Lunar Surface Studies

The only work to date to collect data gathered during the American and Soviet missions in an accessible and complete reference of current scientific and technical information about the Moon.

Secrets of the Moon: Understanding and Analysing the Lunar Surface provides a unique account of the origin of key features on the lunar surface. Containing historical accounts and the latest observations from the field, in addition to exciting data from the Apollo manned missions, it describes the development of our current understanding of our Moon. It also explores the fracturing of the Moon, a topic not explored in other literature in the area, and contains a statistical treatment of the smaller craters of the Moon, as well as a geological treatment of the larger craters. This moderately technical account is designed to clarify and update the general thinking on the nature and origin of the most important lunar surface features for both undergraduate and research students. It may also be read by the professional scientist, especially the astronomer and the geologist who has found little time to study the Moon’s topography, in addition to the lunar amateur astronomer and even the dedicated layman with a keen interest in lunar science. The book excludes nearly all mathematical symbols in order to remain accessible to those without a formal education in the area. Key Features: Authored by an expert in the area Presents a comprehensive account of the lunar surface, from historical observations to the NASA Apollo manned missions and the latest observations and data in the field Includes a statistical and geological treatment of the craters Dr. Gilbert Fielder is Reader Emeritus at Lancaster University, United Kingdom. He performed extended teaching at Lancaster University on Planetary Science and introduced a new degree course on Remote Sensing. Prior to this, he was Principal Investigator in NASA’s Heat Capacity Mapping Programme, while continuing to head the Lunar and Planetary Unit at Lancaster until retirement. Dr. Fielder has authored several books, and presented many BBC and ITA television news programmes, as well as popular programmes with Sir Patrick Moore (on the BBC’s "The Sky at Night") and, on the occasion of the first landing of astronauts on the Moon, with David Frost as Chairman in a special programme.

Long before Galileo published his discoveries about Jupiter, lunar craters, and the Milky Way in the Starry Messenger in 1610, people were fascinated with the planets and stars around them. That interest continues today, and scientists are making new discoveries at an astounding rate. Ancient lake beds on Mars, robotic spacecraft missions, and new definitions of planets now dominate the news. How can you take it all in? Start with the new Encyclopedia of the Solar System, Second Edition. This self-contained reference follows the trail blazed by the bestselling first edition. It provides a framework for understanding the origin and evolution of the solar system, historical discoveries, and details about planetary bodies and how they interact—and has jumped light years ahead in terms of new information and visual impact. Offering more than 50% new material, the Encyclopedia includes the latest explorations and observations, hundreds of new color digital images and illustrations, and more than 1,000 pages. It stands alone as the definitive work in this field, and will serve as a modern messenger of scientific discovery and provide a look into the future of our solar system. · Forty-seven chapters from 75+ eminent authors review fundamental topics as well as new models, theories, and discussions · Each entry is detailed and scientifically rigorous, yet accessible to undergraduate students and amateur astronomers · More than 700 full-color digital images and diagrams from current space missions and observatories amplify the chapters · Thematic chapters provide up-to-date coverage, including a discussion on the new International Astronomical Union (IAU) vote on the definition of a planet · Information is easily accessible with numerous cross-references and a full glossary and index