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Pergamon Moon Globe
Planet.SpaceSci. 1964,Vol. 12.pp. 1141m 1142. PergamonPressLtd. Printedin NorthernIreland
BOOK REVIEWS
PAUL W. MERRILL:
Space
Chemistry.
University
of Michigan Press, Ann Arbor, 1963. 166 pp.
81 Figs. $1.95. RECENTLY some excellent astronomical texts for the layman have been published. Space Chemistry, by the late P. W. Merrill, should number in this group. The book is concerned with describing the astrophysical knowledge which has been attained by spectroscopic techniques. An interesting historical sketch is provided demonstrating the difficulties which hah to be oiercome bkfore photographi; spectroscopy could become possible. The snectra of individual atoms and molecules of astronhvsical interest are then described. The hiscussion of t;e information obtainable from the spectra of a’stionomical objects is divided into two parts-the first describing the solar system and the second describing the stars and galaxies. The book is concluded by a chapter on the formation of the chemical elements and the production of energy in stars and a chapter on the extension of spectroscopic techniques to the ultraviolet and infrared spectra of astronomical objects. This final chapter is written with reference to the possibility of flying apparatus in satellites. This is a book for the informed layman and non-astronomical scientists, lucidly written at a level which could be understood by anyone with fifth or sixth form physics. It is to be hoped that a book of this excellence will find its way into many school libraries. While in general non-technical, it is still of interest for the professional astrophysicist. D. MCNALLY
RALPH
B.
BALDWIN:
xix + 488 pp.
The
Measure
of
the
Moou.
University
Press,
Chicago,
1963.
513.50.
WITHOUTany doubt this is one of the most impressive books ever written about the Moon. As in his earlier book The Face of the Moon Dr. Baldwin expresses his personal views about the origin of the lunar surface in lucid style, and both books are a pleasure to read. The Measure of the Moon is much more than a revision of the author’s earlier book. In addition to marshal!ing and processing still more and improved statistical data on lunar and terrestrial explosion craters, Baldwin has completed a programme of original measurements of the positions of points on the lunar surface and used them to construct a detailed contour map of the Moon’s visible hemisphere. For the first time, the circular maria are shown to be deep basins; and the report of this discovery adds greatly to the importance of the book. The only major point of note, by way of criticism, is that Baldwin bases the whole work on an assumption-namely, that the greater part of the lunar craters are of impact origin. An impact origin is also assumed for the circular or polygonal maria, even though lava flooding, isostatic adjustments, and other geological-type processes are found necessary to account for the present shapes of many of the craters and maria. The reviewer cannot agree that any interpretation of the Moon’s surface features should be based on the assumption that the craters are of impact origin. The whole book is built around the assumption and Baldwin has made out as strong a case as possible-and an excellent case- for the impact theory. Just how much the author may revise his views after close-up photographs of the Moon have been studied remains to be seen. In the meantime, The Measure of the Moon can be recommended as an essential acquisition for every lunar student. GILBERT FIELDER
Pergamon ALTHOUGH
Moon
Globe.
Pergamon Press, Oxford, 1964.
Diameter 33 cm (approx. 13 in.).
f10.
man’s interest in lunar cartography may be said to date from the early 17th century telescopic observations of Galileo it was not until 1838 that a reasonably detailed map by Beer and Madler appeared. Several larger Moon charts have been produced since then, culminating in the painstaking efforts of’%‘ilkins, who in 1959 completed a chart of scale 300 inches to the lunar diameter. In the mid-19th century it seemed that the newly discovered photographic process would revolutionize 1141
1142
BOOK
REVIEWS
seienography. In the event progress in this direction proved relatively modest and it is only within the last few years that really first rate photographic atlases have appeared. With crash landings of lunar space probes already achieved and more ambitious projects under way, the need for a detailed knowledge of the lunar terrain has become of paramount importance. We have long been familiar with the celestial and geographers’ globe. Admittedly the effects of the latter are mainly pictorial, and in this respect they differ from a well made precision lunar or planetary globe where surface marking distinctions may be more apparent than on photographs or an atlas. Naturally the scale of such a globe is all important. The 33 cm diameter of the Pergamon Moon Globe is adequate to show many lunar features and assist the amateur lunar observer in identification problems. A useful aid is that the globe can be quickly inverted by removing the central mounting spindle so as to portray the usual telescopic aspect with the lunar south pole uppermost in the field of view. The latest information from the Lunik series of flights is incorporated on the globe, even to the extent of indicating the impact area of Lunik II. incidentally, the names used for the formations are those adopted by the IAU and are clearly overprinted on the more prominent features. Identification is further facilitated by a latitude and longitude grid. However the choice of finish leaves much to be desired-one less shiny would be more realistic. Many of the earlier terrestrial globes were masterpieces of art and craftsmanship with highly finished base and precision engraved meridian lines and latitude circles and were quite useful for showing the great circle distances between any two points. It is a pity that the workmanship in this case is so poor. The various printed sections stuck on the globe do not match their neighbours in several instances and indeed the polar caps seem to have been placed in position more or less at random. Even the base and axial supporting rod are very flimsy. One could reasonably expect a far higher standard of finish for so costly an article. The expense will probably deter many would-be purchasers from the ranks of amateur astronomers with limited budgets. The globe will be of most use to the newcomer to lunar studies; possibly it would be useful for demonstration purposes to small groups. The globe is accompanied by a most informative introduction written by Mr. Patrick Moore. Perhaps there is something to be said for emphasizing the lunar features on a globe rather than by map as a better means of visualizing them now that the space age is upon us. A. H. JARRETT
BOOK REVIEWS
PAUL W. MERRILL:
Space
Chemistry.
