jovian planets (2010)

The Jovian Planets

•Jupiter•Saturn•Uranus•Neptune

Saturn seen by Cassini

Gas Giant SizesGas Giant Sizes

http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/multimedia/display.cfm?IM_ID=180

Jupiter DataJupiter Data

Mean Distance from SunMean Distance from Sun483,300,000 miles 483,300,000 miles

5.2 AU5.2 AU

Diameter at the EquatorDiameter at the Equator88,700 miles88,700 miles

Length of “Year” Length of “Year” (revolution (revolution around the sun)around the sun)

11.86 earth years11.86 earth years

Diameter if Earth = 1Diameter if Earth = 111.1911.19

Length of “Day”Length of “Day”9 hr. 50 min. 30 sec.9 hr. 50 min. 30 sec.

Mass if Earth = 1Mass if Earth = 1317.83 317.83

SymbolSymbol

Surface Gravity if Earth = 1Surface Gravity if Earth = 12.54 2.54

http://www.vegaattractions.com/astrology/symbols.html

King PlanetKing Planet

King of the GodsKing of the Gods: Jupiter (Greek, Zeus) : Jupiter (Greek, Zeus) was the King of the Gods. Jupiter was the was the King of the Gods. Jupiter was the son of Saturn (Greek, Cronus)son of Saturn (Greek, Cronus)

Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar systemsystem

1,400 planet earths would fill Jupiter1,400 planet earths would fill JupiterSome of Jupiter’s moons are larger than Some of Jupiter’s moons are larger than

recognized planetsrecognized planets

DiscoveryDiscovery: Jupiter is the fourth brightest object in the : Jupiter is the fourth brightest object in the sky after the sun, moon, and Venus (sometimes sky after the sun, moon, and Venus (sometimes Mars is brighter than Jupiter). Mars is brighter than Jupiter).

Galileo discovered Jupiter’s four largest moons in Galileo discovered Jupiter’s four largest moons in 1610 (Io, Europa, Ganymede, Callisto)1610 (Io, Europa, Ganymede, Callisto)

These are referred to as the Galilean moonsThese are referred to as the Galilean moons Galilean moons are visible in binoculars and small Galilean moons are visible in binoculars and small

telescopestelescopes Moons are in different positions each nightMoons are in different positions each night

DiscoveryDiscovery

Galileo’s Galileo’s SketchesSketches

http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/image/0110/

Galileo’s telescopes

Jupiter’s SatellitesJupiter’s Satellites

www.skyandtelescope.com

•The chart shows the revolutions of Jupiter’s moons

•Along the side are the days of the month

•Visualize a line crossing the chart, the positions where the line crosses the spirals represent the appearance of Jupiter’s moons for that date

•The closest satellite Io forms the smallest spiral pattern

•The farthest satellite from Jupiter, Callisto, forms the largest spiral

Fastest DayFastest Day

Rapid RotationRapid Rotation: One Jupiter day is equal : One Jupiter day is equal to nearly 10 earth hours—the shortest to nearly 10 earth hours—the shortest “day” in the solar system. “day” in the solar system.

Features on Jupiter appear to move Features on Jupiter appear to move quickly when seen in a telescopequickly when seen in a telescope

Rapid rotation creates a squashed Rapid rotation creates a squashed appearanceappearance

Missions to JupiterMissions to Jupiter

SpacecraftSpacecraft: Pioneer 10 in 1973 and later : Pioneer 10 in 1973 and later by Pioneer 11, Voyager 1, and Voyager 2by Pioneer 11, Voyager 1, and Voyager 2

Galileo mission orbited Jupiter for many Galileo mission orbited Jupiter for many years (1995—2003)years (1995—2003)

Galileo plunged into Jupiter's crushing Galileo plunged into Jupiter's crushing atmosphere on Sept. 21, 2003atmosphere on Sept. 21, 2003

Gas GiantGas Giant

Gas PlanetGas Planet: Jupiter does not have a solid : Jupiter does not have a solid surface. surface.

