Solar System Astrophysics: Planetary Atmospheres and the Outer Solar System

The book covers the field of solar system astrophysics beginning with basic tools of spherical astronomy and coordinate frames and celestial mechanics. It therefore presents equations and derivations starting from a level that permits one to see the underlying physical ideas. An up-to-date overview on all essential topics is presented, but is concise where possible. The text is based on extensive experience in the classroom and its contents have been field-tested by students for years. The material has been updated in the last few months to take advantage of the newer discoveries of the Mars Rover and the Saturn Cassini missions.