Saturn in the 21st Century [Hardcover]

A detailed overview of Saturn's formation, evolution and structure written by eminent planetary scientists involved in the Cassini Orbiter mission.A detailed overview of Saturn's formation, evolution and structure, including the latest insights from the Cassini Orbiter mission. Specialised chapters discuss the planet's seasonal variability, polar aurorae, and the Great Storm of 20102011. Written by eminent planetary scientists, this is an essential reference for students and researchers.A detailed overview of Saturn's formation, evolution and structure, including the latest insights from the Cassini Orbiter mission. Specialised chapters discuss the planet's seasonal variability, polar aurorae, and the Great Storm of 20102011. Written by eminent planetary scientists, this is an essential reference for students and researchers.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 20102011, 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.Preface; List of contributors; List of reviewers; 1. Introduction to Saturn in the 21st century Kevin H. Baines, F. Michael Flasar, Norbert Krupp and Tom Stallard; 2. The origin and evolution of Saturn, with exoplanet perspective SulS&