Giant Planets of Our Solar System

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.

Concise description of the states of the atmospheres of the outer planets, and interpretation with comparison to simple thermodynamic, dynamical and radiative transfer models. Overview of current remote sensing measurement techniques. Up-to-date description of our totally revised understanding of Saturn's atmosphere in light of what has newly been discovered by the Cassini probe. Covering the great advances in our understanding of planetary formation through ongoing observation/analysis of exoplanets.

Contenu
Formation of the giant planets.- Evolution processes in outer planet atmospheres.- Vertical structure of temperature, composition, and clouds.- Dynamical processes.- Radiative transfer processes in outer planetary atmospheres.- Sources of remotely sensed data on the giant planets.- Future of giant planet observations.