We see the top of Jupiter’s atmosphereWe see the top of Jupiter’s atmosphere Jupiter is about 90% hydrogen and 10% Jupiter is about 90% hydrogen and 10%

helium. helium. Similar to the composition of the nebula Similar to the composition of the nebula

from which the sun and planets formed. from which the sun and planets formed. Jupiter may have a solid coreJupiter may have a solid core Jupiter radiates more heat back into space Jupiter radiates more heat back into space

than it receives from the sunthan it receives from the sun

Differential RotationDifferential Rotation

Jupiter’s rotation rate varies with latitude Jupiter’s rotation rate varies with latitude (differential rotation)(differential rotation)

The other gas planets, and the sun, also The other gas planets, and the sun, also display differential rotationdisplay differential rotation

POLAR REGION ROTATION TIME

9 hours 55minutes

EQUATORIAL REGION ROTATION TIME

9hours 50minutes

Jupiter’s Differential RotationJupiter’s Differential Rotation

Cloud BandsCloud Bands

Jupiter has high velocity winds (up to 400 Jupiter has high velocity winds (up to 400 mph) confined in wide latitude bandsmph) confined in wide latitude bands

The winds blow in opposite directions in The winds blow in opposite directions in nearby bands nearby bands

Colors related to composition and tempColors related to composition and tempZonesZones: Light colored bands: Light colored bandsBeltsBelts: Dark colored bands : Dark colored bands

Jupiter’s clouds move in east-west bandsJupiter’s clouds move in east-west bands

Reddish-colored belts alternate with white-colored zones.

Zones & Belts of JupiterZones & Belts of Jupiter

Great Red SpotGreat Red Spot

Great Red SpotGreat Red Spot: First observed > 300 : First observed > 300 years ago years ago

The GRS is an oval about 7,500 by 15,500 The GRS is an oval about 7,500 by 15,500 miles, big enough to hold two earths.miles, big enough to hold two earths.

Essentially a region of low pressure, a Essentially a region of low pressure, a stormstorm

Jupiter & GanymedeJupiter & Ganymede

Voyager’s Great Red SpotVoyager’s Great Red Spot

http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/image/0202/jupredspot_vg2_big.jpg

Jupiter’s MagnetismJupiter’s Magnetism

MagnetosphereMagnetosphere: Jupiter has an immense : Jupiter has an immense magnetic field, much stronger than that of magnetic field, much stronger than that of earth.earth.

It is so large that Jupiter’s moons lie within It is so large that Jupiter’s moons lie within this magnetic zone. this magnetic zone.

Field traps dangerous radiation Field traps dangerous radiation Creates massive auroras, imaged by HSTCreates massive auroras, imaged by HST

Jupiter’s MagnetosphereJupiter’s Magnetosphere

http://www.boulder.swri.edu/~spencer/jupmag5na.jpg

Jovian AurorasJovian Auroras

http://www.eso.org/outreach/eduoff/edu-prog/catchastar/CAS2002/cas-projects/porto_jupiter_1/jupiteraurora2.jpg

Another Ringed PlanetAnother Ringed Planet

Jupiter has a faint ring systemJupiter has a faint ring systemDiscovered by the Voyager spacecraftDiscovered by the Voyager spacecraftAll of the Jovian planets possess ring All of the Jovian planets possess ring

systems (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, systems (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune)Neptune)

Galileo Mission: Jupiter’s RingsGalileo Mission: Jupiter’s Rings

http://pds-rings.seti.org/jupiter/

The Jupiter CometThe Jupiter Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9Shoemaker-Levy 9: In July 1994, Comet Shoemaker-: In July 1994, Comet Shoemaker-

Levy 9 collided with Jupiter.Levy 9 collided with Jupiter. Discovered in advanceDiscovered in advance Impact observed by the Hubble Space Telescope and Impact observed by the Hubble Space Telescope and

other instrumentsother instruments Jupiter captured the comet into a new orbitJupiter captured the comet into a new orbit Comet broke into pieces, each fragment creating a Comet broke into pieces, each fragment creating a

separate impactseparate impact Dark spots created by this collision were visible even in Dark spots created by this collision were visible even in

small telescopes and lasted almost one year. small telescopes and lasted almost one year. One of the rarest observations in scienceOne of the rarest observations in science

Impact!Impact!

http://www.solarviews.com/raw/sl9/

Hubble Space Telescope ViewHubble Space Telescope View

http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/sl9/image/sl9g_hst5.gif

SL-9’s Dark Spots (HST)SL-9’s Dark Spots (HST)

http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/image/9808/sl9gevol_hst_big.jpg

Jupiter’s SatellitesJupiter’s Satellites

Jupiter has 63 known satellites (As of Jupiter has 63 known satellites (As of 2004), the 4 large Galilean moons and 59 2004), the 4 large Galilean moons and 59 small ones. small ones.

