Review
"In this superbly researched and illustrated guide to the giant planet, the authors have trawled through centuries of humanity's archives for documentation of Jupiter, looking for engaging ways to explain what astronomers know about the planet, and how they found out. . . . The illustrations are exceptional, reproducing one archive gem after another. . . . Reading this comprehensive primer on Jupiter and on planetary astronomy itself is as enlightening as it is thoroughly enjoyable." ― BBC Sky at Night Magazine
"The gas giant planet Jupiter, with its red spot and ever-changing meteorology, has fascinated human curiosity since as far back as records exist thousands of years ago. Sheehan and Hockey add to the Kosmos series of books exploring our Solar System and beyond by looking not only at the historical and cultural context of Jupiter’s continued significance but also by exploring its parts, from its atmosphere and weather patterns, to its rings and moons. They present the knowledge accumulated from the earliest observations by Galileo to the Juno mission’s latest discoveries." ― Nature Astronomy
"For more about the largest planet in our solar system, check out the beautiful hardcover book Jupiter by Sheehan and Hockey, from the Kosmos series. We handpick reading recommendations we think you may like." ― Curiosity.com
"This is an enthralling book from authors who have deep, well-researched knowledge of the planet. Sheehan's writing style is gripping; this is a page turner you cannot put down. The book is a voyage of discovery . . . a must-have book on your shelf." ― Astronomy Now
"A glossy coffee-table title, packed with more than one hundred images and illustrations. The opening chapters do a good job in tackling the birth of the solar system and all the Jovian planets; describing how they formed; before delving into Jupiter itself, layer by layer, from atmosphere to core. . . . Sheehan and Hockey’s language is clear. . . . The book is well-paced. . . . A useful and practical planetary-science primer." -- Tushna Commissariat ― Physics World
"This compact book covers a great deal of ground about the giant planet. Recommended." ― Choice
"This is an enthralling book from authors who have deep, well- researched knowledge of the planet. Sheehan’s writing style is gripping; this is a page turner you cannot put down. The book is a voyage of discovery . . . a must-have book on your shelf.” ― Popular Astronomy
“The scope of this book is very wide-ranging, including chapters on ancient observations of Jupiter, the origin and structure of the planet, features in its atmosphere, its satellites, and the Shoemaker-Levy 9 impacts. It also features results from spacecraft—including some initial results from the current Juno mission. . . . Well written and easy to follow. It is also well illustrated, with numerous color and black-and-white illustrations. There are a number of spacecraft images, plus amateur images and drawings. . . . I enjoyed reading the book and it provides a good overview of the Jovian system for a general reader.” ― Journal of the British Astronomical Association
"This book is especially strong on a survey of amateur observations of Jupiter, and for that reason alone it is a useful addition to the literature." ― Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage
"Astronomy historian William Sheehan and astronomer Thomas Hockey have written a delightful primer, Jupiter, exploring all we know about this Jovian giant, from ancient historical references to theories as to its nature through the centuries and, ultimately, the exciting discoveries being made today." ― The Explorers Journal
About the Author
William Sheehan is a noted historian of astronomy, writer, and retired psychiatrist. He is the author or coauthor of twenty books, including Planets and Perception, The Planet Mars, and Discovering Pluto. He lives in Flagstaff, AZ, and Asteroid 16037 is named Sheehan in his honor.
