Fred Taylor is Halley Professor of Physics Emeritus at Oxford University, UK, a Fellow of Jesus College, Oxford and a member of the Oxford Physics Department where he was head of Atmospheric, Oceanic & Planetary Physics for 21 years. He was educated at the University or Bristol, and Oxford University. After graduating he spent ten years in the USA, in the Space Science Division of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology. He was Principle Investigator on the Pioneer Venus Orbiter in 1979, makuing the first systematic study of meteorology of the atmosphere of Venus. He is currently participating in a number of planetary and Earth Observation space experiments, as well as contribution to theoretical work and modelling on problems in atmospheric and oceanic physics, such as ozone depletion, the greenhouse effect and climate change.
Taylor tells it like it is. He also presents clear explanations of planetary discoveries that made his hard work worthwhile and the implications of these discoveries for global warming on Earth. This work is highly recommended for students contemplating science or engineering careers in space exploration and for space policy analysts and historians. Taylor is a great storyteller and a skilful writer Govert Schilling, BBC Sky at Night captivating behind-the-scenes look at space astronomy Govert Schilling, BBC Sky at Night a rich and illuminating book ... a must-read for everyone interested in planetary science or considering a career in space exploration Govert Schilling, BBC Sky at Night entertaining David Edwards, Geoscientist splendidly vivid memoir Nicholas Booth, Astronomy Now a wonderfully warm and witty memoir ... Fred is a wise, skilled narrator Nicholas Booth, Astronomy Now A welcome addition to any library Nicholas Booth, Astronomy Now There's certainly plenty here for the (unmanned) space exploration fan to get his or her teeth into. Brian Clegg, Popular Science Taylor has the happy knack of making the most complex scientific information both interesting and accessible Steve Craggs, Northern Echo