"The eight essays range across the breadth of planetary science, from the inner to the outer worlds, from telescopic to robotic exploration, and from computerized armchairs to diving below the Antarctic ice. The stories encompass tales of personal exploration and the fears of a scientist living at the edge of funding difficulties. You will learn about the mountains of the Moon, the craters of Venus, the volcanos of Io, the possibility of seas on Titan, and more.

Within this book you will find both a lot of planetary science, and an insider's perspective about how planetary science is done. You will also see a good deal of what drives and interests planetary scientists and, on occasion, you will see their inner hopes and aspirations revealed."--BOOK JACKET.