More about the series Astronomers' Universe...
The Strange Little Worlds of the Sun's Family
- Provides observing projects for readers
- Highlights recent data from space probes
- Written for readers of all levels of experience, with no complex mathematics
This book concentrates on some of the odd aspects of comets and asteroids. Strange behavior of comets, such as outbursts and schisms, and how asteroids can temporally act as comets are discussed, together with the possible threat of Centaurs-class objects like the Taurid complex.
Recent years have seen the distinction between comets and asteroids become less prominent. Comets in "asteroid" orbits and vice versa have become almost commonplace and a clearer view of the role of small bodies in the formation of the Solar System and their effect on Earth has become apparent. Seargent covers this development in detail by including new data and information from space probes.
The author David A. J. Seargent holds an MA and Ph.D., both in Philosophy from the University of Newcastle NSW. As an amateur astronomer, he is known for his observations of comets, one of which he discovered in 1978.
