Here are 100 books that Planetary Surface Processes fans have personally recommended if you like Planetary Surface Processes. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Fundamental Planetary Science

Harry Y. McSween Jr Author Of Planetary Geoscience

From my list on planets astronomical objects into geologic worlds.

Why am I passionate about this?

Much of my life’s work has focused on integrating planetary science into the geology curriculum and translating its rigorous scientific findings for public consumption. Experience has taught me that geologic methods and concepts are the most useful way to explore and understand extraterrestrial objects. Moreover, although only a modest number of geologists actually work in planetary science, ongoing planetary exploration has proved to be a powerful means of motivating the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Harry's book list on planets astronomical objects into geologic worlds

Harry Y. McSween Jr Why Harry loves this book

There are few textbooks in the emerging field of planetary science, and this book ranks among the most accessible. Although physics and astronomy-based, it also considers geologic processes and materials in a quantitative way.

I found the hundreds of exercises useful for understanding the concepts introduced in the text.

By Jack J. Lissauer , Imke de Pater ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Fundamental Planetary Science as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A quantitative introduction to the Solar System and planetary systems science for advanced undergraduate students, this engaging new textbook explains the wide variety of physical, chemical and geological processes that govern the motions and properties of planets. The authors provide an overview of our current knowledge and discuss some of the unanswered questions at the forefront of research in planetary science and astrobiology today. They combine knowledge of the Solar System and the properties of extrasolar planets with astrophysical observations of ongoing star and planet formation, offering a comprehensive model for understanding the origin of planetary systems. The book concludes…


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Book cover of The High House

The High House by James Stoddard,

The Victorian mansion, Evenmere, is the mechanism that runs the universe.

The lamps must be lit, or the stars die. The clocks must be wound, or Time ceases. The Balance between Order and Chaos must be preserved, or Existence crumbles.

Appointed the Steward of Evenmere, Carter Anderson must learn the…

Book cover of New View of the Moon 2

Harry Y. McSween Jr Author Of Planetary Geoscience

From my list on planets astronomical objects into geologic worlds.

Why am I passionate about this?

Much of my life’s work has focused on integrating planetary science into the geology curriculum and translating its rigorous scientific findings for public consumption. Experience has taught me that geologic methods and concepts are the most useful way to explore and understand extraterrestrial objects. Moreover, although only a modest number of geologists actually work in planetary science, ongoing planetary exploration has proved to be a powerful means of motivating the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Harry's book list on planets astronomical objects into geologic worlds

Harry Y. McSween Jr Why Harry loves this book

I consider this book to be the most authoritative and up-to-date source of information on the geology of the Moon.

It's 19 chapters, all authored by experts in the field, offer readable summaries of the geologic exploration of the best-studied extraterrestrial body. Everything you might want to know about the Moon’s geology, in one place!

By Clive R. Neal (editor) , Lisa R. Gaddis (editor) , Bradley L. Jolliff (editor) , Samuel J. Lawrence (editor) , Stephen J. Mackwell (editor) , Charles K. Shearer (editor) , Sarah N. Valencia (editor)

Why should I read it?

1 author picked New View of the Moon 2 as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Much has happened in the world in the 17 years since the first New Views of the Moon was published as volume 60 of the Mineralogical Society of America in 2006.

An exciting new era of lunar exploration has begun, including the promise of resuming human lunar exploration, exploring the lunar Poles, and missions to many other high-priority science targets. It is fitting, therefore, to now summarize the current state of knowledge to the degree possible at a time when advancements in knowledge of the Moon are proceeding at a breakneck pace. Therefore, during this period of unprecedented lunar exploration…


Book cover of Planetary Crusts

Harry Y. McSween Jr Author Of Planetary Geoscience

From my list on planets astronomical objects into geologic worlds.

Why am I passionate about this?

Much of my life’s work has focused on integrating planetary science into the geology curriculum and translating its rigorous scientific findings for public consumption. Experience has taught me that geologic methods and concepts are the most useful way to explore and understand extraterrestrial objects. Moreover, although only a modest number of geologists actually work in planetary science, ongoing planetary exploration has proved to be a powerful means of motivating the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Harry's book list on planets astronomical objects into geologic worlds

Harry Y. McSween Jr Why Harry loves this book

I learned so much about the observable, outer parts of planets from reading this book. The authors review the nature of planetary crusts and offer keen insights and new perspectives on the way the crusts of Earth and other planets formed and evolved.

This book made me reassess how I view planetary crusts.

