Introduction to Comets

Including the abundance of information known prior to the return of Halley's comet, as well as the new information discovered since then, the science of comets is described here by order of its discovery. From tail phenomena to coma morphology, to the most recent findings from space missions, this comprehensive text provides complete and up-to-date coverage of the subject. It will be suitable for advanced undergraduates and graduate students of astronomy and planetary science. First Edition Hb (2001): 0-521-23906-0 First Edition Pb (2002): 0-521-27218-1

We have now reached an exciting time in cometary research. With several missions launched or about to be launched in the near future, cometary research is rapidly being driven forward. This book describes the wealth of information known prior to the return of Halley's comet, and the new information discovered since then. It presents material on important background topics including observational techniques, plasma physics, celestial mechanics, the solar wind and cosmogony. The science of comets is described in order of its discovery, from tail phenomena to coma morphology through to the most recent findings from space missions. The relationship between comets and asteroids is discussed, and future space missions to investigate comets are described. This comprehensive text is a complete and up-to-date treatment of the subject, suitable for graduate and advanced undergraduate students of astronomy and planetary science.

Preface; 1. Comets in history; 2. Discovery and dynamics of comets; 3. Observing and measuring techniques; 4. Tails; 5. Coma and related phenomena; 6. Comets and the solar wind; 7. The nucleus; 8. Asteroids; 9. Origins of comets; 10. Comets and the solar system; 11. The future of cometary research; 12. Comet lore; References.

We have now reached an exciting time in cometary research. This book describes the science of comets in order of its discovery, from tail phenomena to coma morphology through to the most recent findings from space missions. Suitable for graduate and advanced undergraduate students of astronomy and planetary science.

John C. Brandt is Adjunct Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of New Mexico.
Now retired, Robert D. Chapman has been a professor at UCLA, a civil servant working for NASA and a program manager in industry.