to prominent geospacer events, the book also provides experimental and numerical results throughout the chapters to further enhance understanding of how the same physical mechanisms produce different phenomena at different regions of the near-Earth space environment. Additionally, the comprehensive description of mechanisms responsible for space weather effects will give readers a broad foundation of wave and particle processes in the near-Earth magnetosphere. As such, Nonlinear Wave and Plasma Structures in the Auroral and Subauroral Geospace Nonlinear Wave and Plasma Structures in the Auroral and Subauroral Geospace is a cutting-edge reference for space physicists looking to better understand plasma physics in geospace.

  • Earth as an Evolving Planetary System

    • 4th Edition
    • Kent C. Condie
    • English
    Earth as an Evolving Planetary System, Fourth Edition discusses key topics dealing with the evolution and interaction through time of Earth’s crust, mantle, core, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. It addresses the questions of why Earth is unique among planets of the solar system, and how the various subsystems in the planet have interacted over 4.6 billion years in the habitable planet that we live on. This new edition includes over 100 new pages of material, data, and images and is a key reference for students and researchers in Earth and planetary sciences. Earth as an Evolving Planetary System, Fourth Edition includes new material that has become available since the third edition, including new sections on the Mid-lithosphere discontinuity, geoneutrinos, mantle oxidation, continental emergence, Earth cycles (new chapter) and recycling processes, the evolution of Earth from a stagnant lid to a plate tectonic regime, the controversy over how the continents have grown, when plate tectonics began, and exoplanets.

  • Biological Experiments in Space

    30 Years Investigating Life in Space Orbit
    • 1st Edition
    • Galina Nechitailo + 1 more
    • English
    Biological Experiments in Space: 30 Years Investigating Life in Space Orbit covers investigations of plant, algae, animals, fish, microorganisms and tissue cultures on space flights, beginning with the first orbital space station on Salyut 1. The book includes results on the influence of the entire complex of physical factors associated with spaceflight on biological systems, including analysis of the impact of microgravity on organisms, as well as the effects of electric and magnetic fields. This book offers important insights for researchers of space biology and astrobiology, as well as space agency and industry specialists developing future space stations and missions. Lack of gravity, temperature and chemical gradients, magnetic and electrical fields, spectral composition and intensity of light, and high-energy cosmic radiation influence many important metabolic and physiological processes in animals, plants, and microorganisms, as well as transfer phenomena in and around them. Success of future space exploration depends on understanding the effects of these factors on biological organisms and developing appropriate countermeasures, aimed at improving growth, development, and reproduction in microgravity.

  • Space Science and Public Engagement

    21st Century Perspectives and Opportunities
    • 1st Edition
    • Amy Paige Kaminski
    • English
    Space Science and Public Engagement: 21st Century Perspectives and Opportunities critically examines the many dimensions of public engagement with space science by exploring case studies that show a spectrum of public engagement formats, ranging from the space science community's efforts to communicate developments to the public, to citizenry attempting to engage with space science issues. It addresses why public engagement is important to space science experts, what approaches they take, how public engagement varies locally, nationally and internationally, and what roles "non-experts" have played in shaping space science. Space scientists, outreach specialists in various scientific disciplines, policymakers and citizens interested in space science will find great insights in this book that will help inform their future engagement strategies.

  • Mars Geological Enigmas

    From the Late Noachian Epoch to the Present Day
    • 1st Edition
    • Richard Soare + 3 more
    • English
    Mars Geological Enigmas: From the Late Noachian Epoch to the Present Day presents outstanding questions on the geology of Mars and divergent viewpoints based on varying interpretations and analyses. The result is a robust and comprehensive discussion that provides opportunities for planetary scientists to develop their own opinions and ways forward. Each theme opens with an introduction that includes background on the topic and lays out questions to be addressed. Alternate perspectives are covered for each topic, including methods, observations, analyses, and in-depth discussion of the conclusions. Chapters within each theme reference each other to facilitate comparison and deeper understanding of divergent opinions.

  • Ultraviolet Astronomy and the Quest for the Origin of Life

    • 1st Edition
    • Ana I. Gomez de Castro
    • English
    Ultraviolet Astronomy and the Quest for the Origin of Life addresses the use of astronomical observations in the ultraviolet range to better understand the generation of complex, life-precursor molecules. The origin of RNA is still under debate but seems to be related to the generation of pools of complex organic molecules submitted to heavy cycles of solution in water and drying. This book investigates whether these cycles require a planetary surface or may occur in space by examining both the theoretical and observational aspects of the role of UV radiation in the origin of life. This book offers the latest advances in these studies for astronomers, astrobiologists and planetary scientists.