By S. Ross Taylor , Scott McLennan ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Planetary Crusts as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Planetary Crusts explains how and why solid planets and satellites develop crusts. Extensively referenced and annotated, it presents a geochemical and geological survey of the crusts of the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars, the asteroid Vesta, and several satellites like Io, Europa, Ganymede, Titan and Callisto. After describing the nature and formation of solar system bodies, the book presents a comparative investigation of different planetary crusts and discusses many crustal controversies. The authors propose the theory of stochastic processes dominating crustal development, and debate the possibility of Earth-like planets existing elsewhere in the cosmos. Written by two leading authorities…


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Book cover of December on 5C4

December on 5C4 by Adam Strassberg,

Magical realism meets the magic of Christmas in this mix of Jewish, New Testament, and Santa stories–all reenacted in an urban psychiatric hospital!

On locked ward 5C4, Josh, a patient with many similarities to Jesus, is hospitalized concurrently with Nick, a patient with many similarities to Santa. The two argue…

Book cover of Exoplanets

Harry Y. McSween Jr Author Of Planetary Geoscience

From my list on planets astronomical objects into geologic worlds.

Why am I passionate about this?

Much of my life’s work has focused on integrating planetary science into the geology curriculum and translating its rigorous scientific findings for public consumption. Experience has taught me that geologic methods and concepts are the most useful way to explore and understand extraterrestrial objects. Moreover, although only a modest number of geologists actually work in planetary science, ongoing planetary exploration has proved to be a powerful means of motivating the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Harry's book list on planets astronomical objects into geologic worlds

Harry Y. McSween Jr Why Harry loves this book

The discovery of exoplanets–planets around other stars–is a new field, changing so rapidly that I cannot keep up.

In this book’s multi-authored chapters, I learned about the clever ways that these fascinating objects are discovered and studied, and how knowledge of the planets in our Solar System can be used to interpret distant exoplanets, despite having very limited data on them.

By Natalie R. Hinkel (editor) , Keith D. Putirka (editor) , Siyi Xu (editor)

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Exoplanets as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The focus for RiMG volume 90 is on rocky exoplanets because the search for truly Earth-like planets is of special interest. The goal is to motivate communication between the disciplines so as to make the best use possible of existing data and data yet to be collected by the James Webb and the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescopes, since the astronomy community is gathering data on stars and exoplanets at an accelerating rate. Such data now include exoplanet size and mass (i.e., density) as well as their atmospheric compositions, which are collectively telltale of mineralogy and evolution. Much of what…


Book cover of The Emirates: A Natural History

Benno Böer Author Of The Water, Energy, and Food Security Nexus in Asia and the Pacific: Central and South Asia

From my list on science for people and nature.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have enjoyed the beauty of nature since I was a child, and I quickly understood that human life depends on the availability of air, water, and food, all of which are the gifts of nature. Growing up in a period of unbridled and uncontrolled industrialization in West Germany during the 60s and 70s made me understand that we cannot treat nature the way we did, with never-ending pollution of rivers, coastal areas, and air. I decided to try and become a professional environmental manager and study the science-based availability of solutions and apply them so we can learn again how to live in harmony with nature. 

Benno's book list on science for people and nature

Benno Böer Why Benno loves this book

During my many years in the Emirates, I explored the flora, vegetation, and geomorphology of the coastal, mountainous, and sandy deserts and experienced their incredible beauty, which was particularly stunning during Winter sunsets.

I came to understand why the ancient Arabs loved and cared for their land, and I fell in love with it, too. This book, edited by my friends the late Peter Hellyer and the late Simon Aspinall, provides a comprehensive and beautifully illustrated documentation of the richness and diversity of the Emirates' natural ecosystems, habitats, and flora and fauna.

By Peter Hellyer (editor) , Simon Aspinall (editor) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Emirates as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Comprehensive reference book on the entire range of wildlife in the United Arab Emirates


Book cover of Dr. Rip's Essential Beach Book: Everything You Need to Know About Surf, Sand, and Safety

Nelson Rangel-Buitrago Author Of Coastal Scenery: Evaluation and Management

From my list on keeping your family safe on a beach vacation.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a coastal geologist with expertise in environmental issues related to coastal geomorphology, marine pollution, and coastal management. With a Ph.D. in Sea Sciences from the Universidad de Cádiz, I have contributed to the scientific community through my research, publication of over 100 scientific articles, and serving as the Editor of two international scientific journals—Ocean & Coastal Management and the Marine Pollution Bulletin. My research focuses on understanding and managing coastal hazards, marine pollution, and the impacts of human activities on coastal and marine ecosystems. Of particular importance in terms of beach safety was my recent co-authorship of the article Integrated Strategies for the Management and Mitigation of Beach Accidents.

