On the Origin of Planets: By Means of Natural Simple Processes - Couverture rigide

Woolfson, Michael Mark

 
9781848165984: On the Origin of Planets: By Means of Natural Simple Processes
Couverture rigide
ISBN 10 : 1848165986 ISBN 13 : 9781848165984
Editeur : Imperial College Press, 2010

Synopsis

The book begins with a historical review of four major theories for the origin of the Solar System in particular, or of planets in general, which highlight the major problems that need to be solved by any plausible theory. In many theories, including that which form the major theme of this book, the formation of planets and stars is intimately linked, so four chapters are devoted to the processes that can be described as the birth, life and death of stars. Recent observations that have revealed the existence of planets around many Sun-like stars are described in detail, followed by a clear exposition of the Capture Theory for the origin of planets. Many aspects of this theory are illustrated with sophisticated computer modelling that convincingly demonstrates the plausibility of the theory. The Capture Theory is in complete accord with all observations, including the estimate it gives for the proportion of Sun-like stars with planets. It is the only theory that sits comfortably with all present observational and theoretical constraints. The general theory of planet formation does not explain the detailed structure of the Solar System. An early postulated collision of two major planets is shown to explain many disparate features of the Solar System - the nature of the terrestrial planets, surface features of the Moon and its relationship with Earth, asteroids, comets and dwarf planets, the relationship between Neptune, Triton and Pluto and the characteristics of meteorites, including the isotopic anomalies found in them. The postulate of a planetary collision is given support by a 2009 NASA observation of the residue of such an event around a distant young star.

Les informations fournies dans la section « Synopsis » peuvent faire référence à une autre édition de ce titre.

Présentation de l'éditeur

The book begins with a historical review of four major theories for the origin of the Solar System in particular, or of planets in general, which highlight the major problems that need to be solved by any plausible theory. In many theories, including that which form the major theme of this book, the formation of planets and stars is intimately linked, so four chapters are devoted to the processes that can be described as the birth, life and death of stars. Recent observations that have revealed the existence of planets around many Sun-like stars are described in detail, followed by a clear exposition of the Capture Theory for the origin of planets. Many aspects of this theory are illustrated with sophisticated computer modelling that convincingly demonstrates the plausibility of the theory. The Capture Theory is in complete accord with all observations, including the estimate it gives for the proportion of Sun-like stars with planets. It is the only theory that sits comfortably with all present observational and theoretical constraints. The general theory of planet formation does not explain the detailed structure of the Solar System. An early postulated collision of two major planets is shown to explain many disparate features of the Solar System - the nature of the terrestrial planets, surface features of the Moon and its relationship with Earth, asteroids, comets and dwarf planets, the relationship between Neptune, Triton and Pluto and the characteristics of meteorites, including the isotopic anomalies found in them. The postulate of a planetary collision is given support by a 2009 NASA observation of the residue of such an event around a distant young star.

Revue de presse

"The first quarter of the presentation is a masterful summary of the history of the speculation about the origin of the sun and planets, a description of the properties of stars and star clusters, and an introduction to the exciting and developing field of exoplanets, objects that orbit distant stars ... The presentation is primarily qualitative, with the supporting physical principles usefully relegated to an extensive suite of appendixes ... the level is suitable for the advanced undergraduate."-- CHOICE

"This book describes the history and the problem of planetary formation question in more complete and attractive detail. In an unusual but excellent feature, the basic physics needed at each stage is broken out into a long series of appendices, 39 in all." --Contemporary Physics

Les informations fournies dans la section « A propos du livre » peuvent faire référence à une autre édition de ce titre.

Éditeur
Imperial College Press
Date d'édition
2010
Langue
anglais
ISBN 10 
1848165986
ISBN 13 
9781848165984
Reliure
Relié
Nombre de pages
500
Coordonnées du fabricant
non disponible
Personne responsable
non disponible

Autres éditions populaires du même titre

9781848165991: On the Origin of Planets: By Means of Natural Simple Processes

Edition présentée

ISBN 10 :  1848165994 ISBN 13 :  9781848165991
Editeur : Imperial College Press, 2010
Couverture souple