Contents
Collaborating Authors
Preface
Part I—The Solar-Galactic Neighborhood: Galactic Gravitational Fields
The Galactic Environment of the Solar System - J. N. Bahcall
Stars within 25 Parsecs of the Sun - W. Gliese, H. Jahreiss and A. R. Upgren
Present, Past and Future Velocity of Nearby Stars: The Path of the Sun in 10^8 Years - F. Bash
The Local Velocity Field in the Last Billion Years - J. Palouš
Part II—Massive Interstellar Clouds
Molecular Clouds and Periodic Events in the Geologic Past - P. Thaddeus
Observational Constraints on the Interaction of Giant Molecular Clouds with the Solar System - N. Z. Scoville and D. B. Sanders
Interstellar Clouds Near the Sun - P. C. Frisch and D. G. York
Part III—Other Galactic Features
The Chemical Composition of Comets and Possible Contribution to Planet Composition and Evolution - J. M. Greenberg
Temporal Variations of Cosmic Rays over a Variety of Time Scales - J. R. Jokipii and K. Marti
A Local Recent Supernova: Evidence from X Rays, ^26AL Radioactivity and Cosmic Rays - D. D. Clayton, D. P. Cox and F. C. Michel
Part IV—The Oort Cloud
Dynamical Influence of Galactic Tides and Molecular Clouds on the Oort Cloud of Comets - M. V. Torbett
Cometary Evidence for a Solar Companion? - A. H. Delsemme
The Oort Cloud and the Galaxy: Dynamical Interactions - P. R. Weissman
Part V—Perturbations of the Solar System
Geologic Periodicities and the Galaxy - M. R. Rampino and R. B. Stothers
Giant Comets and the Galaxy: Implications of the Terrestrial Record - S. V. M. Clube and W. M. Napier
Dynamical Evidence for Planet X - J. D. Anderson and E. M. Standish, Jr.
Planet X as the Source of the Periodic and Steady-State Flux of Short Period Comets - J. J. Matese and D. P. Whitmire
Part VI—Existence and Stability of a Solar Companion Star
Evolution of the Solar System in the Presence of a Solar Companion Star - P. Hut
Mass Extinctions, Crater Ages and Comet Showers - E. M. Shoemaker and R. F. Wolfe
Evidence for Nemesis: A Solar Companion Star - R. A. Muller
Deflection of Comets and other Long-period Solar Companions into the Planetary System by Passing Stars - J. Hills
Is There Evidence for Solar Companion? - S. Tremaine
Color Section
Glossary - M. Magisos
Bibliography - M. Magisos
List of Contributors with Acknowledgments to Funding Agencies
Index