A fascinating introduction to the basic principles of orbital mechanicsIt has been three hundred years since Isaac Newton first formulated laws to explain the orbits of the Moon and the planets of our solar system. In so doing he laid the groundwork for modern science's understanding of the workings of the cosmos and helped pave the way to the age of space exploration.Adventures in Celestial Mechanics offers students an enjoyable way to become acquainted with the basic principles involved in the motions of natural and human-made bodies in space. Packed with examples in which these principles are applied to everything from a falling stone to the Sun, from space probes to galaxies, this updated and revised Second Edition is an ideal introduction to celestial mechanics for students of astronomy, physics, and aerospace engineering. Other features that helped make the first edition of this book the text of choice in colleges and universities across North America include:* Lively historical accounts of important discoveries in celestial mechanics and the men and women who made them* Superb illustrations, photographs, charts, and tables* Helpful chapter-end examples and problem setsAbout the AuthorVICTOR G. SZEBEHELY, DEng, PhD(1921-1997), was Professor and former chairman of the Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics Department of the University of Texas at Austin. He served as a consultant to the U.S. Air Force Space Command. HANS MARK, PhD, is Professor in the Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics Department of the University of Texas at Austin. His other books include The Space Station: A Personal Journey. He serves as a consultant to NASA.