Long before Galileo published his discoveries about Jupiter lunar craters andthe Milky Way in the Starry Messenger in 1610 people were fascinated with theplanet... » 

Long before Galileo published his discoveries about Jupiter lunar craters andthe Milky Way in the Starry Messenger in 1610 people were fascinated with theplanets and stars around them. That interest continues today and scientistsare making new discoveries at an astounding rate. Ancient lake beds on Marsrobotic spacecraft missions and new definitions of planets now dominate thenews. How can you take it all in? Start with the new Encyclopedia of the SolarSystem Second Edition. This selfcontained reference follows the trail blazedby the bestselling first edition. It provides a framework for understanding theorigin and evolution of the solar system historical discoveries and detailsabout planetary bodies and how they interactand has jumped light years aheadin terms of new information and visual impact. Offering more than 50 newmaterial the Encyclopedia includes the latest explorations and observationshundreds of new color digital images and illustrations and more than 1000pages. It stands alone as the definitive work in this field and will serve asa modern messenger of scientific discovery and provide a look into the futureof our solar system. «