Vesta and Ceres: Insights from the Dawn Mission for the Origin of the Solar System

The NASA Dawn mission, launched in 2007, aimed to visit Vesta and Ceres, two of the most massive protoplanets in the main asteroid belt. This book summarizes state-of-the-art results from the mission and discusses their implications for understanding the formation and evolution of the Solar System. It is a definitive reference for academic researchers and professionals in planetary science, asteroid science, and space exploration.

Format: Hardback
Length: 274 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The NASA Dawn mission, which commenced its journey in 2007, set out on a remarkable expedition to explore two of the most colossal protoplanets residing in the central asteroid belt: Vesta and Ceres. With a primary objective of delving deeper into the enigmatic origins of the Solar System, the mission aimed to compare and contrast these two celestial bodies, shedding light on their formation and evolution processes. This comprehensive book encapsulates the cutting-edge findings derived from the Dawn mission, offering a profound understanding not only of the asteroid belt but also the vast expanse of the Solar System. Comprising three distinct parts, Part 1 provides a comprehensive overview of the main belt asteroids, serving as an introduction to the Dawn mission. Part 2 presents the key discoveries made during the expedition, highlighting the profound insights into the early stages of the Solar System's formation and evolution. Part 3 delves into the profound implications of these findings, shedding light on the broader context of the Solar System's development. This authoritative text serves as a vital reference for academic researchers and professionals engaged in the fields of planetary science, asteroid science, and space exploration. It stands as a testament to the tireless efforts and groundbreaking discoveries of the Dawn mission, contributing significantly to our collective knowledge of the cosmos.

Weight: 1096g
Dimension: 223 x 287 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108479738
Edition number: New ed