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.
| ISBN: | 9783642098888 |
| Publication date: | 25th November 2010 |
| Author: | Patrick Irwin |
| Publisher: | Springer an imprint of Springer Berlin Heidelberg |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Pagination: | 428 pages |
| Series: | Springer Praxis Books |
| Genres: |
Astrophysics Geophysics Meteorology and climatology Astronomical observation: observatories, equipment and methods Solar system: the Sun and planets Applied physics |