by George H A Cole (University of Hull, UK)

George H A Cole is an Emeritus Professor of the University of Hull. He is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society of which he is a past Vice-President. Born in London (England), he graduated from University College London with a 1st class bachelor degree in physics. He then undertook postgraduate research on the statistical theory of liquids for which he was awarded a PhD in theoretical physics. He was awarded a DSc. by the University of London in 1963. He has been a Fulbright Scholar in the USA and a Professor of Physics at UCLA. He has spent periods as a Visiting Scientist at the European Space Technology Centre at Nordwijk, The Netherlands, and in Italy at the European Space Research Institute at Frascati and at the Institute of Theoretical Physics in Trieste. He has published over 100 papers and a number of books on various topics in theoretical physics and the planetary sciences, and is especially interested in planetary interiors. His other interests include music and water colour painting.
 

The space vehicle spectaculars of recent years have been revealing the full scope and beauty of our own solar system but have also shown that a growing number of other stars too have planetary bodies orbiting around them. The study of these systems is just beginning. It seems that our galaxy contains untold numbers of planets, and presumably other galaxies will be similar to our own. Our solar system contains life, on Earth: do others as well? Such questions excite modern planetary scientists and astro-biologists. This situation is a far cry from ancient times when the five planets that can be seen from Earth without a telescope were called the “wandering stars”.

This notebook-cum-workbook provides an introduction to those profound and still-developing modern studies. Written by an expert in the field, it is pitched at a level suitable for beginning students. It is designed particularly for self-study but can also provide background support for students attending lecture courses or teachers developing such courses. The reader is encouraged to add to the arguments of the book as the subject develops. A special feature here is a substantial glossary of terms and people which serves as a starting point for further entries. Wandering Stars is a key to unlock the door to an exciting and fascinating universe which is still the object of active discovery.