Solar System Astrophysics: Background Science and the Inner Solar System
Springer; 1 edition | May 5, 2008 | ISBN-10: 0387731547 | 258 pages | PDF | 7.8 Mb
The book covers the field of solar system astrophysics beginning with basic tools of spherical astronomy and coordinate frames and celestial mechanics. Historical introductions precede the development and discussion in most chapters.After a basic treatment of the two- and restricted three-body system motions, perturbations are discussed, and then the Earth’s gravitational potential field and its effects on satellite orbits. Next follow chapters on the Earth-Moon system and the interior planets. Surfaces are treated as well as the interiors and atmospheres, developing appropriate mathematical tools and the basic geophysics, mineralogy, crystallography, and meteorology required for comprehension. Chapters 5 and 6 involve pedagogically clear, illustrated discussions of the numerical integration of the Adams-Williamson equation and the equations of state in planetary interiors. The discussion of rocks and minerals includes crystallography, essential for understanding the state of matter in planetary interiors and moon rocks. The atmospheres chapters includes detailed discussions of circulation, applicable also to the subsequent discussion of the gas giants. A comparative planetary approach is given to discussions of the atmospheric and ionospheric chemistry, magnetospheres, and crustal properties.
