Comets and Meteors Their phenomena in all ages; their mutual relations; and the theory of their origin.

"Comets and Meteors" by Daniel Kirkwood is a scientific exploration of celestial phenomena, penned in the 1800s, that seeks to uncover the mysteries behind comets and meteors, examining how they were seen throughout history, how they connect with each other, and what theories explain where they come from. Kirkwood's aims to spark curiosity about these cosmic events, while providing a look at cometary paths through space and how comets break apart to form meteor showers. The book begins by looking at the beginnings of meteor study in astronomy, noting that the meteor showers of 1833, caused an increase in public interest and investigation of them . Kirkwood then lays out the framework of our solar system and what makes comets special, pointing out how their orbits and behaviors differ from those of planets. It also takes a brief look at the history of comet sightings and the premise that these celestial objects have a key role in understanding the solar system.