Amazon.co.uk Review
This comprehensive portrait of the Sun's second planet is a fascinating blend of ancient history and modern science. David Harry Grinspoon begins by showing why Venus has traditionally held a unique place in the human imagination (hint: it's not just because Venus is the brightest "star" in the sky). He also includes up-to-the-minute information from the Magellan spacecraft on what we know about Venus's super-hot atmosphere and pressure-cooked geography. Along the way, Grinspoon shares his geeky humor and makes deft pop culture references to R.E.M. songs, astrology and Zsa Zsa Gabor. The pictures--many of them in full- colour--are great, too. All the planets should have books like this one.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Product Description
The first book for a general audience to reveal the breathtaking scientific results of the Magellan mission to Venus.. Until very recently, all we really knew about Venus, our nearest planetary neighbor, was that it was roughly the same size and mass as the earth and was surrounded by a thick atmosphere. Then, in 1989, American scientists launched Magellanthe spacecraft that would revolutionize our vision of this mysterious planet. Venus Revealed is the first book to explain the breathtaking results of this mission, which unveiled a Venusian world of active volcanoes, shining mountains, and river valleys carved by torrents of flowing lava. At one time, Venus may have even had a wet, temperate climate, much like Earths. What happened to turn it into a hostile, burning acid world? The answer could very well help us solve some of our most pressing environmental problemsfrom global warming to acid rain. In Venus Revealed, David Grinspoon eloquently argues that studying our exotic twin will inevitable teach us more about ourselves.
