"Jupiter is one of the brightest planets in our night sky and by far the largest in the Solar System. What the Romans called the Father of the Sky is huge - its diameter is more than ten times, Earth's and its mass is well over twice the total of all the rest of the planets in the Solar System. Yet in spite of its staggering size,its position relatively close to us, and its prominent place in our myths and imagination, Jupiter has remained the of the most enigmatic of out planetary neighbors. Does this gas giant have a solid surface? What drives its Great Red Spot - a huge swirling storm hundreds of years old and tens of thousands of miles across? Was there ever a possibility of microbial life on its watery moon Europa? What are we to make of the active volcanoes on the moon Io? And what is the nature of Jupiter's extraordinary magnetosphere?" "This book tells the story of the Galileo space probe and the astonishing things it has told us about Jupiter - and the new questions it has rai

"Discusses the planet Jupiter, including observations by ancient cultures, current knowledge of Jupiter, and plans for future scientific research and space exploration"--

"A child astronaut takes an imaginary trip to Jupiter, learns about the harsh conditions on the biggest planet, and decides that Earth is a good home after all. Includes solar system diagram, Jupiter vs. Earth fact chart, and glossary"--Provided by publisher.

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.

Provides an introduction to Jupiter, including the planet's rings and moons.

Learn about the features of Jupiter, the probes that have been sent there, and the scientists' theories about what the information sent back has revealed.