The book is intended for a general readership at a time when human and robotic exploration of space is often in the news and should also appeal to students at all levels. It covers the essentials but refers to a large literature which can be accessed via the internet.

Table of Contents

• 1 Introduction
• References
• 2 Raw Materials
• Gas
• Dust
• Ices
• CAIs and Chondrules
• PAHs
• References
• 3 Assembly
• Accretion
• Satellites and Rings
• References
• 4 The Solar Nucleus
• Gravity
• The Heliosphere
• References
• 5 Differentiation
• Mineral Evolution
• Atmospheres and Oceans
• References
• 6 Operation
• The Stability of our Solar System
• Orbits, Tides and Impacts
• References
• 7 Life
• Life and its Context
• Origins
• References
• 8 The Evolving Solar System
• The Sun
• Alien Invaders
• References