Outer Planets’ Characteristics � � � Called “Gas Giants” They are huge and made mostly of gases – no solid surface! Have many moons They all have rings that are made of dust, ice, or rock NEXT SLIDE FOR SIZE COMPARASIONS!
Size Comparasion
Outer Planets’ Characteristics � � Spaceship cannot land on the gas giants because they have no surface In 2004 the Cassini reached Saturn and gave a lot of info about Saturn’s rings
Jupiter � � The largest planet in our solar system Has a diameter 11 times of Earth’s 63 moons A gigantic hurricane-like storm called Great Red Spot has raged on Jupiter for more than 300 years!!! WOW!
Saturn � � � Has rings that are visible from Earth through a telescope At least 31 moons No solid surface
Neptune � � Neptune is made of gases The windiest places in the solar system Winds can reach up to 1, 200 mi/hr!!! At least 13 moons
Uranus � � Another gas giant Rotates on its side as it orbits the sun May be a result of a collision with an object the size of Earth! Has at least 27 moons
What about Pluto? Pluto’s orbit sometimes cuts inside the orbit of Neptune. � In 2006 it was named a “dwarf planet” because it doesn’t have a clear orbit.