Planet Mars - by François Forget & François Costard & Philippe Lognonné (Paperback)

About the Book

This uniquely illustrated book details the processes and phenomena that make up the history, geology and climate of planet Mars. It focuses on the past and present evolution of Mars and also incorporates the recent results from the space missions to Mars.

Book Synopsis

This book gives a new insight of Mars by adopting an original outline based on history rather than on subtopic (atmosphere, surface, interior). It focuses on the past and present evolution of Mars and also incorporates all the recent results from the space missions of Mars Express, Spirit and Opportunity. This book goes to the heart of current planetological research by providing a unique selection of pictures - some previously unpublished - and schematic drawings. The authors describe the magnificent scenery on Mars and introduce a new world to reveal the workings of the planet. They answer the questions: How was Mars formed? Why has its evolution followed a different path to that of Earth? What do its river beds, volcanoes and glaciers tell us about its past? Could life have existed there? Does it exist there now? What processes 'drive' Mars today? In the final part of the book the authors describe current research to prepare for future missions to Mars.

Review Quotes

From the reviews:

"This would be an excellent book to give someone who is interested in Mars ... . Translated from the French, it could be enjoyed by a layperson or undergraduate planetary science student. Richly illustrated and containing many pictures from contemporary missions - the two Mars rovers and operating trio of NASA and ESA orbiters - the scientific findings are presented in a succinct, yet easy to follow format. The book is well laid-out and the use of illustrations has been especially thoughtful." (Malcolm Smith, Astronomy Now, April, 2008)

"Today, Earth's nearest planetary neighbor is better understood, and this book takes observational surveys and photographic evidence from the Martian surface to give a clear and factual look at this dynamic planet. ... They emphasize recent discoveries of Mars's current atmospheric and climatologic conditions. This coverage is timely, and the intriguing photographic evidence offers an in-depth look at the relentless controversy of liquid water (and life!) once flowing over the Martian surface. ... Includes colorful illustrations. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers, lower-division undergraduates." (L. R. Johnston, CHOICE, Vol. 45 (10), June, 2008)

"This book provides an overview of the current understanding of the past and present state of Mars, and a brief introduction to the planet. ... would serve very well as an introductory resource at the undergraduate level. ... provides a superb overview on most topics regarding Mars, and it manages to do so without going into a level of detail that would be considered necessary for a specialist in the topic. For a budding planetary scientist, undergraduate, or amateur, this is definitely a recommended read." (Alex Leatherland, EOS, Vol. 90 (19), May, 2009)