In response to the new information gained about the Solar System from
recent space probes and space telescopes, the experienced science author
Dr. John Wilkinson presents the state-of-the art knowledge on the Sun,
solar system planets and small solar system objects like comets and
asteroids. He also describes space missions like the New Horizon's space
probe that provided never seen before pictures of the Pluto system; the
Dawn space probe, having just visited the asteroid Vesta, and the dwarf
planet Ceres; and the Rosetta probe inorbit around comet
67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko that has sent extraordinary and most exciting
pictures. Those and a number of other probes are also changing our
understanding of the solar system and providing a wealth of new up close
photos. This book will cover all these missions and discuss observed
surface features of planets and moons like their compositions, geisers,
aurorae, lightning phenomena etc.Presenting the fascinating aspects of
solar system astronomy this book is a complete guide to the Solar System
for amateur astronomers, students, science educators and interested
members of the public.