Celestial Mechanics -

The Waltz of the Planets

Alessandra Celletti and Ettore Perozzi

Offering a unique insight into a subject sometimes thought too difficult for the non-mathematician to grasp, and using only basic mathematics, this book provides the necessary tools to enable the reader to understand the underlying physical phenomena behind celestial mechanics. It also provides facts and figures on historical events and modern discoveries, and gives a tantalising glimpse into a possible future.

Although Celestial Mechanics covers topics in the front line of scientific research and technology, it also details a large number of discoveries by amateur astronomers. The role of celestial mechanics in everything from the evolution of a planet to space exploration is, for the first time, made accessible, interesting and amusing.

Table of Contents

Foreword
Authors' preface
Acknowledgements
List of illustrations

AROUND AND AROUND
THREE BODIES AND NO SOLUTION
CELESTIAL WALTZ
COSMIC SPINNING TOPS
OUR CHAOTIC SOLAR SYSTEM
SINGULARITIES, COLLISIONS AND THREATENING BODIES
OF MOON AND MAN
ROCK AROUND THE PLANETS
LORDS OF THE RINGS
AT THE EDGE OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM
ON THE ROAD TO EXOLIFE

Appendix 1 Planetary data
Appendix 2 Planetary satellite data
Appendix 3 Space missions
Appendix 4 Internet resources

Glossary
Bibliography
Index

Extent: 276 pages; 16 page colour section
Binding: Paperback
Publication Date: December 2006
ISBN: 978-0-387-30777-0

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