Product Description

In recent years, meteorites have caught the imagination of scientist and collector alike. An army of people are now actively searching for them in the hot and cold deserts of Earth. Fascinating extraterrestrial rocks in meteorites are our only contact with materials from beyond the Earth-Moon system. Using well known petrologic techniques, O. Richard Norton reveals in vivid color their extraordinary external and internal structures and taking readers to the atomic level, describes the environment within the solar nebula that existed before the planets accreted. Extensively illustrated, this volume is a valuable guide to assist searchers in the field in recognizing the many classes of meteorites and it is a superb reference source for students, teachers and scientists who wish to probe deeper these amazing rocks from space. O. Richard Norton is a contributing editor for Meteorite magazine and the author of The Planetarium and Atmospherium and Rocks from Space (Mountain Press, 1998). For the last 40 years, he has taught astronomy and space sciences at various US institutions.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #456919 in Books
• Published on: 2002-03-11
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 374 pages

Review
'This is a beautiful, substantial, glossy book that comprehensively discusses the major issues in meteorites and cosmochemistry. The superb pictures are of high quality and made up of artwork as well as diagrams and photographs. The subject matter is very complete, and covers the effects of impacts, the history of meteorites, and how to recognize meteorites in the field ... As a work to inspire and interest, it works magnificently.' Sara Russell, The Observatory '... splendid encyclopaedia ... excellent value and is highly recommended.' Richard Taylor, Spaceflight '... a thorough guide to extraterrestrial rocks.' Lunar and Planetary Information Bulletin 'Norton deftly navigates the turbid waters of our current meteorite classification system making these 100-plus pages alone worth the price of the book. Scores of colour illustrations grace every one of the 12 chapters, to the point that this encyclopedia could masquerade as a coffee-table book showcasing the beautiful meteorites of the world. ... History has been made in meteorite literature, and the Cambridge Encyclopedia of Meteorites deserves the same shelf presence as the famous Catalogue of Meteorites.' Martin G. Horejsi, Earth, Moon and Planets 'Norton ably demonstrates his competent grip of this field ... this is an encyclopedia for budding and accomplished enthusiasts who wish for an authoritative reference that includes the latest research in a steadily burgeoning subject ... definitely recommended' Steve Ringwood, Astronomy Now '[the] illustrations - over 150 of them in colour - are not just aesthetically stunning, but very instructive too ... if you are fascinated by meteorites, then this book is well worth having ... the illustrations are a delight.' John Saxton, J. Br. Astron. Association 'Twelve packed chapters crammed with stunning illustrations present the origin, structure and classification of meteoric material ... This is an encyclopedia for budding and accomplished enthusiasts who wish for an authoritative reference that includes the latest research in a steadily burgeoning subject.' Sky & Telescope 'There is not much anyone would want to know about meteorites that is missing from this book.' Popular Astronomy '...this book is the complete illustrated reference work for anyone interested in the subject of meteorites.' Astronomy & Space 'If you harbour an interest in astronomy alongside that of geology then you are bound to find this book fascinating. If your interest is solely geology then you should make a point of reading this book, it will broaden your horizons.' Open University Geological Society Journal

Review
"The author brings a very personal touch to this book, for he is a true meteorite afficionado. A major attribute is an unparalleled collection of spectacular photographs and figures illustrating all major aspects of meteoritics." The Canadian Mineralogist

"The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Meteorites is the perfect tome for those who want to do serious reading about astronomical phenomenon...The text could well be called 'the Complete Reader' on meteorites, asteroids and their effects on earth as it will serve the reader well as a ready reference on a fascinating subject." Miller Magazines, Inc.

"Extensively illustrated, this book is a valuable guide to assist searchers in recognizing the many classes of meteorites. It is a superb reference source for students, teachers, and scientists who wish to probe deeper into these amazing rocks from space." Physical Sciences Digest

"The book covers this new science thoroughly. It is well-written and understandable, with exceptional illustrations and graphics. The six appendices and the glossary provide an additional education in this fascinating field. It is time for a complete encyclopedia on meteorites and anyone interested in the universe or Earth will find it indispensable." Lapidary Journal

"This beautifully illustrated book is a comprehensive treatment of known meteorites of our solar system. An excellent compendium...an excellent reference for researchers and an excellent guide for students and other interested readers." Science Books and Films

"Engagingly written and profusely illustrated with photographs, micrographs, spacecraft imagery, and paintings, this encyclopedia presents an extensive tour of the classification, structure, history, and origins of meteorites ... Designed to bridge the gap between high-level professionals." Choice

"...it is beautifully and lavishly illustrated with many pictures of meteorites in thin section as well as of hand specimens." Science

"This book is incredibly attractive, a real labor of love. May it be discovered by the space agencies of this world so that they can learn abut samples already captured from space in order to guide future missions. Read it; display it for visitors, especially children, teachers, politicians, and even engineers!". Rocks and Minerals

Book Info
Beautifully illustrated with over 140 full color images, this encyclopedia provides a thorough guide to these fascinating extraterrestrial rocks. A valuable reference to assist the researchers in the field to recognize the many classes of meteorites.

Customer Reviews

STUPENDOUS
THERE IS NOT MUCH TO SAY ABOUT THIS EXCEPTIONAL BOOK EXCEPT THIS IS AN EXCELLENT IN-DEPTH LOOK AT METEORITES WITH SUPERB COLOR PICTURES. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN METEORITES, ESPECIALLY COLLECTING THEM, YOUR LIBRARY SHOLD NOT BE WITHOUT THIS BOOK.