Jupiter

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. Also incorporating other recent research that is not widely available, Jupiter is 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.

William Sheehan is a neuroscientist, amateur astronomer, and research fellow of the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona. He is the author of many books, including Planets and Perception, The Planet Mars, and, with Stephen James O’Meara, Mars: The Lure of the Red Planet. Thomas Hockey was born with a Great Red Spot on his arm; humorists might say he was “destined” to study the planet Jupiter. Hockey is professor of astronomy at the University of Northern Iowa. He is the author of six books, including Galileo’s Planet.