Electrostatic phenomena, ubiquitous on Earth, also occur on many planetary bodies of the solar system. This book describes what is known about the electrostatic environment on and near the different planetary surfaces in the solar system based on experiments on Earth, as well as what is being learned from instrumentation on space exploration missions of the last few decades.

The book presents brief reviews of the basic principles in electrostatics as well as of the fundamentals of space radiation. It then describes the different planetary environments where electrostatic phenomena take place: atmospheres and planetary surfaces. The second edition includes two new chapters on Space Radiation Fundamentals and The Electrostatic Environment of Jupiter. Other updates include updated models of the lunar electrical environment, recent measurements from NASA’s Curiosity rovers, recent discoveries of the properties of the Venusian atmosphere and new data on Mercury.

The key audience for this research and reference text includes researchers and students in the physical sciences.

Key Features:

• Brings together contemporary knowledge on the diverse electrostatic phenomena encountered across the solar system

• Describes the latest theories and measurements of the electrical properties of the planets

• Second edition includes new chapters on space radiation fundamentals, and the electrostatic environment of Jupiter

• Updates also include new models of the lunar electrical environment, recent measurements from NASA’s Curiosity rovers, recent discoveries of the properties of the Venusian atmosphere and new data on Mercury