This text treats our knowledge of the solar system from an astrophysical point of view. Part 1 deals with the formation of the solar system and its interaction with the interplanetary medium. Part 2 presents its various objects: planets and satellites, asteroids, comets and interplanetary dust. The final sections on comparative planetology, open questions and future space exploration round off an introduction to a field which has grown dramatically following the space missions of the last fifteen years. Students and lecturers in astronomy and planetary science as well as observers will find a mine of information in this concise text.
From the reviews:
"This dense text book [...] is a serious review of the physical and chemical structure and evolution of the solar system addressed certainly to students and searchers in astronomy but is also very pleasant to read for a more external reader with some scientific knowledge." (Physicalia 2005, 57, page 215-216)
"As a detailed reference to the astronomy and physics of the solar system, I have yet to meet its equal." (R. Feasey, Journal of the Auckland Astronomical Society AAS, May 2005)
From the reviews of the third edition:
"This is the third edition of the originally published book in French in 1987. The solar system, planets and satellites, asteroids, comets and interplanetary dust is discussed in a very systematic and quantitative way. ... This dense text book ... is a serious review of the physical and chemical structure and evolution of the solar system addressed certainly to students and searchers in astronomy but is also very pleasant to read for a more external reader with some scientific knowledge." (Laurent Favart, Physicalia, Vol. 57 (3), 2005)
"Originally published in 1987, at just over 500 pages, the third edition of this hardcover text has been translated from its native French by Storm Dunlop. ... it is not a picture book designed to catch the eye, but a serious review of the physical and chemical structure and evolution of the solar system. As a detailed reference to the astronomy and physics of the solar system, I have yet to meet its equal. ... A highly recommended reference book." (Roger Feasey, Journal of the Auckland Astronomical Society, May, 2005)
"This book, originally appeared in French in 1987 ... . It is a good book for those intending to increase their knowledge on modern planetology. ... This volume offers a nice journey inside the solar system and closes with a brief account on the search for life in the Universe. ... The volume ends with a series of references for each chapter together with an alphabetic index for a quick item search. The book is accessible to many researchers and postgraduate students." (M. Storini, Bollettino della Società Italiana di Fisica, Vol. 28 (1), 2005)