  • The Volcanoes of Mars

    • 1st Edition
    • James R. Zimbelman + 3 more
    • English
    The Volcanoes of Mars offers a clear, cohesive summary of Mars volcanology. It begins with an introduction to the geology and geography of the red planet and an overview of its volcanic history, and continues to discuss each distinct volcanic province, identifying the common and unique aspects of each region. Incorporating basic volcanological information and constraints on the regional geologic history derived from geologic mapping, the book also examines current constraints on the composition of the volcanic rocks as investigated by both orbiting spacecraft and rovers. In addition, it compares the features of Martian volcanoes to those seen on other volcanic bodies. Concluding with prospects for new knowledge to be gained from future Mars missions, this book brings researchers in volcanology and the study of Mars up to date on the latest findings in the study of volcanoes on Mars, allowing the reader to compare and contrast Martian volcanoes to volcanoes studied on Earth and throughout the Solar System.

  • Earth's Magnetosphere

    Formed by the Low-Latitude Boundary Layer
    • 2nd Edition
    • Wayne Keith + 1 more
    • English
    Earth's Magnetosphere: Formed by the Low Latitude Boundary Layer, Second Edition, provides a fully updated overview of both historical and current data related to the magnetosphere and how it is formed. With a focus on experimental data and space missions, the book goes in depth relating space physics to the Earth’s magnetosphere and its interaction with the solar wind. Starting with Newton’s law, this book also examines Maxwell’s equations and subsidiary equations such as continuity, constitutive relations and the Lorentz transformation, Helmholtz’ theorem, and Poynting’s theorem, among other methods for understanding this interaction.This new edition of Earth’s Magnetosphere is updated with information on such topics as 3D reconnection, space weather implications, recent missions such as MMS, ionosphere outflow and coupling, and the inner magnetosphere. With the addition of end-of-chapter problems as well, this book is an excellent foundational reference for geophysicists, space physicists, plasma physicists, and graduate students alike.

  • The Dynamics of Natural Satellites of the Planets

    • 1st Edition
    • Nikolay Emelyanov
    • English
    The Dynamics of Natural Satellites of the Planets is an accessible reference for understanding the celestial mechanics of planetary moons through the lens of both theory and observation. Based on decades of research by the author, the book utilizes state-of-the-art observations of the natural satellites in the solar system to establish models, measurements and calculations to better understand the theory of the satellite movement and dynamics. It presents an extensive set of study methods and results on the motion of natural satellites of the planets and includes reviews and references to related publication for further explanation. By relating observations to numerical theory, the book serves as a quick and comprehensive reference for applying the theory of orbital dynamics to observational data on orbits and physical properties of the natural satellites in order to formulate state-of-the-art explanations and models, particularly for determining the parameters of satellite motion.

  • Ring Current Investigations

    The Quest for Space Weather Prediction
    • 1st Edition
    • Vania K. Jordanova + 2 more
    • English
    Ring Current Investigations offers a comprehensive description of ring current dynamics in the Earth’s magnetosphere as part of the coupled magnetosphere-ionosp... system. In order to help researchers develop a deeper understanding of the fundamental physics of geomagnetic storms, it includes a detailed description of energetic charged particles injection, trapping, and loss. It reviews historical and recent advances in observations, measurements, theory and simulations of the inner magnetosphere and its coupling to the ionosphere and other surrounding plasma populations. In addition, it compares the physics of ring currents at other strongly magnetized planets in the solar system, specifically Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, with the ring current system at Earth. Providing a description of the most important space weather effects driven by inner magnetospheric energetic particles during geomagnetic storms and present capabilities for their nowcast and forecast, Ring Current Investigations is an important reference for researchers in geophysics and space science, especially related to plasma physics, the ionosphere and magnetosphere, solar-terrestrial relations, and spacecraft anomalies.

  • Big Data in Astronomy

    Scientific Data Processing for Advanced Radio Telescopes
    • 1st Edition
    • Linghe Kong + 3 more
    • English
    Big Data in Radio Astronomy: Scientific Data Processing for Advanced Radio Telescopes provides the latest research developments in big data methods and techniques for radio astronomy. Providing examples from such projects as the Square Kilometer Array (SKA), the world’s largest radio telescope that generates over an Exabyte of data every day, the book offers solutions for coping with the challenges and opportunities presented by the exponential growth of astronomical data. Presenting state-of-the-art results and research, this book is a timely reference for both practitioners and researchers working in radio astronomy, as well as students looking for a basic understanding of big data in astronomy.

