E-Book Overview
The bodies of our Solar System have orbited continously around the Sun since their formation, but they have not always been there, and conditions have not always been as they are today. The Story of the Solar System explains how our Solar System came into existence, how it has evolved and how it might end billions of years from now. After a brief historical introduction, Mark Garlick describes the birth of the Sun and the steps that built up the bodies of the Solar System. Vivid illustrations of planets, moons, asteroids and comets complement the detailed descriptions. A comparison of these objects, and an analysis of how they have changed and evolved since birth is followed by a look towards the end of the Solar System's existence. Mark A. Garlick obtained his PhD in astrophysics from the Mullard Space Science Laboratory in Surrey, England. He is a member of the International Association of Astronomical Artists, and currently works as a freelance science writer and astronomical illustrator.
E-Book Content
The Story of the Solar System The bodies of our Solar System have orbited continuously around the Sun since their formation. But they have not always been there, and conditions have not always been as they are today. The Story of the Solar System explains how our Solar System came into existence, how it has evolved and how it might end billions of years from now. After a brief historical introduction to theories of the formation and structure of the Solar System, the book illustrates the birth of the Sun, and then explains the steps that built up the bodies of the Solar System. With the use of vivid illustrations, the planets, moons, asteroids and comets are described in detail – when and how they were made, what they are made of, and what they look like. Comparison of these objects, and analysis of how they have changed and evolved since birth, is followed by a look towa