Extensively illustrated, this authoritative, easy-to-understand guide describes the nature and origin of the solar system. It looks at the internal structure, surface features, and weather patterns of each planet and its major satellites; discusses the possibilities of finding life on other planetary bodies; covers asteroids and the icy bodies beyond Pluto; and explains how to see the planets in the sky. Errata: In Table 10.2 (p.149) the orbital period of 1.997 days quoted for S/2004 S1 was a misprint for 0.997 days. However, newer measurements show the period to be 1.01 days. In the Planetary Facts table for Neptune (p 184), the orbital period should read 164.8 years (not 163.7 years). In Table 12.1 (p 191), the value for the mass of Triton should read 2.14 × 10^22 kg (not 10^20 kg)