Dawn of Small Worlds: Dwarf Planets, Asteroids, Comets by Michael Moltenbrey provides a comprehensive scientific introduction to the thousands of minor bodies within our solar system. Aimed at amateur astronomers, students, and laypeople, the book details the nature, origin, and significant roles of these "small worlds".
Core Subjects
- The book categorizes and explores three primary types of minor solar system bodies:
- Dwarf Planets: Discusses bodies like Pluto and Ceres, highlighting how they differ from major planets.
- Asteroids: Covers their origins, composition, and location, primarily within the asteroid belt.
- Comets: Examines their icy nature and their paths from the outer reaches of the solar system.
Key Themes and Structure
- History of Exploration: Moltenbrey reviews the history of discovery, from early telescopic observations to modern space exploration.
- Spacecraft Missions: The text details past, current, and then-future robotic missions (such as Rosetta, New Horizons, and Dawn) designed to study these bodies up close.
- Scientific Methodology: It explains how astronomers determine properties of small worlds using techniques like light curves, resonance studies, and elliptical orbit analysis.
- Distinct Nature: A central thesis is that small worlds have dramatically different physical characteristics and appearances compared to the eight major planets.
About the Author
Dr. Michael Moltenbrey is a computer scientist whose background includes high-performance computer simulations. He is also an active amateur astronomer and former president of a local astronomy club.
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