Orbiting the Sun

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Spokes and braids in the rings of Saturn, eddying currents around Jupiter's Great Red Spot, and volcanic eruptions on Io are just a few captivating images from Voyager that have fascinated the public. A prominent figure in twentieth-century astronomy takes readers on a literary journey through the discoveries made by space probes like Viking, Mariner, and Pioneer, as well as Russian missions, which have transformed our understanding of neighboring planets. Fred Whipple lays a solid foundation in astronomy, ensuring readers are not only awed but also well-informed about the solar system's workings. With a stunning blend of text and illustrations, the narrative presents breathtaking views, including mountains on Mars that dwarf Everest, thunderstorms on Venus, and the possibility of liquid nitrogen oceans on Titan. Whipple meticulously details the Viking Lander's tests, which have largely dismissed the prospect of life on Mars. This revised edition of his classic work recontextualizes Earth within the solar system, prompting speculation about connections like asteroid collisions and dinosaur extinction. Enhanced by striking photographs, the book features the Martian landscape from Viking Landers, Saturn's rings, and vivid portraits of Jovian moons such as Callisto, Europa, Ganymede, and Io. Whipple continues to inspire a new generation of students and amateur astronomers with his insights into the wonders of the solar system.