An Introduction to the Solar System

David A. Rothery is a volcanologist and planetary scientist at The Open University, with a background in geological remote sensing and a special fascination for the satellites of the outer planets. He has been involved in several space missions, and leads the Surface and Composition Working Group for the European Space Agency's BepiColombo mission to Mercury. Neil McBride joined the Planetary and Space Sciences Research Institute, at The Open University, in 2000 as Lecturer in Planetary and Space Science. His major teaching interests being in planetary science, physics and astronomy, and space science. He now works in acoustics supporting sustainable building design. Iain Gilmour is Professor of Isotope Geochemistry at The Open University, where he undertakes research on the geochemistry of past climate change and large scale planetary impacts. He has taught on a wide range of Open University Science modules in the geosciences and planetary sciences as well as delivering courses at other institutions.

Introduction; 1. A tour of the Solar System; 2. The internal structure of the terrestrial planets; 3. Planetary volcanism; 4. Planetary surface processes; 5. Atmospheres of terrestrial planets; 6. The giant planets; 7. Minor bodies of the Solar System; 8. The origin of the Solar System; 9. Meteorites: a record of formation; Answers and comments; Appendices; Glossary; Further reading; Acknowledgements; Figure references; Index.