solar system has eight planets, four of which belong to the terrestrial and four - the category of the gas giants.The difference between the two categories can be traced in everything.This size and structure, and the movement and the atmosphere.Below, we have compiled the most interesting facts about the giant planets, which for many will be a revelation.But those who already know a lot about astronomy, will be able to replenish your stock of knowledge.
What objects are included in this group
First, consider how the solar system looks like and where it is located within it our gas giants.In the center is the Sun revolves around the four terrestrial planets.This Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars.This is followed by the asteroid belt, which seemed to divide these two categories.The next four planets - Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.Below are numerous facts about the giant planets, which will help us to distinguish them from the heavenly bodies terrestrial.Most astronomers are also attributed to the category of Pluto - the most distant cosmic body SS.However, it is rather reminiscent of Mercury than Jupiter or Neptune, and its structure, and the parameters.
size - the most important criterion for evaluation of the planet
Based on the fact that we here list the facts about the giant planets, it is easy to guess that the parameters of these celestial bodies really great.The biggest object of this group is to Jupiter, followed by the Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and after.In short, if they are located in descending order with respect to the sun.So, what are the exact parameters of these planets?The diameter of Jupiter is 142,800 km, while the planet near the equator always "grows" due to the fact that very quickly rotates around its axis.Saturn diameter has 120 000 km.These figures Uranus and Neptune - 51 800 km and 48 600 km respectively.For comparison, we propose to consider the diameter of the Earth - the largest terrestrial planets.It is 12,756 km, which is ten times less than that of giants.
chemical composition and mass
It would seem that the fact of the two giant planets, which should not be linked, in fact, are one.So, four of them as the selection is made of hydrogen and helium.It should be borne in mind that these gases - is the foundation of each planet.On the surface they have no solid rocks, craters from meteorites, glaciers and water.The giant planets are therefore referred to as gas, as are the physical element of the cluster by gravitational forces.Its density is higher than in outer space, and thus the gas is transformed into the planet, getting rounded shape.Of course, the helium and hydrogen are not the only gases that are present on the Giants.But they are the basis to which adjoin all other chemical elements.For example, Jupiter's upper atmosphere to meet the methane molecule, hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen, and even oxygen.The structure can be detected Saturn ammonia, ethane, phosphine.Uranus appears greenish because of the large amount of methane that is present in the upper atmosphere.A Neptune supplemented with ammonia and hydrogen sulphide, which, mixing of the same with methane, making it blue.Now about the weight.The most striking facts about the giant planets lie in the fact that they do not weigh too much.The average mass of Uranus is about three Earth masses.Lightweight planets allows their composition, because if they would have a hard surface, water and rocks, you would weigh an incredible amount.
Splendor rings
very first in the world of facts about giant planets that have been discovered in 17-18 centuries, testified to the presence of so-called rings that surround each such celestial body.Such rings are formed due to the fact that the planet revolves around a lot of moons.In this zone forming a special type of gravity, the chemical composition varies slightly (in comparison with the overall environment space).In this way, the ring becomes visible for us, earthly observers.The most striking of the celestial splendor owner is Saturn.Its rings are visible through an amateur telescope.The second in a row in the rankings appearances rings is Neptune.Jupiter and Uranus are also surrounded by the likes of "fields", but it is already possible to see them only with the help of a very powerful technique.
satellites that do not count
now look at some interesting facts about the planets of the solar system, which are still not clear to astronomers.We are talking about satellites that surround the planet, and their quantity.The fact that the terrestrial objects have a very small number of moons or none at all.No satellites of Mercury and Venus.It equipped with only one Earth - the Moon and Mars, two - Demos and Phobos.But the gas giants simply abound moons.The winner of all in the number of Jupiter - it has already 67 satellites (perhaps more of them, but they are not yet open).It is important to note that some of these are analogs of the Earth.There is water, oxygen, probably because the origin of life.Saturn of 62 satellites, which revolve in its magnificent rings.Uranus is surrounded by 27 moons, and Neptune - 14. But Pluto situation is comparable to terrestrial planets.He has only one moon - Charon, which is the same as he did, hard, cold and very mysterious.
Other facts about the planets
List amazing facts coming to an end, because we have decided to summarize the summary data relating to the entire SS.So:
- mass of the Sun is 99.86% of the total weight of the solar system.The balance falls on the planet.
- most powerful magnetic field of Jupiter.Its radiation is constantly enrich the earth with electricity.
- On some planets night last longer than a year.
- There is a hypothesis that the core of Neptune is composed of rocks.If it is icy clouds once melted, it will be able to find the atmosphere and become a planet suitable for life.
