What's Hidden Inside Planets?

Dr. Sabine Stanley, a planetary scientist, takes us on a guided journey through the inner workings of Earth, other planets in our solar system, and beyond, revealing the secrets of their cloaked mysteries. From extreme heat and cold to toxic gases and scorching magma flows, we explore the fascinating features of these worlds, including interior tides, asteroids filled with gold, and the building blocks of swirling cosmic dust, pebbles, and gas that created them. Earth, despite its serene appearance, hides a magnificent and volatile interior that makes life possible, while neighboring planets boast their own science fiction-worthy features. Join us on this exciting journey to far-flung interstellar locations and the center of the Earth to learn what lies beneath our feet and why it's the best real estate in our solar system.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2024
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press

A captivating exploration awaits as we delve into the enigmatic realms of Earth, other celestial bodies in our solar system, and the vast expanse beyond. Prepare to be captivated by the extreme conditions that characterize these celestial realms, where temperatures soar to scorching heights, plunge to freezing lows, and endure immense pressures that defy human comprehension. Within these inhospitable environments, we encounter a symphony of toxic gases, scorching magma flows, and ice volcanoes, as well as the mesmerizing dance of interior tides. But that's not all—there are hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, such as asteroids brimming with precious gold.

Planetary scientist Dr. Sabine Stanley, a leading authority in her field, unveils the captivating secrets hidden within the planets. From the humble beginnings of swirling cosmic dust, pebbles, and gas to the formation of coalesced planetesimals, she unravels the intricate processes that shaped the worlds we observe today.

As we venture deeper into the enigmatic interiors of planets, we are greeted with awe-inspiring wonders that await our discovery. Our home planet, Earth, appears as a shimmering gem from space, but beneath its serene facade lies a tumultuous and dynamic interior that sustains life and teases our imagination.

Our neighboring planets, too, possess their own extraordinary features, reminiscent of science fiction tales. Take, for instance, the mesmerizing sight of diamond rain on Jupiter, a phenomenon caused by the planet's intense atmospheric conditions. Similarly, the daily machinations of Earth's deep interior, characterized by intense convection, roiling metals, hidden continents, and shifting tectonic plates, make our planet a fascinating and sometimes treacherous abode.

Drill down thousands of miles through our built environments, soil, sand, water, rock, and minerals, and witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of intense convection, roiling metals, and hidden continents. Discover the profound effects of magnetism, rotation, and seismic activity, as manifested in the breathtaking displays of auroras, hurricanes, volcanoes, and earthquakes.

As we explore the outer (mainly liquid iron with nickel) and inner core of Earth, we encounter a world of extreme temperatures and pressures. The molten core, driven by heat and radioactive decay, generates a magnetic field that shapes our planet's surface and influences its atmospheric conditions.

But our journey doesn't end there. Our neighboring planets boast their own fierce forces and celestial wonders. Moons, adorned with frozen oceans, hold the potential to reveal the existence of extraterrestrial life, offering a glimpse into the vastness of the universe and the endless possibilities that await our exploration.

Join us on this exhilarating journey to far-flung interstella, where we unlock the mysteries of the cosmos and expand our understanding of the universe. Prepare to be captivated by the breathtaking landscapes, extraordinary phenomena, and the incredible diversity of life that exists beyond our planet.

Weight: 282g
Dimension: 128 x 177 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781421448169