Named for characters in the mythology of Named for characters in the mythology of Jupiter Jupiter

SatellitesSatellites

MetisMetis IoIo LedaLeda AnankeAnanke

AdrastaeAdrastae EuropaEuropa HimaliaHimalia CarmeCarme

AmaltheaAmalthea GanymedeGanymede LysitheaLysithea PasiphaePasiphae

ThebeThebe CallistoCallisto ElaraElara SinopeSinope

Jupiter’s first 16 satellites (in order outward from Jupiter)

Galilean Satellites

Moons of the Solar SystemMoons of the Solar System

Galilean SatellitesGalilean Satellites: Io: Io

IoIo is the third largest satellite of Jupiter is the third largest satellite of Jupiter Io is slightly larger than earth’s moonIo is slightly larger than earth’s moon

Io’s SurfaceIo’s Surface

Io displays a young, dynamic, rocky Io displays a young, dynamic, rocky surface. surface.

The Voyager 1 discovered areas of active The Voyager 1 discovered areas of active volcanism, the first ever discovered on volcanism, the first ever discovered on another worldanother world

Io’s volcanoes erupt molten sulfurIo’s volcanoes erupt molten sulfur

Io’s FeaturesIo’s Features

Volcanic surface features such as Volcanic surface features such as calderas, lakes of molten sulfur, flows of calderas, lakes of molten sulfur, flows of molten sulfur hundreds of miles long, and molten sulfur hundreds of miles long, and volcanic ventsvolcanic vents

Sulfur and its compounds are colorfulSulfur and its compounds are colorful Io most resembles a cheese pizzaIo most resembles a cheese pizza Io’s volcanism most likely results from Io’s volcanism most likely results from

Jupiter’s tidal actionJupiter’s tidal action

Io’s Hellish Surface (Galileo)Io’s Hellish Surface (Galileo)

http://www.solarviews.com/browse/jup/

Io VolcanismIo Volcanism

http://archives.cnn.com/2001/TECH/space/02/27/

Io and Jupiter’s Clouds Io and Jupiter’s Clouds (Cassini)(Cassini)

http://www.spacedaily.com/images/cassini-galileo-jupiter-io-desk.jpg

Io by Cassini

Galilean Satellites: EuropaGalilean Satellites: Europa

Europa is fourth largest satellite of JupiterEuropa is fourth largest satellite of JupiterEuropa is slightly smaller than the earth’s Europa is slightly smaller than the earth’s

moon.moon.

Europa’s SurfaceEuropa’s Surface

SurfaceSurface: Smooth, frozen water surface: Smooth, frozen water surfaceYoung, very few apparent impact cratersYoung, very few apparent impact cratersResembles a billiard ballResembles a billiard ball

Europa’s WaterEuropa’s Water

Liquid WaterLiquid Water: Europa’s surface resembles : Europa’s surface resembles sea ice on earthsea ice on earth

Europa might posses an internal layer of Europa might posses an internal layer of liquid water, perhaps as much as 30 miles liquid water, perhaps as much as 30 miles deepdeep

Liquid water is an important ingredient for Liquid water is an important ingredient for lifelife

Dark StreaksDark Streaks

Dark StreaksDark Streaks: Dark streaks crisscross the : Dark streaks crisscross the entire globe of the satelliteentire globe of the satellite

The larger ones are roughly 12 miles The larger ones are roughly 12 miles across.across.

EuropaEuropa

http://www.pa.msu.edu/people/horvatin/Images/Planets/jupiter/Europa.jpg

Europa-SurfacesEuropa-Surfaces

http://www.astro.psu.edu/users/niel/astro1/slideshows/class41/014-europa-surfaces.jpg

Dark Streaks on EuropaDark Streaks on Europa

http://www.personal.psu.edu/users/p/e/pew114/After%20we%20travel%20to%20Jupiter%20Red%20Spot_files/image003.jpg

Ski Ski Europa!Europa!

http://www.cita.utoronto.ca/~murray/GLG130/Pictures/Jupiter/Europa_flow.jpg

Dive Europa!Dive Europa!

http://www.planetengrund.com/bilder/Europa-Orbiter-Mission-Hydr.jpg

http://astrobiology.arc.nasa.gov/feature/europa_ocean.jpg

Galilean Satellites: GanymedeGalilean Satellites: Ganymede

Ganymede is the largest of Jupiter’s Ganymede is the largest of Jupiter’s known satellites, and the largest satellite in known satellites, and the largest satellite in the solar system. the solar system.

Ganymede is larger than Mercury and Ganymede is larger than Mercury and PlutoPluto

Ganymede’s SurfaceGanymede’s Surface

Icy SurfaceIcy Surface: Old, icy surface: Old, icy surfacePossesses numerous impact cratersPossesses numerous impact cratersThe craters on Ganymede are thought to The craters on Ganymede are thought to

date from 3 billion years in the past, similar date from 3 billion years in the past, similar to earth’s moonto earth’s moon

Ganymede also exhibits light colored Ganymede also exhibits light colored grooves and ridgesgrooves and ridges

Ganymede’s CratersGanymede’s Craters

Formed in iceFormed in iceCrater walls slump over time creating Crater walls slump over time creating

“ghost” craters termed palimpsests. “ghost” craters termed palimpsests.

