Celestial Bodies In Orbi

This work (originally published in 1925) contributes to recognition of the feasibility of space travel. Treated are problems associated with leaving the earth, return to earth, free-space flight, circumnavigation of celestial objects, and landing on other celestial objects.

The aim of this book is to demonstrate to a wider audience, as well as to a more skilled audience, the many fascinating aspects of modern celestial mechanics. It sets out to do this without the use of mathematics. After giving the reader the technical tools needed for a basic understanding of the underlying physical phenomena (using only elementary mathematics), facts and figures are provided on historical events, modern discoveries and future applications. Contents are divided into major topics where the three "souls" of modern celestial mechanics (dynamical systems, Solar System and stellar systems, spaceflight dynamics) play a major role.

Astronomy is one of the oldest natural sciences. From ancient times, people have recorded methodical observations of objects in the night sky and attempted to understand the mysteries of the universe. This title provides an engaging and up-to-date presentation of fundamental astronomy facts and principles. The text clearly explains the nature of celestial bodies such as the planets, dwarf planets, stars, moons, asteroids, and comets. It also examines the tools and techniques used by today's astronomers, including high-tech telescopes, spectroscopy, and computer modeling. Enhanced with illuminating images, this title is an ideal introduction to astronomy for a range of readers.

Interesting and often unexpected achievements of the mechanics of space flight throw a new light onto several classical problems. The book’s emphasis is on analysis carried out on the level of graphs and drawings, and sometimes numbers, revealing the beauty of the research process leading to the results.

In May 1962 the International Union of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (IUTAM) organized a symposium in Paris on the theory of the movement of the Earth's artificial satellites designated to confront the results of the first spatial experiences with the mechanical point of view. The papers submitted during this meeting have been published in 1963 in a collection entitled "Dynamics of Satellites" by Springer Verlag. During the last three years the importance of studies pertaining to the dynamics of artificial satellites has continued to increase, and many results due to observations have led to a deeper knowledge of the field of forces in which these objects move, particularly the field of gravitation of the Earth, the forces due to pressure of radiation, friction of the atmosphere, etc . . . A new symposium seemed therefore suitable to determine these recent advances. However, this time it appeared appropriate to consider it more from the point of view of the interpretation obtained from the results of observations (determination of orbits and forces existing) than from the point of view of the theory of motion. For this reason the complete title of the second symposium is as follows: "Trajectories of Artificial Celestial Bodies, as Determined from Observations".

The Moon has always been an object of immense fascination for humanity – and not just because of its prominence in the night sky. With its complex orbit, it is far closer to our planet than any other celestial body. Already in ancient Babylon, humans have studied the Moon and its relationship to the planets and constellations. Through incisive texts and illustrations using photos and computer simulations, this book explores the similarities and differences to other planets and their moons, the Moon’s interactions with the Sun and the Earth, and interesting historical associations. In addition to scientifically accurate texts, it contains numerous large-format photographs and graphics that vividly explain the complex phenomenon of the Moon. Richly illustrated, it is designed for anyone interested in astronomy.

This book relates the history of asteroid discoveries and christenings, from those of the early pioneering giants of Hersehel and Piazzi to modern-day amateurs. Moving from history and anecdotal information to science, the book's structure is provided by the names of the asteroids, including one named after the author. Free from a need to conform to scientific naming conventions, the names evidence hero-worship, sycophancy, avarice, vanity, whimsy, erudition and wit, revealing the human side of astronomers, especially where controversy has followed the christening. Murdin draws from extensive historical records to explore the debate over these names. Each age reveals its own biases and preferences in the naming process. “/p> Originally regarded as “vermin of the skies,” asteroids are minor planets, rocky scraps left over from the formation of the larger planets, or broken fragments of worlds that have collided. Their scientific classification as “minor” planets makes them seem unimportant, but over the past decades asteroids have been acknowledged to be key players in the Solar System. This view of their starring role even alters the trajectories of spacecraft: NASA’s policy for new space missions en route to the outer planets is that they must divert to study passing asteroids whenever possible. This book provides for readers a complete tour of the fascinating world of asteroids.