Nelson's book list on keeping your family safe on a beach vacation

Nelson Rangel-Buitrago Why Nelson loves this book

This book provides an appealing overview of waves and currents with a folksy tone and scientific perspective. This book provides a quick and easy-to-understand guide to the top five physical beach hazards:  rip currents, dumping waves (shorebreaks), shallow water diving, surging waves and big, storm-generated waves.

Rob has dedicated his life to making Australian beaches safer, including giving talks on the “Science of the Surf” to thousands of schoolchildren. Beaches are fun but dangerous places under certain conditions, and this book is for everyone who loves the surf.    

By Rob Brander ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Dr. Rip's Essential Beach Book as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

How do waves break, and what makes good surf? What are dangerous rip currents, and how do you spot one? What should you do if you get caught in one?

Australia's best-known surf scientist, Rob "Dr. Rip" Brander, takes readers on a fascinating and entertaining journey to uncover how beaches form and behave, the science of waves and currents, and how beaches respond to storms and climate change. He explains where the sand we lay our towels on came from, how the tides that wash up new treasures each day work, why no two beaches are exactly the same, and…


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Book cover of Trusting Her Duke

Trusting Her Duke by Arietta Richmond,

A Duke with rigid opinions, a Lady whose beliefs conflict with his, a long disputed parcel of land, a conniving neighbour, a desperate collaboration, a failure of trust, a love found despite it all.

Alexander Cavendish, Duke of Ravensworth, returned from war to find that his father and brother had…

Book cover of Placing Outer Space: An Earthly Ethnography of Other Worlds

Janet Vertesi Author Of Shaping Science: Organizations, Decisions, and Culture on NASA's Teams

From my list on NASA and space exploration, from a human perspective.

Why am I passionate about this?

Also known as “Margaret Mead among the Starfleet,” I’m a Princeton professor who has been embedded with NASA missions for two decades as a social scientist. I’ve observed missions to Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Pluto, and beyond; consulted with NASA as a sociological expert; and written two books, with a third on the way. Growing up, I always loved science and technology, but not just for the ideas: for the people behind the findings, the passion they bring to their work, and the ways in which culture and politics play a role in how science gets done. Writing about this, I hope to humanize science and make it accessible for everyday readers.

Janet's book list on NASA and space exploration, from a human perspective

Janet Vertesi Why Janet loves this book

Did you know there is a research center in Utah made for scientists to pretend they are living on Mars? Or that deep-sea submarines and arctic explorers are supposed to be giving us a taste for finding life on Jupiter’s moon Europa?

My friend and co-author, Anthropologist Lisa Messeri, followed planetary scientists to the unlikeliest of places to witness them transform the planets they study from distant pinpricks in the sky or traces on a graph, into places we can explore or even inhabit.

I loved feeling like I was traveling alongside her as she visits remote telescopes in Chile, Mars camp in the desert, and even sits next to computer scientists building Google Mars to show how our dreams of the extraterrestrial are made right here on Earth.

By Lisa Messeri ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Placing Outer Space as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In Placing Outer Space Lisa Messeri traces how the place-making practices of planetary scientists transform the void of space into a cosmos filled with worlds that can be known and explored. Making planets into places is central to the daily practices and professional identities of the astronomers, geologists, and computer scientists Messeri studies. She takes readers to the Mars Desert Research Station and a NASA research center to discuss ways scientists experience and map Mars. At a Chilean observatory and in MIT's labs she describes how they discover exoplanets and envision what it would be like to inhabit them. Today's…


Book cover of Cetaganda

Markus McDowell Author Of Mortals As They Walk

From my list on science fiction political intrigue and adventure.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have enjoyed science fiction, speculative fiction, and fantasy all my life—especially when the plot includes a ‘David and Goliath’ theme, as these books do. My science teacher introduced me to science fiction in fifth grade, and I have read these genres constantly since then. Not surprisingly, most of my novels and short stories deal with these same themes and genres. They entertain me, they are creative, and they make me think.

Markus' book list on science fiction political intrigue and adventure

Markus McDowell Why Markus loves this book

I love science fiction which incorporates skilled protagonists against larger forces—the David/Goliath theme. Part of a space opera series about a political and military family from two different planets, there is political intrigue, battles, and an epic story.

Though technology and space play a role, the character development and portrayal are excellent: complex, realistic, and relatable. The protagonist, Miles, is brilliant but physically flawed. Much of the story is a well-written mystery as Miles, on an ambassadorial visit to a foreign planet, tries to uncover the culprit and purpose of a murder and the politics behind it. At the same time, he must try not to get caught by his hosts or punished by his own government, since he is only there as a representative. Highly recommended!

