Giant Planets

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.

Chemical Evolution of the Giant Planets is a compilation of papers on the chemical evolution of giant planets, presented at a colloquium sponsored by the Laboratory of Chemical Evolution in October, 1974. The compendium focuses on the interpretation of data provided by the Pioneer 10 and 11 missions, which conducted explorations of the outer planets. Scientists from various disciplines tackle the various aspects of the study of the chemical environment of the giant planets and their satellites. Subjects such as the atmosphere of Jupiter and Saturn; chemical abundances in the atmospheres of the giant planets and their satellites; possibility of growth of airborne microbes in outer planetary atmospheres; and the biology on the outer planets are covered in the book. Astronomers, chemists, geologists, and biologists will find the book interesting.

Readers will find grouped together here the most recent observations, current theoretical models and present understanding of the coupled atmosphere, magnetosphere and solar wind system. The book begins with a general discussion of mass, energy and momentum transport in magnetodiscs. The physics of partially ionized plasmas of the giant planet magnetodiscs is of general interest throughout the field of space physics, heliophysics and astrophysical plasmas; therefore, understanding the basic physical processes associated with magnetodiscs has universal applications. The second chapter characterizes the solar wind interaction and auroral responses to solar wind driven dynamics. The third chapter describes the role of magnetic reconnection and the effects on plasma transport. Finally, the last chapter characterizes the spectral and spatial properties of auroral emissions, distinguishing between solar wind drivers and internal driving mechanisms. The in-depth reviews provide an excellent reference for future research in this discipline.

Volume 1 provides a broad overview of the chemistry of the solar system. It includes chapters on the origin of the elements and solar system abundances, the solar nebula and planet formation, meteorite classification, the major types of meteorites, important processes in early solar system history, geochemistry of the terrestrial planets, the giant planets and their satellite, comets, and the formation and early differentiation of the Earth. This volume is intended to be the first reference work one would consult to learn about the chemistry of the solar system. Reprinted individual volume from the acclaimed Treatise on Geochemistry (10 Volume Set, ISBN 0-08-043751-6, published in 2003)

Origins of Giant Planets is a comprehensive overview of giant planet formation aimed at new researchers in the field. With the capability of the upcoming James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to push the mass limit for direct imaging of young planets down to Saturn's scale, observations within the next ten years are likely to bring meaningful constraints to models of giant planet formation.

This highly illustrated volume provides a comprehensive and accessible account of Jupiter and its satellites.

"This volume integrates the cross-disciplinary aspects of this broad field. Covering a wide range of scales, from the formation of large clouds in our Milky Way galaxy down to small chondrules in our solar system, it takes an encompassing view with the goal of highlighting what we know and emphasizing the frontiers of what we do not know"--