The Planet Mars: A History of Observation & Discovery

Rating:
Summary: Well researched work on the red planet...
Review: Amateur astronomer and historian of astronomer William Sheehan provides a thorough account of the study of the planet Mars. He takes us on a chronological tour of the major developments, from the early pre-telescopic days of Kepler's work on the orbit, to the telescopic investigations, to the Mariner probes and Viking landers. Extensive treatment is given to observers such as Lowell, Antoniadi, Schiapaelli, and others, practically an "opposition by opposition" account. Sheehan's "Planet Mars" is an indispensable addition to the library of any fanatic of the red planet.

Rating:
Summary: Very informative
Review: In this book, the author traces the history of man's knowledge about the planet Mars. Beginning in ancient times, he traces the evolution of theories about Mars, as it was influenced by the steady march of technological development. The reader gets to watch development of the belief in life on Mars, culminating in the humorous conjectures of Percival Lowell. Then, great detail is given on the facts learned from the Mariner, Viking and Russian Phobos missions. The final chapter is a real jewel, being an in-depth explanation on how an amateur astronomer should observe Mars.

This is a great book, the first chapters being history, and the later one providing a great deal of information about what was known about Mars in 1996. Not only are such things as the valleys and outflow channels examined, but also a whole chapter is devoted to Mars' moons, including how they would appear to an observer on the planet's surface.

The author does disparage the Imperial measurement system, and refuses to use any measurement but metric (except for temperatures for some reason), but this is not really a surprise. As such, this is a great book for those interested in the history of astronomy, but also a great book for those interested in what the planet of Mars is really like.

Rating:
Summary: A great read -- informs and inspires.
Review: While other reviews have mentioned some details of the books scope, I just want to urge anyone with an interest in Mars to read this book. It is informative, authorotative, and quite literate in its presentation and style.

Oddly enough, I think it is about due to get much more attention than when published...a case of being ahead of its time. Whether you have a professional or personal interest in the topic, this book is worth every minute spent with it.

One of my favorite topics was the explication of the advances in telescope design, told through the personalities and dramas of the times. The issues of resolution, lens design, mounting and atmospheric seeing problems are all explained and put in the context of the evolution of the "idea" of mars. This is a fascinating achievement in science writing.