Protoplanetary Dust
Astrophysical and Cosmochemical Perspectives

The first comprehensive overview of planet formation for students and researchers in astronomy, cosmochemistry, laboratory astrophysics and planetary sciences.

Dániel Apai (Edited by), Dante S. Lauretta (Edited by)

9780521517720, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 21 January 2010

396 pages
25.4 x 18 x 2.2 cm, 0.93 kg

'… can be recommended not only to planetary scientists working in the field of planet formation but also to students who seek an introduction to this enormously challenging topic. The organization of the contents makes it possible to concentrate on certain aspects, as few people will be experts in all topics. Having the book on your shelf gives you the confidence that the comprehensive overview of the history of solids in our solar system from a simple grain to the beautiful planet we live on is just a move away.' Ruth Ziethe, European Space Research and Technology Centre, European Space Agency

Planet formation studies uniquely benefit from three disciplines: astronomical observations of extrasolar planet-forming disks, analysis of material from the early Solar System, and laboratory astrophysics experiments. Pre-planetary solids, fine dust, and chondritic components are central elements linking these studies. This book is the first comprehensive overview of planet formation, in which astronomers, cosmochemists, and laboratory astrophysicists jointly discuss the latest insights from the Spitzer and Hubble space telescopes, new interferometers, space missions including Stardust and Deep Impact, and laboratory techniques. Following the evolution of solids from their genesis through protoplanetary disks to rocky planets, the book discusses in detail how the latest results from these disciplines fit into a coherent picture. This volume provides a clear introduction and valuable reference for students and researchers in astronomy, cosmochemistry, laboratory astrophysics, and planetary sciences.

Preface
1. Planet formation and protoplanetary dust Daniel Apai and Dante Lauretta
2. The origins of protoplanetary dust and the formation of accretion disks Hans-Peter Gail and Peter Hope
3. Evolution of protoplanetary disk structures Fred Ciesla and Cornelius P. Dullemond
4. Chemical and isotopic evolution of the solar nebula and protoplanetary disks Dmitry Semenov, Subrata Chakraborty and Mark Thiemens
5. Laboratory studies of simple dust analogs in astrophysical environments John R. Brucato and Joseph A. Nuth III
6. Dust composition in protoplanetaty dust Michiel Min and George Flynn
7. Dust particle size evolution Klaus M. Pontoppidan and Adrian J. Brearly
8. Thermal processing in protoplanetary nebulae Daniel Apai, Harold C. Connolly Jr. and Dante S. Lauretta
9. The clearing of protoplanetary disks and of the protosolar nebula Ilaira Pascucci and Shogo Tachibana
10. Accretion of planetesimals and the formation of rocky planets John E. Chambers, David O'Brien and Andrew M. Davis
Appendixes
Glossary
Index.

Subject Areas: Geochemistry [RBGK], Earth sciences [RB], Astrophysics [PHVB], Solar system: the Sun & planets [PGS]