University
of Michigan Press, Ann Arbor, 1963. 166 pp.
81 Figs. $1.95. RECENTLY some excellent astronomical texts for the layman have been published. Space Chemistry, by the late P. W. Merrill, should number in this group. The book is concerned with describing the astrophysical knowledge which has been attained by spectroscopic techniques. An interesting historical sketch is provided demonstrating the difficulties which hah to be oiercome bkfore photographi; spectroscopy could become possible. The snectra of individual atoms and molecules of astronhvsical interest are then described. The hiscussion of t;e information obtainable from the spectra of a’stionomical objects is divided into two parts-the first describing the solar system and the second describing the stars and galaxies. The book is concluded by a chapter on the formation of the chemical elements and the production of energy in stars and a chapter on the extension of spectroscopic techniques to the ultraviolet and infrared spectra of astronomical objects. This final chapter is written with reference to the possibility of flying apparatus in satellites. This is a book for the informed layman and non-astronomical scientists, lucidly written at a level which could be understood by anyone with fifth or sixth form physics. It is to be hoped that a book of this excellence will find its way into many school libraries. While in general non-technical, it is still of interest for the professional astrophysicist. D. MCNALLY
RALPH
B.
BALDWIN:
xix + 488 pp.
The
Measure
of
the
Moou.
University
Press,
Chicago,
1963.
513.50.
WITHOUTany doubt this is one of the most impressive books ever written about the Moon. As in his earlier book The Face of the Moon Dr. Baldwin expresses his personal views about the origin of the lunar surface in lucid style, and both books are a pleasure to read. The Measure of the Moon is much more than a revision of the author’s earlier book. In addition to marshal!ing and processing still more and improved statistical data on lunar and terrestrial explosion craters, Baldwin has completed a programme of original measurements of the positions of points on the lunar surface and used them to construct a detailed contour map of the Moon’s visible hemisphere. For the first time, the circular maria are shown to be deep basins; and the report of this discovery adds greatly to the importance of the book. The only major point of note, by way of criticism, is that Baldwin bases the whole work on an assumption-namely, that the greater part of the lunar craters are of impact origin. An impact origin is also assumed for the circular or polygonal maria, even though lava flooding, isostatic adjustments, and other geological-type processes are found necessary to account for the present shapes of many of the craters and maria. The reviewer cannot agree that any interpretation of the Moon’s surface features should be based on the assumption that the craters are of impact origin. The whole book is built around the assumption and Baldwin has made out as strong a case as possible-and an excellent case- for the impact theory. Just how much the author may revise his views after close-up photographs of the Moon have been studied remains to be seen. In the meantime, The Measure of the Moon can be recommended as an essential acquisition for every lunar student. GILBERT FIELDER
Pergamon ALTHOUGH
Moon
Globe.
Pergamon Press, Oxford, 1964.
Diameter 33 cm (approx. 13 in.).
f10.
man’s interest in lunar cartography may be said to date from the early 17th century telescopic observations of Galileo it was not until 1838 that a reasonably detailed map by Beer and Madler appeared. Several larger Moon charts have been produced since then, culminating in the painstaking efforts of’%‘ilkins, who in 1959 completed a chart of scale 300 inches to the lunar diameter. In the mid-19th century it seemed that the newly discovered photographic process would revolutionize 1141
1142
BOOK
REVIEWS
seienography. In the event progress in this direction proved relatively modest and it is only within the last few years that really first rate photographic atlases have appeared. With crash landings of lunar space probes already achieved and more ambitious projects under way, the need for a detailed knowledge of the lunar terrain has become of paramount importance. We have long been familiar with the celestial and geographers’ globe. Admittedly the effects of the latter are mainly pictorial, and in this respect they differ from a well made precision lunar or planetary globe where surface marking distinctions may be more apparent than on photographs or an atlas. Naturally the scale of such a globe is all important. The 33 cm diameter of the Pergamon Moon Globe is adequate to show many lunar features and assist the amateur lunar observer in identification problems. A useful aid is that the globe can be quickly inverted by removing the central mounting spindle so as to portray the usual telescopic aspect with the lunar south pole uppermost in the field of view. The latest information from the Lunik series of flights is incorporated on the globe, even to the extent of indicating the impact area of Lunik II. incidentally, the names used for the formations are those adopted by the IAU and are clearly overprinted on the more prominent features. Identification is further facilitated by a latitude and longitude grid. However the choice of finish leaves much to be desired-one less shiny would be more realistic. Many of the earlier terrestrial globes were masterpieces of art and craftsmanship with highly finished base and precision engraved meridian lines and latitude circles and were quite useful for showing the great circle distances between any two points. It is a pity that the workmanship in this case is so poor. The various printed sections stuck on the globe do not match their neighbours in several instances and indeed the polar caps seem to have been placed in position more or less at random. Even the base and axial supporting rod are very flimsy. One could reasonably expect a far higher standard of finish for so costly an article. The expense will probably deter many would-be purchasers from the ranks of amateur astronomers with limited budgets. The globe will be of most use to the newcomer to lunar studies; possibly it would be useful for demonstration purposes to small groups. The globe is accompanied by a most informative introduction written by Mr. Patrick Moore. Perhaps there is something to be said for emphasizing the lunar features on a globe rather than by map as a better means of visualizing them now that the space age is upon us. A. H. JARRETT