This book reviews the current state of knowledge of the atmospheres of the giant gaseous planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. The current theories of their formation are reviewed and their recently observed temperature, composition and cloud structures are contrasted and compared with simple thermodynamic, radiative transfer and dynamical models. The instruments and techniques that have been used to remotely measure their atmospheric properties are also reviewed, and the likely development of outer planet observations over the next two decades is outlined. This second edition has been extensively updated following the Cassini mission results for Jupiter/Saturn and the newest ground-based measurements for Uranus/Neptune as well as on the latest development in the theories on planet formation.
This book reviews the current state of knowledge of the atmospheres of the four giant gaseous planets. It is the first book to contain all the latest data and background information on these planets in one handy volume. Current theories of their formation are reviewed. The book clearly explains all specialist terms, and it discusses the pros and cons of ground versus space-based observations of giant planets.
In recent years, planetary science has seen a tremendous growth in new knowledge. Deposits of water ice exist at the Moon's poles. Discoveries on the surface of Mars point to an early warm wet climate, and perhaps conditions under which life could have emerged. Liquid methane rain falls on Saturn's moon Titan, creating rivers, lakes, and geologic landscapes with uncanny resemblances to Earth's. Vision and Voyages for Planetary Science in the Decade 2013-2022 surveys the current state of knowledge of the solar system and recommends a suite of planetary science flagship missions for the decade 2013-2022 that could provide a steady stream of important new discoveries about the solar system. Research priorities defined in the report were selected through a rigorous review that included input from five expert panels. NASA's highest priority large mission should be the Mars Astrobiology Explorer Cacher (MAX-C), a mission to Mars that could help determine whether the planet ever supported life and could also help answer questions about its geologic and climatic history. Other projects should include a mission to Jupiter's icy moon Europa and its subsurface ocean, and the Uranus Orbiter and Probe mission to investigate that planet's interior structure, atmosphere, and composition. For medium-size missions, Vision and Voyages for Planetary Science in the Decade 2013-2022 recommends that NASA select two new missions to be included in its New Frontiers program, which explores the solar system with frequent, mid-size spacecraft missions. If NASA cannot stay within budget for any of these proposed flagship projects, it should focus on smaller, less expensive missions first. Vision and Voyages for Planetary Science in the Decade 2013-2022 suggests that the National Science Foundation expand its funding for existing laboratories and establish new facilities as needed. It also recommends that the program enlist the participation of international partners. This report is a vital resource for government agencies supporting space science, the planetary science community, and the public.
This book reviews the current state of knowledge of the atmospheres of the giant gaseous planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. The current theories of their formation are reviewed and their recently observed temperature, composition and cloud structures are contrasted and compared with simple thermodynamic, radiative transfer and dynamical models. The instruments and techniques that have been used to remotely measure their atmospheric properties are also reviewed, and the likely development of outer planet observations over the next two decades is outlined. This second edition has been extensively updated following the Cassini mission results for Jupiter/Saturn and the newest ground-based measurements for Uranus/Neptune as well as on the latest development in the theories on planet formation.
This book reviews the current state of knowledge of the atmospheres of the four giant gaseous planets. It is the first book to contain all the latest data and background information on these planets in one handy volume. Current theories of their formation are reviewed. The book clearly explains all specialist terms, and it discusses the pros and cons of ground versus space-based observations of giant planets.
Discover places where a day is longer than a year, where hailstones are made of diamonds, and where a mountain looms twice the size of Everest. These and more are all to be found in The Planets. The Sun’s gravity holds in thrall eight planets, each with an entourage of moons, as well as dwarf planets, asteroids, and comets. The Planets takes you on a dazzling visual tour. From the Solar System’s fiery heart, travel to rocky worlds such as tiny Mercury scorched by the Sun. Then witness Venus swathed in a sulfurous haze, and go to the outer reaches to visit planets such as gas giant Jupiter, which is 120 times the size of Earth. Using 3-D models and photography from NASA and the European Space Agency, The Planets describes each one, as well as the extraordinary endeavors of space exploration. Edited by space scientist Maggie Aderin-Pocock, this book is enthralling reading for everyone interested in astronomy and space exploration.
"Describes the eight planets in our solar system, including the birth of the solar system and the planets' orbits around the Sun"--Provided by publisher.
Two planets stand out in the Solar System from among the group of eight. Saturn boasts unique rings of orbiting debris, while Jupiter is as big as all the other planets combined. This book takes an up-close look at these two amazing worlds, from diving into Saturn's rings to exploring Jupiter's giant red storm cloud. Visit the moons of these planets, and find out how human exploration has revealed these once-mysterious places. The entire series called THE SOLAR SYSTEM is your first-class travel guide to the biggest neighborhood you live in, from the Sun to the planets and beyond! Blastoff on a visit to our solar neighborhood and beyond. This series visits all the planets in our Solar System, visits comets that are just passing through, and in Space Exploration, travels into the universe as human beings seek to find out "what's out there." The books are packed with information, stories, photos, artwork, and more, including the latest developments in the always-changing story of exploration and discovery. Each title in THE SOLAR SYSTEM includes color photos throughout, and back matter including an index and other information. Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities, and expand their viewpoints through our content rich nonfiction books. Key Icons in this series are: Educational Videos are offered in chapters through the use of a QR code, that, when scanned, takes the student to an online video showing a moment in history, a speech, or an instructional video. This gives the readers additional content to supplement the text. Nothing But the Facts is an at-a-glance appendix section of additional factual material. The format differs from title to title, but each section provides new information, lists, charts, and more. A Timeline lets readers see the history of the city at a two-page glance, tracking the key events mentioned in the text and putting them into visual historical context. A Words to Understand section is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the book. Words found here broaden the readers knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.
