The Giant Planet Jupiter

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

The Our Solar System series takes readers on an exciting journey through space to discover the unique characteristics of each planet. This compelling series explores each planets orbit, life forms, name origin, and physical features, along with a map showing its location in space, a timeline of observation, and comparisons to Earth and the other planets. From rocky planets to dwarf planets and ice giants to gas giants, each book in the series is filled with exciting facts that are sure to keep readers turning the pages. Our Solar System is a series of AV2 media enhanced books. A unique book code printed on page 2 unlocks multimedia content. These books come alive with video, audio, weblinks, slide shows, activities, hands-on experiments, and much more.

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 this book, readers are introduced to the planet Jupiter"--

Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system. It is known for its giant spinning storm called the Great Red Spot. Young students will learn all about Jupiter¿s discovery, storms, moons, and how this giant planet has been explored.

Majestic and untwinkling, Jupiter is the grandest of all planets. It is the largest planet in our solar system and among the brightest objects in the night sky. It shines with a noble, steady luster, and its calming presence has inspired humans for centuries. Jupiter was the “beloved star” of the first serious observers of the planets, the ancient Sumerians and Babylonians, and has inspired poetic utterances from eminent writers such as William Wordsworth and Walt Whitman. It also continues to inspire contemporary astronomers and stargazers, and this beautifully illustrated volume brings our understanding of Jupiter right up to date. The scientific study of Jupiter is at a watershed: NASA’s Juno space probe has entered orbit about Jupiter to investigate the planet, while information gleaned from improved telescopes and other robotic explorers in space continues to improve our understanding of the planet’s origin, evolution, and composition. Jupiter provides a concise and expert overview of the history of our observations of this largest of planetary spheres, as well as reports on the much-anticipated initial findings from the Juno space probe. Also incorporating other recent research that is not widely available, Jupiter is an accessible and engaging introduction to planetary science that will deepen our knowledge both of this magnificent planet and of our own place in the solar system.