  • The Dynamical Ionosphere

    A Systems Approach to Ionospheric Irregularity
    • 1st Edition
    • Massimo Materassi + 3 more
    • English
    The Dynamical Ionosphere: A Systems Approach to Ionospheric Irregularity examines the Earth’s ionosphere as a dynamical system with signatures of complexity. The system is robust in its overall configuration, with smooth space-time patterns of daily, seasonal and Solar Cycle variability, but shows a hierarchy of interactions among its sub-systems, yielding apparent unpredictability, space-time irregularity, and turbulence. This interplay leads to the need for constructing realistic models of the average ionosphere, incorporating the increasing knowledge and predictability of high variability components, and for addressing the difficulty of dealing with the worst cases of ionospheric disturbances, all of which are addressed in this interdisciplinary book. Borrowing tools and techniques from classical and stochastic dynamics, information theory, signal processing, fluid dynamics and turbulence science, The Dynamical Ionosphere presents the state-of-the-art in dealing with irregularity, forecasting ionospheric threats, and theoretical interpretation of various ionospheric configurations.

  • The Trans-Neptunian Solar System

    • 1st Edition
    • Dina Prialnik + 2 more
    • English
    The Trans-Neptunian Solar System is a timely reference highlighting the state-of-the-art in current knowledge on the outer solar system. It not only explores the individual objects being discovered there, but also their relationships with other Solar System objects and their roles in the formation and evolution of the Solar System and other planets. Integrating important findings from recent missions, such as New Horizons and Rosetta, the book covers the physical properties of the bodies in the Trans-Neptunian Region, including Pluto and other large members of the Kuiper Belt, as well as dynamical indicators for Planet 9 and related objects and future prospects. Offering a complete look at exploration and findings in the Kuiper Belt and the rest of the outer solar system beyond Neptune, this book is an important resource to bring planetary scientists, space scientists and astrophysicists up-to-date on the latest research and current understandings.

  • Model Ecosystems in Extreme Environments

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 2
    • English
    Model Ecosystems in Extreme Environments, Second Edition examines ecosystems at the most extreme habitats and their interaction with the environment, providing a key element in our understanding of the role and function of microorganisms in nature. The book highlights current topics in the field, such as biodiversity and the structure of microbial communities in extreme environments, the effects of extreme environmental conditions on microbial ecosystems, and ecological and evolutionary interactions in extreme environments, among other topics. It will be a valuable text for faculty and students working with extremophiles and/or microbial ecology and researchers, including astrobiologists, biologists, evolutionary scientists, astronomers, geochemists and oceanographers.

  • The Sun as a Guide to Stellar Physics

    • 1st Edition
    • Oddbjørn Engvold + 2 more
    • English
    The Sun as a Guide to Stellar Physics illustrates the significance of the Sun in understanding stars through anexamination of the discoveries and insights gained from solar physics research. Ranging from theories to modelingand from numerical simulations to instrumentation and data processing, the book provides an overview of whatwe currently understand and how the Sun can be a model for gaining further knowledge about stellar physics.Providing both updates on recent developments in solar physics and applications to stellar physics, this bookstrengthens the solar–stellar connection and summarizes what we know about the Sun for the stellar, space, andgeophysics communities.

  • Dynamic Mars

    Recent and Current Landscape Evolution of the Red Planet
    • 1st Edition
    • Richard Soare + 2 more
    • English
    Dynamic Mars: Recent and Current Landscape Evolution of the Red Planet presents the latest observations, interpretations, and explanations of geological change at the surface or near-surface of this terrestrial body. These changes raise questions about a decades-old paradigm, formed largely in the aftermath of very coarse Mariner-mission imagery in the 1960s, suggesting that much of the interesting geological activity on Mars occurred deep in its past, eons ago. The book includes discussions of (1) Mars’ ever-changing atmosphere and the impact of this on the planet’s surface and near-surface; (2) the possible involvement of water in relatively new, if not contemporary, gully-like flows and slope streaks (i.e. recurring slope lineae); and (3) the identification of a broad suite of agents and processes (i.e. glacial, periglacial, aeolian, meteorological, volcanic, and meteoric) that are actively revising surface and near-surface landscapes, landforms, and features on a local, regional, and hemispheric scale.Highly illustrated and punctuated by data from the most recent Mars missions, Dynamic Mars is a valuable resource for all levels of research in the geological history of Mars, as well as of the three other terrestrial planets.

