Exploring Space (Discovery and Exploration)

Throughout history, people have tried to understand Earth's place in the universe and what else, if anything, is 'out there'. This common human curiosity has led to great discoveries, from astrologers in ancient Babylon and Egypt who sought to link the strange planetary paths through the night sky to human behavior, to the 17th century when Galileo turned his first telescope on the night sky, to the 21st century when robotic explorers landed on Mars. 

Planetary Landscapes

The book is strewn with quarter to full page photographs from the various space missions to the planets--and indeed, it is the best illustrated introductory text available. The author does provide a good overview of all the geological processes and imaging technology in his initial chapters, which is then followed by his descriptions of the planets.