Fred Lawrence Whipple

Discusses the origin and nature of comets, the latest theories surrounding them, and answers questions for the general reader.

The space-age view of cometary physics and chemistry is dealt with in this book. Physics and Chemistry of Comets presents in detail our current knowledge of comets based on the scientific data from the spacecraft missions of 1986 to Halley's comet. Nucleus, neutral coma, plasma, dust, and the origin and evolution of comets are treated in eight carefully edited chapters written by leading experts in the field. Advanced students and researchers in space physics, planetology, geophysics and cosmochemistry will find this an authoritative, longstanding reference source.