Patrick Stakem

Exploration of the Gas Giants and the Ice Giants, Space Missions to Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune Patrick Stakem

This book will discuss the exploration of the four largest planets in our solar system, all located beyond the orbit of Mars. The first two, Jupiter and Saturn are termed the Gas Giants, and the next two, Neptune and Uranus, are the Ice Giants. Each has an extensive set of moons, and a ring system. Each is also unique in many ways. They have been explored extensively, and more information is gained every day about their composition and behavior. It's thought that some of the larger moons might harbor life beneath an icy crust. Some of the larger moons could provide a landing site and outpost for humans. There is a lot more to learn about these systems, and how the planets and the solar system in general formed, and behaves.