Now in paperback, 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.
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.
