Adventures In Celestial Mechanics

Adventures in Celestial Mechanics

A fascinating introduction to the basic principles of orbital mechanics It has been three hundred years since Isaac Newton first formulated laws to explain the orbits of the Moon and the planets of our solar system. In so doing he laid the groundwork for modern science's understanding of the workings of the cosmos and helped pave the way to the age of space exploration. Adventures in Celestial Mechanics offers students an enjoyable way to become acquainted with the basic principles involved in the motions of natural and human-made bodies in space. Packed with examples in which these principles are applied to everything from a falling stone to the Sun, from space probes to galaxies, this updated and revised Second Edition is an ideal introduction to celestial mechanics for students of astronomy, physics, and aerospace engineering. Other features that helped make the first edition of this book the text of choice in colleges and universities across North America include: * Lively historical accounts of important discoveries in celestial mechanics and the men and women who made them * Superb illustrations, photographs, charts, and tables * Helpful chapter-end examples and problem sets

Adventures in Celestial Mechanics

Adventures in Celestial Mechanics

"In this well-written textbook, one of the world's leading authorities provides an expert introduction to the principles of orbital mechanics, with applications to the dynamics of space probes, artificial satellites, and members of the solar system. In Professor Szebehely's own words, his aim is "to infatuate students with the beauty of celestial mechanics, to emphasize the basic and simple principles, and to offer as challenges the fascinating, unsolved problems in this field." "--Back cover.