This book reviews our current knowledge of Saturn featuring the latest results obtained by the Cassini-Huygens mission. A global author team addresses the planet’s origin and evolution, internal structure, composition and chemistry, the atmosphere and ionosphere, the magnetosphere, as well as its ring system. Furthermore, Saturn's icy satellites are discussed. The book closes with an outlook beyond the Cassini-Huygens mission. Colorfully illustrated, this book will serve as a reference to researchers as well as an introduction for students.
Author(s): Michele K. Dougherty, Larry W. Esposito (auth.), Michele K. Dougherty, Larry W. Esposito, Stamatios M. Krimigis (eds.)
Edition: 1
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Year: 2009
Language: English
Pages: 805
Tags: Extraterrestrial Physics, Space Sciences; Planetology; Astronomy, Astrophysics and Cosmology
Front Matter....Pages i-viii
Overview....Pages 1-8
Review of Knowledge Prior to the Cassini-Huygens Mission and Concurrent Research....Pages 9-54
Origin of the Saturn System....Pages 55-74
The Interior of Saturn....Pages 75-81
Saturn: Composition and Chemistry....Pages 83-112
Saturn Atmospheric Structure and Dynamics....Pages 113-159
Clouds and Aerosols in Saturn's Atmosphere....Pages 161-179
Upper Atmosphere and Ionosphere of Saturn....Pages 181-201
Saturn's Magnetospheric Configuration....Pages 203-255
The Dynamics of Saturn's Magnetosphere....Pages 257-279
Fundamental Plasma Processes in Saturn's Magnetosphere....Pages 281-331
Auroral Processes....Pages 333-374
The Structure of Saturn's Rings....Pages 375-412
Dynamics of Saturn's Dense Rings....Pages 413-458
Ring Particle Composition and Size Distribution....Pages 459-509
Diffuse Rings....Pages 511-536
Origin and Evolution of Saturn's Ring System....Pages 537-575
The Thermal Evolution and Internal Structure of Saturn's Mid-Sized Icy Satellites....Pages 577-612
Icy Satellites of Saturn: Impact Cratering and Age Determination....Pages 613-635
Icy Satellites: Geological Evolution and Surface Processes....Pages 637-681
Enceladus: An Active Cryovolcanic Satellite....Pages 683-724
The Cassini Extended Mission....Pages 725-744
Saturn's Exploration Beyond Cassini-Huygens....Pages 745-761
Cartographic Mapping of the Icy Satellites Using ISS and VIMS Data....Pages 763-781
Back Matter....Pages 783-805
