Saturn in the 21st Century

Kevin H. Baines, F. Michael Flasar, Norbert Krupp, Tom Stallard

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Year: 2018
• Print ISBN:
  9781107106772
• eBook ISBN:
  9781108649773
• Topic: Physical Sciences
• Subtopic: Astronomy & Astrophysics

The Cassini Orbiter mission, launched in 1997, has provided state-of-the-art information into the origins and workings of Saturn. Drawing from new discoveries and scientific insight from the mission, this book provides a detailed overview of the planet as revealed by Cassini. Chapters by eminent planetary scientists and researchers from across the world comprehensively review the current state of knowledge regarding Saturn's formation, interior, atmosphere, ionosphere, thermosphere and magnetosphere. Specialised chapters discuss the planet's seasonal variability; the circulation of strong zonal winds; the constantly changing polar aurorae; and the Great Storm of 2010–2011, the most powerful convective storm ever witnessed by humankind. Documenting the latest research on the planet, from its formation to how it operates today, this is an essential reference for graduate students, researchers and planetary scientists.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half-title page
• Series page
• Title page
• Copyright page
• Contents
• List of Contributors
• List of Reviewers
• 1 Introduction to Saturn in the 21st Century
• 2 The Origin and Evolution of Saturn, with Exoplanet Perspective
• 3 The Interior of Saturn
• 4 Saturn’s Magnetic Field and Dynamo
• 5 The Mysterious Periodicities of Saturn: Clues to the Rotation Rate of the Planet
• 6 Global Configuration and Seasonal Variations of Saturn’s Magnetosphere
• 7 Saturn’s Aurorae
• 8 Saturn’s Ionosphere
• Plates
• 9 Saturn’s Variable Thermosphere
• 10 Saturn’s Seasonally Changing Atmosphere: Thermal Structure, Composition and Aerosols
• 11 The Global Atmospheric Circulation of Saturn
• 12 Saturn’s Polar Atmosphere
• 13 The Great Saturn Storm of 2010–2011
• 14 The Future Exploration of Saturn
• Index