A history of physical theories of comets, from Aristotle to Whipple

The book describes the major physical theories of comets in the past two millennia. It demonstrates the evolution of ideas about the nature, position, motion and physical constitution of comets from Aristotle to Whipple. Unlike the available works on the history of comets, which either illustrate relatively short periods in the history of physical cometology or portray a landscape view without adequate details, the present study focuses on details of each theory.It also investigates the interaction between observational and mathematical astronomy, and the physical sciences in defining the properties of comets. Ideas about the astrological aspects of comets are not considered in this study. Also, topics concerning the motion of comets are explained to the extent that is helpful in illustrating their physical properties. Although the present study is mainly focused on the physical theories of comets, its results will be relevant to studies in the history of geology, planetary science, and astrology.A comprehensive history of physical theories of comets from 300 BC to the appearance of modern theory of comets in the1950s Discusses the details of major theories of comets based on primary sources Illustrates the interaction between observational and mathematical astronomy, and the physical sciences in defining the properties of comets INDICE: Introduction. One: Aristotle’s Theory of Comets. Two: After Aristotle. Three: From Brahe to Newton. Four: Comets in Newtonian Physics. Five: After Newton. Six: Non-Newtonian Theories of Comets. Seven: Comets in the Laplacian Cosmos. Eight: Comets in the post-Laplacian Era. Summary and Concluding Remarks. Bibliography. Index.

• ISBN: 978-1-4020-8322-8
• Editorial: Springer
• Encuadernacion: Cartoné
• Páginas: 455
• Fecha Publicación: 01/05/2008
• Nº Volúmenes: 1
• Idioma: Inglés