Choice Review

Hanel and coauthors are among the foremost practitioners of infrared remote sensing as applied to planetary exploration. Their book treats the theory of radiative transfer in general, then moves to the interaction of light with planetary atmospheres and surfaces in particular. An extensive discussion follows on infrared instrumentation, measurement, and analysis techniques. Finally, there is a summary of four important areas where infrared sensing has made essential contributions: thermal structure of planetary atmospheres, atmospheric dynamics, evolution and composition of the solar system, and global energy balance of planets. Throughout, the emphasis is on the physical theory and measurement techniques, rather than on astronomical results. The detailed treatment, although clear and complete, is not for the faint of heart, and would be appropriate for graduate students and researchers in the field. Highly recommended for libraries maintaining a research collection in comparative planetology or atmospheric physics. F. R. Chromey; Vassar College