  • Primitive Meteorites and Asteroids

    Physical, Chemical, and Spectroscopic Observations Paving the Way to Exploration
    • 1st Edition
    • Neyda M. Abreu
    • English
    Primitive Meteorites and Asteroids: Physical, Chemical, and Spectroscopic Observations Paving the Way to Exploration covers the physical, chemical and spectroscopic aspects of asteroids, providing important data and research on carbonaceous chondrites and primitive meteorites. This information is crucial to the success of missions to parent bodies, thus contributing to an understanding of the early solar system. The book offers an interdisciplinary perspective relevant to many fields of planetary science, as well as cosmochemistry, planetary astronomy, astrobiology, geology and space engineering. Including contributions from planetary and missions scientists worldwide, the book collects the fundamental knowledge and cutting-edge research on carbonaceous chondrites and their parent bodies into one accessible resource, thus contributing to the future of space exploration.

  • Machine Learning Techniques for Space Weather

    • 1st Edition
    • Enrico Camporeale + 2 more
    • English
    Machine Learning Techniques for Space Weather provides a thorough and accessible presentation of machine learning techniques that can be employed by space weather professionals. Additionally, it presents an overview of real-world applications in space science to the machine learning community, offering a bridge between the fields. As this volume demonstrates, real advances in space weather can be gained using nontraditional approaches that take into account nonlinear and complex dynamics, including information theory, nonlinear auto-regression models, neural networks and clustering algorithms. Offering practical techniques for translating the huge amount of information hidden in data into useful knowledge that allows for better prediction, this book is a unique and important resource for space physicists, space weather professionals and computer scientists in related fields.

  • Extreme Events in Geospace

    Origins, Predictability, and Consequences
    • 1st Edition
    • Natalia Buzulukova
    • English
    Extreme Events in Geospace: Origins, Predictability, and Consequences helps deepen the understanding, description, and forecasting of the complex and inter-related phenomena of extreme space weather events. Composed of chapters written by representatives from many different institutions and fields of space research, the book offers discussions ranging from definitions and historical knowledge to operational issues and methods of analysis. Given that extremes in ionizing radiation, ionospheric irregularities, and geomagnetically induced currents may have the potential to disrupt our technologies or pose danger to human health, it is increasingly important to synthesize the information available on not only those consequences but also the origins and predictability of such events. Extreme Events in Geospace: Origins, Predictability, and Consequences is a valuable source for providing the latest research for geophysicists and space weather scientists, as well as industries impacted by space weather events, including GNSS satellites and radio communication, power grids, aviation, and human spaceflight. The list of first/second authors includes M. Hapgood, N. Gopalswamy, K.D. Leka, G. Barnes, Yu. Yermolaev, P. Riley, S. Sharma, G. Lakhina, B. Tsurutani, C. Ngwira, A. Pulkkinen, J. Love, P. Bedrosian, N. Buzulukova, M. Sitnov, W. Denig, M. Panasyuk, R. Hajra, D. Ferguson, S. Lai, L. Narici, K. Tobiska, G. Gapirov, A. Mannucci, T. Fuller-Rowell, X. Yue, G. Crowley, R. Redmon, V. Airapetian, D. Boteler, M. MacAlester, S. Worman, D. Neudegg, and M. Ishii.

  • Habitability of the Universe before Earth

    Astrobiology: Exploring Life on Earth and Beyond (series)
    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 1
    • English
    Habitability of the Universe before Earth: Astrobiology: Exploring Life on Earth and Beyond (series) examines the times and places—before life existed on Earth—that might have provided suitable environments for life to occur, addressing the question: Is life on Earth de novo, or derived from previous life? The universe changed considerably during the vast epoch between the Big Bang 13.8 billion years ago and the first evidence of life on Earth 4.3 billion years ago, providing significant time and space to contemplate where, when and under what circumstances life might have arisen. No other book covers this cosmic time period from the point of view of its potential for life. The series covers a broad range of topics encompassing laboratory and field research into the origins and evolution of life on Earth, life in extreme environments and the search for habitable environments in our solar system and beyond, including exoplanets, exomoons and astronomical biosignatures.

