The Outer Planets And Their Moons

"Far from the heat of the Sun lie the enormous gas giant planets of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. Beyond these, small minor planets hang silently in space. These are accompanied by millions of balls of ice which sometimes plunge towards the Sun to form comets." -- Back cover.

Representatives of several scientific communities, such as planetary scientists, astronomers, space physicists, chemists and astrobiologists have met with the aim to review the knowledge on four major themes: (1) the study of the formation and evolution processes of the outer planets and their satellites, beginning with the formation of compounds and planetesimals in the solar nebula, and the subsequent evolution of the interiors of the outer planets, (2) a comparative study of the atmospheres of the outer planets and Titan, (3) the study of the planetary magnetospheres and their interactions with the solar wind, and (4) the formation and properties of satellites and rings, including their interiors, surfaces, and their interaction with the solar wind and the magnetospheres of the outer planets. Beyond these topics, the implications for the prebiotic chemical evolution on Europa and Titan are reviewed. At the time of publication, the study of the outer planets is particularly motivated by the fact that the Saturn system is being investigated by the Cassini-Huygens mission.

Extensively revised and updated, this new edition of David A. Rothery's acclaimed geological guide to the outer solar system includes results and close-up color and black and white images from both the 1995-1999 Galileo mission to Jupiter and the Voyager space probe. Rothery, a noted planetary scientist, explains the geological aspects of the major satellites of the outer planets, from Jupiter to Neptune and the Pluto-Charon system. In particular he shows how tectonic and volcanic processes, driven by heat from within, have shaped the rigid outer layers of these worlds. Rothery also discusses the similarities and differences among them and the ways in which they resemble Earth-like planets. This fascinating book is written in an introductory style ideal for first- or second-year college courses. Amateur geologists and astronomers will also find its insights rewarding.

In this visually spectacular tour of the outer reaches of our solar system, readers discover many intriguing facts. For example, the outer planets are separated from the inner planets by the asteroid belt. And, in addition to discovering Jupiter's moons, Galileo, in the early 17th century, observed the phases of Venus and made careful studies of sunspots. Readers also learn why humans could never live on one of the gas planets. The physical and chemical features and movement of the outer planets and their moons are detailed. Sidebars pique readers' interest in space missions, spacecraft, and space-related data and terminology.

Representatives of several scientific communities, such as planetary scientists, astronomers, space physicists, chemists and astrobiologists have met with the aim to review the knowledge on four major themes: (1) the study of the formation and evolution processes of the outer planets and their satellites, beginning with the formation of compounds and planetesimals in the solar nebula, and the subsequent evolution of the interiors of the outer planets, (2) a comparative study of the atmospheres of the outer planets and Titan, (3) the study of the planetary magnetospheres and their interactions with the solar wind, and (4) the formation and properties of satellites and rings, including their interiors, surfaces, and their interaction with the solar wind and the magnetospheres of the outer planets. Beyond these topics, the implications for the prebiotic chemical evolution on Europa and Titan are reviewed. At the time of publication, the study of the outer planets is particularly motivated by the fact that the Saturn system is being investigated by the Cassini-Huygens mission.

The outer planets, which are Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus are truly fascinating not only because of their size, but also because they offer some of the most unusual worlds we have ever seen. Readers will be intrigued with the scientific details of each planet, which follow the Next Generation Science Standards focusing on the solar system, including their size, temperature, and pressure of their atmospheres, their weather, and their interiors. Readers will also learn about each planet's moons, which are unique worlds unto themselves and which may offer our best chance for finding extraterrestrial life.

As our ability to observe space improves with ever-progressing technology, we better grasp the farthest reaches of the cosmos and heighten our understanding of the universe in its entirety. Spacecraft exploration of the outermost planets in our solar system—Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—reveals many features of these seemingly harsh environments and moves us closer to comprehending the origins of our own planet as well as others. This insightful volume examines the characteristics of these remote planets and the paths they illuminate in our quest for celestial knowledge.

Discover the solar system from the comfort of the classroom! Students will take an depth look at the inner and outer planets by comparing and contrasting their characteristics. Use the background material to start the discussion, and use the activities, worksheets, questions, and answers to encourage further exploration.