Solar System

William Sheehan (Author) William Sheehan is a noted historian of astronomy, writer and retired psychiatrist. His books include Mercury (2018), Saturn (2019) and Venus (2022) in Reaktion’s Kosmos series. He lives in Arizona, and asteroid 16037 is named Sheehan in his honour.Clifford J. Cunningham (Author) Clifford J. Cunningham is a Research Fellow at the University of Southern Queensland and Associate Editor of the Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage. His books include Asteroids (2021) in Reaktion’s Kosmos series. Asteroid 4276 (Clifford) is named in his honour.

"William Sheehan and Clifford J. Cunningham brilliantly capture the essence of a multifaceted and fast-evolving field. With insights from space probes, observations with ground-based and space telescopes, as well as theoretical work, computer simulations and exoplanet studies, The Solar System offers a vivid, engaging and accessible survey of our current knowledge and views. A stunning tour of our cosmic neighbourhood!" - Paul Gabor, Vice Director of the Vatican Observatory"William Sheehan and Clifford J. Cunningham bring impressive historical and scientific acumen to this beautifully illustrated and carefully researched snapshot of our current – and rapidly changing – understanding of our nearest cosmic neighbors. The Solar System is a timely reminder for us all that everything we learn about the diverse and fascinating worlds around us can be brought to bear on the biggest problems and mysteries that we’re trying to solve right here on our home planet." - Jim Bell, Professor of Planetary Science, Arizona State University, and author of Hubble Legacy and The Art of the Cosmos"Through a combination of rich and enjoyable narrative, historical observations, images and concepts, the latest findings and exceptionally well-selected illustrations, William Sheehan and Clifford J. Cunningham have painted an engaging picture of the structure and evolution of what may well be our unique slice of the cosmos. A comprehensive, up-to-date and easy-on-the-eye summary about our current understanding of the solar system, this gem of a book does not disappoint." - Klaus R. Brasch, Emeritus Professor of Biology, California State University, San Bernardino, and co-editor of The Space Age Generation

• Preface1 A Solar System Forms2 The Sun3 Earth's Moon4 Mercury5 Venus6 Mars7 Asteroids8 Jupiter9 Saturn10 The Outer Solar System Appendix: Planetary DataReferencesFurther ReadingAcknowledgementsPhoto AcknowledgementsIndex