  • Kappa Distributions

    Theory and Applications in Plasmas
    • 1st Edition
    • George Livadiotis
    • English
    Kappa Distributions: Theory and Applications in Plasmas presents the theoretical developments of kappa distributions, their applications in plasmas, and how they affect the underpinnings of our understanding of space and plasma physics, astrophysics, and statistical mechanics/thermodyna... Separated into three major parts, the book covers theoretical methods, analytical methods in plasmas, and applications in space plasmas. The first part of the book focuses on basic aspects of the statistical theory of kappa distributions, beginning with their connection to the solid backgrounds of non-extensive statistical mechanics. The book then moves on to plasma physics, and is devoted to analytical methods related to kappa distributions on various basic plasma topics, spanning linear/nonlinear plasma waves, solitons, shockwaves, and dusty plasmas. The final part of the book deals with applications in space plasmas, focusing on applications of theoretical and analytical developments in space plasmas from the heliosphere and beyond, in other astrophysical plasmas. Kappa Distributions is ideal for space, plasma, and statistical physicists; geophysicists, especially of the upper atmosphere; Earth and planetary scientists; and astrophysicists.

  • Origins of the Earth, Moon, and Life

    An Interdisciplinary Approach
    • 1st Edition
    • Akio Makishima
    • English
    Origins of the Earth, Moon, and Life: An Interdisciplinary Approach presents state-of-the-art knowledge that is based on theories, experiments, observations, calculations, and analytical data from five astro-sciences, astronomy, astrobiology, astrogeology, astrophysics, and cosmochemistry. Beginning with the origin of elements, and moving on to cover the formation of the early Solar System, the giant impact model of the Earth and Moon, the oldest records of life, and the possibility of life on other planets in the Solar System, this interdisciplinary reference provides a complex understanding of the planets and the formation of life. Synthesizing concepts from all branches of astro-sciences into one, the book is a valuable reference for researchers in astrogeology, astrophysics, cosmochemistry, astrobiology, astronomy, and other space science fields, helping users better understand the intersection of these sciences.

  • Solar Wind Seven

    Proceedings of the 3rd COSPAR Colloquium Held in Goslar, Germany, 16-20 September 1991
    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 3
    • E. Marsch
    • English
    The third COSPAR Colloquium entitled Solar Wind Seven was held in Goslar, Germany in September 1991. Twenty-two countries were represented by scientists, many of whom are leading experts in the area of heliospheric physics. The Proceedings reflect current research on solar wind and particularly emphasizes the source regions. The main topics covered encompass Coronal Heating and Solar Wind Acceleration; Large-Scale Structure of the Interplanetary Medium; Minor Ions, Neutrals and Cosmic Rays in the Heliosphere; Kinetic Physics, Waves and Turbulence and finally Heliospheric Dynamic Phenomena.

  • Earth as an Evolving Planetary System

    • 3rd Edition
    • Kent C. Condie
    • English
    Earth as an Evolving Planetary System, Third Edition, examines the various subsystems that play a role in the evolution of the Earth, including subsystems in the crust, mantle, core, atmosphere, oceans, and life. This third edition includes 30% new material and, for the first time, includes full color images in both the print and electronic versions. Topics in the great events chapters are now included in the beginning of the book, with the addition of a new feature of breakout boxes for each event. The second half of the book now focuses on a better understanding of Earth's history by looking at the interactions of the subsystems over time. The Earth’s atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere, crustal and mantle evolution, the supercontinent cycle, great events in Earth history, and the Earth in comparison to other planets are also covered.

  • Experiments in Reduced Gravity

    Sediment Settling on Mars
    • 1st Edition
    • Nikolaus Kuhn
    • English
    Experiments in Reduced Gravity: Sediment Settling on Mars is the first book to be published that reflects experiments conducted on Martian geomorphology in reduced gravity. This brief yet important book on sediment experiments assesses the theoretical and empirical foundation of the models used to analyze the increasing information we have on the past geography on Mars. The book also evaluates the need to develop new methods for analyzing new information by providing a conceptual outline and a case study on how experiments can be used to test current theoretical considerations. The conceptual approach to identifying the need for and role of experiments will be of interest to planetary scientists and geoscientists not necessarily involved with Mars, but those using experiments in their research who can apply the book’s concepts.

