SCIENCE HIGHLIGHT

Geodynamics Branch, Code 921

August 2002

Lowman Publishes 4th Book on Looking at the Earth from Space

In his foreword to Paul Lowman's new book, Neil Armstrong describes the quantum leap in knowledge about the solid Earth provided by the late 20th century: "Space was the new high ground, the place for a new perspective, from which the 'measurers' [of the Earth] could acquire new information never before available. In just a few decades, knowledge of the Earth's secrets has increased beyond imagining. Exploring Space, Exploring Earth describes this increase in knowledge of the solid Earth... ."

In his fourth book looking at the Earth from space, Lowman explores the impact of space flight on geology and geophysics and restates his basic belief that "the exploration of space has also been the exploration of the Earth." The major roles played by scientists at the Goddard Space Flight Center in space geodesy, geomag- netism, and remote sensing are covered in detail. A planetary perspective is brought to bear on the still controversial question of the origin of continental crust, and the possible role of life on geology is also examined in the final chapter.

Table of Contents