The Planet Mars: A History of Observation & Discovery

William Sheehan

University of Arizona Press, 1996 - Science - 270 pages

In this timely and vividly written account, William Sheehan traces human fascination with Mars back to the naked-eye observers of the planet. He recalls the early telescopic observers who first made out enigmatic markings and polar caps on its surface. Through lively historical anecdotes, he describes in detail the debate over the so-called canals of Mars, which encouraged speculation that the planet might be inhabited. Finally, Sheehan describes more recent theories about the planet, leading up to the present, when unmanned spacecraft have enabled us to make giant strides in exploration.
Well documented and sparked with human interest, this book will be a useful companion and guide in interpreting the barrage of headlines about Mars that is sure to come over the next few years. Amateurs will appreciate the contributions that have been made to Martian studies by people like themselves, and professionals will find much original material that has never before been published.

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The planet Mars: a history of observation & discovery

User Review  - Not Available - Book Verdict

Although two decades have passed since the last spacecraft successfully visited Mars, several missions will be launched in the next year. In this timely volume, Sheehan (Worlds in the Sky, LJ 9/1/92 ...

The planet Mars: a history of observation & discovery

User Review  - Not Available - Book Verdict

Although two decades have passed since the last spacecraft successfully visited Mars, several missions will be launched in the next year. In this timely volume, Sheehan (Worlds in the Sky, LJ 9/1/92 ...

Contents

• Pioneers: 16
• A Situation Similar to Ours: 31
• Confirmations and Controversies: 79
• Lowell: 98
• How the Eye Interprets: 114
• Opposition 1909: 130
• The Lingering Romance: 146
• Spacecraft to Mars: 162
• Vikingsand Beyond: 186
• The Hurtling Moons of Mars: 204

About the author

William Sheehan is a psychiatrist, writer, and amateur astronomer.

Bibliographic information

• Title: The Planet Mars: A History of Observation & Discovery; Anthropological Papers of the
• Author: William Sheehan
• Edition: illustrated, reprint
• Publisher: University of Arizona Press, 1996
• ISBN: 0816516413, 9780816516414
• Length: 270 pages
• Subjects: Science / Astronomy