  • Encyclopedia of the Solar System

    • 3rd Edition
    • Tilman Spohn + 2 more
    • English
    The Encyclopedia of the Solar System, Third Edition—winner of the 2015 PROSE Award in Cosmology & Astronomy from the Association of American Publishers—provides a framework for understanding the origin and evolution of the solar system, historical discoveries, and details about planetary bodies and how they interact—with an astounding breadth of content and breathtaking visual impact. The encyclopedia includes the latest explorations and observations, hundreds of color digital images and illustrations, and over 1,000 pages. It stands alone as the definitive work in this field, and will serve as a modern messenger of scientific discovery and provide a look into the future of our solar system. New additions to the third edition reflect the latest progress and growth in the field, including past and present space missions to the terrestrial planets, the outer solar systems and space telescopes used to detect extrasolar planets.

  • Lakes on Mars

    • 1st Edition
    • Nathalie A. Cabrol + 1 more
    • English
    On Earth, lakes provide favorable environments for the development of life and its preservation as fossils. They are extremely sensitive to climate fluctuations and to conditions within their watersheds. As such, lakes are unique markers of the impact of environmental changes. Past and current missions have now demonstrated that water once flowed at the surface of Mars early in its history. Evidence of ancient ponding has been uncovered at scales ranging from a few kilometers to possibly that of the Arctic ocean. Whether life existed on Mars is still unknown; upcoming missions may find critical evidence to address this question in ancient lakebeds as clues about Mars’ climate evolution and its habitability potential are still preserved in their sedimentary record. Lakes on Mars is the first review on this subject. It is written by leading planetary scientists who have dedicated their careers to searching and exploring the questions of water, lakes, and oceans on Mars through their involvement in planetary exploration, and the analysis of orbital and ground data beginning with Viking up to the most recent missions. In thirteen chapters, Lakes on Mars critically discusses new data and explores the role that water played in the evolution of the surface of Mars, the past hydrological provinces of the planet, the possibility of heated lake habitats through enhanced geothermal flux associated with volcanic activity and impact cratering. The book also explores alternate hypotheses to explain the geological record. Topographic, morphologic, stratigraphic, and mineralogic evidence are presented that suggest successions of ancient lake environments in Valles Marineris and Hellas. The existence of large lakes and/or small oceans in Elysium and the Northern Plains is supported both by the global distribution of deltaic deposits and by equipotential surfaces that may reflect their past margins. Whether those environments were conducive to life has yet to be demonstrated but from comparison with our planet, their sedimentary deposits may provide the best opportunity to find its record, if any. The final chapters explore the impact of climate variability on declining lake habitats in one of the closest terrestrial analogs to Mars at the Noachian/Hesperian transition, identify the geologic, morphologic and mineralogic signatures of ancient lakes to be searched for on Mars, and present the case for landing the Mars Science Laboratory mission in such an environment.

  • The Earth's Ionosphere

    Plasma Physics and Electrodynamics
    • 2nd Edition
    • Volume 96
    • Michael C. Kelley
    • English
    Although interesting in its own right, due to the ever-increasing use of satellites for communication and navigation, weather in the ionosphere is of great concern. Every such system uses trans-ionospheric propagation of radio waves, waves which must traverse the commonly turbulent ionosphere. Understanding this turbulence and predicting it are one of the major goals of the National Space Weather program. Acquiring such a prediction capability will rest on understanding the very topics of this book, the plasma physics and electrodynamics of the system.

  • Meteorites, Comets, and Planets

    Treatise on Geochemistry, Second Edition, Volume 1
    • 1st Edition
    • A.M. Davis
    • English
    Volume 1 provides a broad overview of the chemistry of the solar system. It includes chapters on the origin of the elements and solar system abundances, the solar nebula and planet formation, meteorite classification, the major types of meteorites, important processes in early solar system history, geochemistry of the terrestrial planets, the giant planets and their satellite, comets, and the formation and early differentiation of the Earth. This volume is intended to be the first reference work one would consult to learn about the chemistry of the solar system.Reprinted individual volume from the acclaimed Treatise on Geochemistry (10 Volume Set, ISBN 0-08-043751-6, published in 2003)

  • Statistical Orbit Determination

    • 1st Edition
    • Bob Schutz + 2 more
    • English
    Statistical Orbit Determination presents fundmentals of orbit determination--from weighted least squares approaches (Gauss) to today's high-speed computer algorithms that provide accuracy within a few centimeters. Numerous examples and problems are provided to enhance readers' understanding of the material.

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