William Sheehan

The last of the five naked-eye planets discovered in ancient times, Mercury has long been an elusive, enigmatic world. As seen from the Earth, it never emerges far from the Sun, and astronomers in the telescopic era found it challenging to work out such basic data as its rotation period, the inclination of its axis, and whether or not it...

This new and beautifully illustrated account of Venus delves into the most recent research about this mysterious, inhospitable world. It examines the history of our observations of the planet, ranging from early astronomy to upcoming space missions. The book seeks to answer several unresolved questions, such as why Venus and Earth, despite being so similar in size and mass, have...

An inviting expedition across our galactic neighbourhood, from Mercury to the Sun's furthest satellites, complete with the latest discoveries. The Space Age probes to the Moon, Venus and Mars ushered in a golden age of planetary science, transforming planets from distant mysteries into vividly realised worlds. The Solar System provides a comprehensive, accessible survey of the entire solar system, covering...

For millennia, solar eclipses have stirred awe and fear. Once seen as omens, they are now celebrated as rare spectacles that unite science and wonder. This accessible, richly illustrated book explores their cultural, emotional and scientific significance, from ancient myths to modern eclipse-chasing expeditions. It traces how eclipses helped unlock secrets of the Sun, and why witnessing one inspires powerful...

Jupiter is the grandest of all planets. It is by far the largest planet in the solar system and among the brightest objects in the night sky, and its calming presence has inspired humans for centuries. Jupiter was the 'beloved star' of the ancient Sumerians and Babylonians, the first serious observers of the planets, and the Pioneer and Voyager spacecraft...