The Solar System

As recently as the dawn of the Space Age, the solar system was still largely unknown. The first probes to the Moon, Venus and Mars ushered in a golden age of planetary science, transforming planets from distant mysteries into vividly realized worlds. This book provides a comprehensive, accessible survey of the entire solar system, covering all major planets from Mercury to Saturn, the outer solar system and asteroids. It includes insights from leading scientists through in-person interviews, offering an engaging overview for general readers and amateur astronomers. Noting Earth’s small, beautiful and precarious nature, this book fills a unique niche, presenting the latest discoveries without losing sight of the broader picture, making it essential for anyone interested in our celestial neighbourhood.

MEDIA REVIEWS

William Sheehan and Clifford J. Cunningham brilliantly capture the essence of a multifaceted and fast-evolving field. With insights from space probes, observations with ground-based and space telescopes, as well as theoretical work, computer simulations and exoplanet studies, The Solar System offers a vivid, engaging and accessible survey of our current knowledge and views. A stunning tour of our cosmic neighbourhood! - Paul Gabor, Vice Director of the Vatican Observatory

William Sheehan and Clifford J. Cunningham bring impressive historical and scientific acumen to this beautifully illustrated and carefully researched snapshot of our current – and rapidly changing – understanding of our nearest cosmic neighbors. The Solar System is a timely reminder for us all that everything we learn about the diverse and fascinating worlds around us can be brought to bear on the biggest problems and mysteries that we’re trying to solve right here on our home planet. - Jim Bell, Professor of Planetary Science, Arizona State University, and author of Hubble Legacy and The Art of the Cosmos

Through a combination of rich and enjoyable narrative, historical observations, images and concepts, the latest findings and exceptionally well-selected illustrations, William Sheehan and Clifford J. Cunningham have painted an engaging picture of the structure and evolution of what may well be our unique slice of the cosmos. A comprehensive, up-to-date and easy-on-the-eye summary about our current understanding of the solar system, this gem of a book does not disappoint. - Klaus R. Brasch, Emeritus Professor of Biology, California State University, San Bernardino, and co-editor of The Space Age Generation