Comets and Meteors / Their phenomena in all ages; their mutual relations; and the theory of their origin.

Name: Comets and Meteors / Their phenomena in all ages; their mutual relations; and the theory of their origin.
Author: Daniel Kirkwood

By Daniel Kirkwood

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About This Book

The work surveys the solar system as a context for small bodies and then examines comets, their orbits, and how planetary perturbations alter trajectories. It treats observational classes of comets and argues that many meteor showers arise from the gradual disintegration of cometary nuclei, producing diffuse streams that intersect Earth's orbit. It describes falling meteorites, eyewitness phenomena of shooting stars and notable showers, and considers the zodiacal light as a cloud of fine particles. The final chapters synthesize observations into theories for the origin and mutual relations of comets, meteors, and aerolites.

About the Author

Daniel Kirkwood

Daniel Kirkwood was an American astronomer known for his significant contributions to the field of celestial mechanics and meteoric astronomy. He is particularly recognized for his studies on comets and asteroids, which helped to advance the understanding of these celestial bodies. His notable works include "Comets and Meteors," where he explores the phenomena associated with these objects throughout history, and "Meteoric Astronomy," a treatise that delves into shooting stars and fireballs. Kirkwood's research on the asteroids, particularly the minor planets between Mars and Jupiter, has left a lasting impact on the study of our solar system.