Publisher Description

What are meteorites? Where do they come from? Are they a threat? What are they made of? How common are they? As centuries have passed, our knowledge of these extraterrestrial objects has advanced immensely, and today, the scientific study of meteorites provides a wealth of information about the solar system. Meteorites reveal clues to some of the greatest scientific enigmas:

the origin of life on Earth the mass extinction of species the nature and composition of asteroids the conditions during the formation of the solar system the dust from stars that died long before our Sun formed.

Written by a team of experts, Meteorites is an accessible, comprehensive guide that features over two hundred full-color photographs, diagrams and graphs. Look no further for a wonderful introduction to these powerful, yet mystifying, objects. Brigitte Zanda is Associate Professor at the Mineralogy Laboratory of the Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris, and Adjunct Member of the Graduate Faculty at Rutgers University. Following on from her PhD in Geochemistry, she has written many papers in Meteoritics and Planetary Science and other journals, and is a member of the Nomenclature Committee of the Meteoritical Society. Monica Rotaru is Department Chief of Earth Sciences at the Palais de la decouverte in Paris, where she organizes scientific exhibitions. After her PhD in geochemistry, she has conducted research in climatology and written television science documentaries.

Author Biography

Brigitte Zanda is Associate Professor at the Mineralogy Laboratory of the Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris, and Adjunct Member of the Graduate Faculty at Rutgers University. Following on from her PhD in Geochemistry, she has written many papers in Meteoritics and Planetary Science and other journals, and is a member of the Nomenclature Committee of the Meteoritical Society. Monica Rotaru is Department Chief of Earth Sciences at the Palais de la decouverte in Paris, where she organises scientific exhibitions. After her PhD in geochemistry, she has conducted research in climatology and written television science documentaries.

Table of Contents

1. The harder they fall C. Perron; 2. Stones fallen from the sky U. Marvin; 3. Impact craters P. Thomas; 4. Cretaceous Park R. Rocchia, E. Robin and H. Leroux; 5. Like no rock on Earth B. Zanda, M. Christophe Michel Levy, M. Bourot Denise and C. Caillet Komorowski; 6. Little planets D. Benest; 7. The Sound and the Fury J.-P. Bibring; 8. Signed carbon F. Robert, M. Festou and F. Raulin; 9. A stormy nebula R. Hewins; 10. The age of the solar system G. Manhes; 11. Galactic fossils E. Zinner; 12. Leafing through the past two centuries... P. Pellas; Glossary; Acknowledgements; Illustration credits.

Review

'... a lavishly illustrated coffee-table type book written by experts in the field of meteorites, and covers all aspects of their study by scientists. it will appeal to those with a keen or only passing interest in the field, as the presentation is excellent and well laid out throughout. many of the illustrations are new or from unfamiliar sources, which will not have been seen before ... an excellent read.' Tony Ryan, Astronomy & Space '... an exceptionally well illustrated text. The approach to the subject is distinctive and illuminating ... a useful addition to the growing list of books on the subject of meteorites.' Richard Taylor, Spaceflight 'Meteorites is a colourful and often engaging book which covers, at a fairly accessible level, a great deal of ground.' Mark Garlick, Astronomy Now 'This book is one of the most lavishly illustrated texts on meteoritics that it has been my pleasure to read ... [it] provides an excellent overview of the origin, nature, and significance of meteorites that is an easily accessible read for the interested public. I can also recommend its purchase to students of meteoritics, as a useful introduction to the field. It is also a valuable addition to the bookshelf of professional meterioriticists.' Monica Grady, The Observatory

Review Quote

"This is a nice popular science book on planetary science that bravely encompasses many of the more complex aspects of planetary science, including short-lived radionuclides, exposure ages and nucleosysnthesis, all in a remarkably well-presented manner...it is very readable...The book is well illustrated with many magnificent pictures and diagrams...this book is a must....As a source for quick facts, which never seem to be at hand when you need them, and ways to explain planetary science in a concise, but accurate manner,...My advice is to just flip the pages and you'll probably end up buying a copy." Meteoritics & Planetary Science

Promotional "Headline"

A comprehensive and highly illustrated guide to meteorites and the fascinating contributions they make to science.

Description for Bookstore

Throughout history, we have been fascinated by meteorites and their significance. Today, the study of meteorites provides a wealth of information about the solar system, revealing clues to some of the greatest scientific enigmas. This comprehensive and beautifully illustrated guide will expertly answer all your questions about these mysterious objects.

Description for Library

Throughout history, we have been fascinated by meteorites and their significance. Today, the study of meteorites provides a wealth of information about the solar system, revealing clues to some of the greatest scientific enigmas. This comprehensive and beautifully illustrated guide will expertly answer all your questions about these mysterious objects.

Details