Cosmic Debris : What It Is and What We Can Do about It (Astronomers' Universe)

Powell, Jonathan

Springer International Publishing AG（2017/04発売）

• 製本 Paperback:紙装版/ペーパーバック版／ページ数 267 p.
• 言語 ENG
• 商品コード 9783319510156
• DDC分類 500.5

Full Description

This book examines the mysterious and the well-studied debris in Earth's crowded neighborhood. From orbiting comets to the workings of the Asteroid Belt, and from meteor showers to our home-grown network of orbiting satellites, the full diversity of space objects and the debris they create is explored. Powell also discusses some of the current research techniques used to find potentially harmful rogue elements, with an emphasis on keeping watch for any objects that may intersect Earth's orbit. Such bodies also impact other worlds, and much has been learned from observing these encounters.
The information in this book is intended to foster thought about the universe in which we live, but without overloading its readers with numbers and lecture-room analysis. Like a good thriller, it allows its readers to pace themselves with the story and, by the end, encourages them to draw their own conclusions. 

Contents

Chapter 1: Defining Cosmic Debris.- Chapter 2: Minor Planets and Asteroids.- Chapter 3: Comets.- Chapter 4: Meteors and Meteorites.- Chapter 5: Fireballs.- Chapter 6: Near Earth Objects.- Chapter 7: Life Givers or Life Takers?.- Chapter 8: Our Own Debris.- Chapter 9: Observing Meteors and Meteor Showers.- Chapter 10: Observing Comets and Asteroids.- Chapter 11: Endgame.- Glossary.- Index.