An award-winning science communicator and a participating scientist in the U.S. Mars Global Surveyor mission, Harris (Mars Underground) melds enjoyable prose with breathtaking pictures in a cleverly conceived "scientific Baedecker" that is likely to delight expert and lay readers alike. Hartmann presents a comprehensive look at Mars, all the while comparing geologic processes on the red planet with those on earth. The three major Martian eras spanning the planet's 4.5 billion years serve as the book's major sections, with chapters focusing on various amazing geological formations, such as Olympic Mons, a volcano three times as high as Mt. Everest; the north polar dune field, "the grandest, and perhaps the largest, tract of such dunes anywhere in the solar system"; and Valles Marineris, "a fantastic canyon system" so large that the Grand Canyon pales in comparison. The book is filled with pictures from virtually all of the U.S. missions to Mars, which Hartmann is uniquely qualified to interpret. He also addresses an array of fascinating side issues, such as the possibility of life on Mars and how meteorites originating on Mars have ended up on Earth. A series of sidebars called "My Martian Chronicles" details Hartmann's participation in deciphering some of the geologic secrets of our neighboring planet. The book works well as a whole and can be easily browsed with great pleasure. Color illus., 4 gatefolds. (July)
Forecast:This is perfectly timed to catch the main August event: Mars will be closer to Earth and appear larger and brighter than at any time in recent history. Workman plans a 10-city author tour and $30,000 marketing campaign.
