Introduction to Planetary Science

table of contents ix
7.3.4. The Earth at Summer Solstice 101
7.3.5. Autumnal and Vernal Equinoxes 102
7.3.6. Milankovitch Cycles 103
7.4. The Gregorian Calendar 104
7.5. Summary 105
7.6. Science Briefs 105
7.7. Problems 107
7.8. Further Reading 107
8. Meteorites and Impact Craters 109
8.1. Classification and Mineralogy of Meteorites 110
8.2. Carbonaceous Chondrites 112
8.3. Tektites 114
8.4. Meteorite Parent Bodies 115
8.5. Celestial Mechanics 116
8.6. Falls and Finds 118
8.7. Age Determinations 120
8.8. Meteorite Impacts 122
8.8.1. Formation of Craters 122
8.8.2. Classification of Craters 123
8.8.3. Modification of Craters 124
8.8.4. Frequency of Impacts 125
8.8.5. Environmental Consequences (Tunguska,
1908) 126
8.9. Meteor Crater: Memorial to E.M. Shoemaker 127
8.10. Summary 131
8.11. Science Briefs 131
8.12. Problems 135
8.13. Further Reading 135
9. The Earth-Moon System 139
9.1. Landforms of the Lunar Surface 141
9.1.1. Highlands 141
9.1.2. Maria 142
9.1.3. Impact Craters 143
9.1.4. Regolith 143
9.1.5. Water 143
9.2. Isotopic Dating 145
9.3. Geology of the Near Side 145
9.4. Lunar Meteorites 149
9.5. Internal Structure 150
9.6. Origin of the Moon 152
9.7. Celestial Mechanics 154
9.7.1. Spin-Orbit Coupling 154
9.7.2. Lunar Orbit 155
9.8. Tides 156
9.8.1. Ocean Tides 156
9.8.2. Body Tides 157
9.9. Research Stations on the Moon 158
9.9.1. Weighing the Risks and Benefits 158
9.9.2. Utilization of Lunar Resources 159
9.10. Space Law 160
9.10.1. United Nations: Laws for States 160