By Lois McMaster Bujold ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Cetaganda as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

When the Cetagandan empress dies, Miles Vorkosigan and his cousin Ivan are sent to Cetaganda for her funeral as diplomatic representatives of Barrayar. Upon arrival, the two men are inexplicably attacked by a servant of the late empress. When the same servant turns up dead the next day, Miles and Ivan find themselves in the middle of a mystery. Miles tries to play detective in a strange, complicated, and deceptively alien culture, while lascivious Ivan manages to get himself involved with several noble females at the same time, a diplomatic no-no of the first order. As the plot thickens, it…


Book cover of Man, True Man

Gigi Sedlmayer Author Of Come Fly With Me

From my list on fiction about overcoming challenges.

Why am I passionate about this?

After being rejected in school, because I had to move with my family again and again, I never had really friends and knew how being left alone and rejected felt. So I put my nose into books and developed a love for writing. Since I didn’t know what to do with them, I left them alone when I married. After being diagnosed with cancer later in my life, I couldn’t go back to work, I remembered my love to write and read so I started to write short stories again. I want to help young people going through similar rejections and bullying, to lift them up, and take the negativity out of their minds. 

Gigi's book list on fiction about overcoming challenges

Gigi Sedlmayer Why Gigi loves this book

I like sci-fi books as well, so I tried this one and it spoke to me. How strange creatures from a different planet and galaxy help a helpless man, not knowing who he was and where he was. 

I didn’t expect but it was an amazing story 

On a planet far, far away, a man awakes. Not knowing who he is and where he was, his existence was attacked by strange creatures.
The people, if you can call them people, strange looking themselves, helped him to escape and call him Loren. Loren then found out, that these people are in trouble and he likes to help them.
Love, life, hardship.

By Mari Collier ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Man, True Man as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

After a spaceship crashes into the planet of Tonath, the lone occupant survives and fights his way to sunlit part of the planet. When a passing freighter finds him, he's taken to the Western Starshift Institute of the Way, where the Teacher rules the sunlit part of the planet.

Tonath is a planet being torn apart by the forces of nature, and only the Teacher knows how to predict the movement of the stars and interpret the prophecies. Finding love and betrayal on the planet, the survivor also learns of the disputes arising from the teachings of the Greens and…


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Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Book cover of Darkover Landfall

Seymour Hamilton Author Of The Laughing Princess

From my list on in which reality and fantasy meet and meld.

Why am I passionate about this?

When I was six, my father, a tall, bearded naval officer, read me Coleridge’s “Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” I thought it might be autobiography. Ever since, I've been fascinated by stories where fantasy and reality meet and blend. I studied English literature, taught Dead English Poets to undergraduates, became an editor/writer for hire. Along the way, I canoed, hiked the Rockies, and learned to sail a traditional Nova Scotian schooner. I have two sons, to whom I read stories night after night when they were much younger than they are now. Since retiring, I write fantasy adventure novels set aboard real sailing ships and stories about dragons who talk to exceptional people.

Seymour's book list on in which reality and fantasy meet and meld

Seymour Hamilton Why Seymour loves this book

I have revisited Darkover Landfall often, but it never loses its hold on my imagination. It’s the Darkover novels’ origin story, telling what happens when an interstellar colonizing starship goes off course and crash-lands on an uncharted planet. In essence, this is Science Fiction, except that the earth-like planet has fantastic creatures, some of them with paranormal powers.

The castaways include a few hard-nosed scientific professionals who expect to lead many industrious generalists who plan to colonize a new world. All must recognize that the technology that brought them to Darkover will not sustain them unless they adapt, learn, and unlearn. It’s a story to make us wonder what we really need from our planet and each other.

By Marion Zimmer Bradley ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Darkover Landfall as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Darkover, planet of wonder, world of mystery, has been a favorite of science fiction fans for many years. For it is a truly alien sphere - a world of strange intelligences, of brooding skies beneath a ruddy sun, and of powers unknown to Earth. In this novel, Marion Zimmer Bradley tells of the original coming of the Earthmen, of the days when Darkover knew not humanity.

This is the full-bodied novel of what happened when a colonial starship crash-landed on that uncharted planet to encounter for the first time in human existence the impact of the Ghost Wind, the psychic…


Book cover of Fundamental Planetary Science
Book cover of New View of the Moon 2
Book cover of Planetary Crusts

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5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in planets, NASA, and space horror?

Planets 30 books
NASA 78 books
Space Horror 31 books