The Scientific Exploration of Venus (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781107023482)

Venus is the brightest 'star' in the night sky and it has been observed since ancient times. Often dubbed Earth's 'twin', it is the planet most similar to the Earth in size, mass and composition. There the similarity ends: Venus is shrouded by a dense carbon dioxide atmosphere, its surface is dominated by thousands of volcanoes and it lacks a protective magnetic field to shield it from energetic solar particles. So why isn't Venus more like Earth? In this book, a leading researcher of Venus addresses this question by explaining what we know through our investigations of the planet. Venus presents an intriguing case study for planetary astronomers and atmospheric scientists, especially in light of the current challenges of global warming, which supports, and potentially threatens, life on Earth. Scientifically rigorous, yet written in a friendly non-technical style, this is a broad introduction for students, and astronomy and space enthusiasts.

Author: Fredric W. Taylor
ISBN-10: 1107023483
ISBN-13: 9781107023482
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Language: English
Published: 09/22/2014
Pages: 314
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 2.30lbs
Size: 10.10h x 8.00w x 0.80d

Review Citation(s):
Choice 06/01/2015 pg. 1682