[Comets, Meteoroids, and Asteroids: Mavericks of the Solar System is a] compact, up-to-date review of some intriguing astronomical odds and ends. Besides investigating the origin and makeup, paths and habits of the meteoroids, comets and asteroids of the title, Branley explores the possible genesis of the puzzling glasslike tektites which may or may not result from the impact of meteorites on the earth or moon, evaluates evidence of organic molecules in space, and discusses such recently studied phenomena as the "zodiacal light," solar wind (mostly hydrogen ions racing out from the sun), the Van Allen belts, and cosmic rays. Authoritative but properly tentative, and to the point.

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"Non-Fiction: 'Comets, Meteoroids, and Asteroids: Mavericks of the Solar System'," in Kirkus Reviews (copyright © 1974 The Kirkus Service, Inc.), Vol. XLII, No. 11, June 1, 1974, p. 588.