GanymedeGanymede

http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/image/

Ganymede TerrainGanymede Terrain

http://www.lpi.usra.edu/resources/outerp/gct.gif

Enki Catena (crater chain)Enki Catena (crater chain)

http://neo.jpl.nasa.gov/images/ganymede.html

Galilean Satellites: CallistoGalilean Satellites: Callisto

Callisto is the second largest Jupiter Callisto is the second largest Jupiter satellitesatellite

Slightly smaller than the planet MercurySlightly smaller than the planet MercuryCallisto is about 40% ice and 60% rock Callisto is about 40% ice and 60% rock

and ironand iron

Callisto’s SurfaceCallisto’s Surface

SurfaceSurface: Ancient surface, saturated with : Ancient surface, saturated with craterscraters

Resembles highlands on the moon and Resembles highlands on the moon and MarsMars

Possibly the oldest unaltered surface in Possibly the oldest unaltered surface in the solar systemthe solar system

CallistoCallisto

Galileo Probe: Callisto terrain

http://www.astrophys-assist.com/educate/robot/images/

Galileo: Callisto TerrainGalileo: Callisto Terrain

ValhallaValhalla

Valhalla is a gigantic, multi-ring impact Valhalla is a gigantic, multi-ring impact basin nearly 1,900 miles in diameterbasin nearly 1,900 miles in diameter

Resembles a bull’s eyeResembles a bull’s eyeSimilar to Mare Orientale on the moon, Similar to Mare Orientale on the moon,

and Mercury’s Caloris Basinand Mercury’s Caloris Basin

ValhallaValhalla

http://cseligman.com/text/moons/callisto.htm

Gipul CatenaGipul Catena

A chain of impact cratersA chain of impact cratersA series of impacts from a fragmented A series of impacts from a fragmented

bodybodySimilar to the Shoemaker-Levy 9 comet Similar to the Shoemaker-Levy 9 comet

impactimpact

Gipul CatenaGipul Catena

http://www.lpi.usra.edu/resources/outerp/cc2.gif

Jupiter FamilyJupiter Family

Left to Right: Ganymede, Callisto, Io, Europa

Lore of JupiterLore of Jupiter

A conjunction of Jupiter and Venus in the A conjunction of Jupiter and Venus in the year 3 B.C. may have been the inspiration year 3 B.C. may have been the inspiration for the famous Star of Bethlehemfor the famous Star of Bethlehem

Venus and Jupiter appeared to merge Venus and Jupiter appeared to merge briefly, would have appeared as one briefly, would have appeared as one incredibly bright starincredibly bright star

Star of Bethlehem?Star of Bethlehem?

http://www.go.ednet.ns.ca/~larry/planets/west_2bc.gif

Saturn Saturn

Saturn DataSaturn Data

Mean Distance from SunMean Distance from Sun886,281,264 miles 886,281,264 miles

8.8 AU8.8 AU


Length of Year Length of Year 29.46 earth years29.46 earth years


Length of DayLength of Day10 hr, 14 min10 hr, 14 min


SymbolSymbol (draw) (draw)

Surface Gravity if Earth = 1Surface Gravity if Earth = 11.081.08

http://www.vegaattractions.com/images/1saturn.gif

Ringed PlanetRinged Planet

Saturn has been known since prehistoric timesSaturn has been known since prehistoric times It is visible to the naked eye and resembles a It is visible to the naked eye and resembles a

bright, yellow star that doesn’t twinkle bright, yellow star that doesn’t twinkle Saturn is most famous for its system of rings. Saturn is most famous for its system of rings.

Galileo first observed Saturn with a telescope in Galileo first observed Saturn with a telescope in 1610 1610

Galileo was unable to see the rings, he thought Galileo was unable to see the rings, he thought that the planet had two large satellites that the planet had two large satellites resembling ears, a Mickey Mouse worldresembling ears, a Mickey Mouse world

Cassini: Approaching SaturnCassini: Approaching Saturn

Huygens’ RingsHuygens’ Rings

Christian Huygens first correctly described Christian Huygens first correctly described the rings of Saturn in 1659 the rings of Saturn in 1659

Saturn’s rings remained unique in the Saturn’s rings remained unique in the solar system until the 1970’s when faint solar system until the 1970’s when faint rings were discovered around Jupiter, rings were discovered around Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune Uranus, and Neptune

http://www.phaenomen.de/deutsch/geschichte/assets/auto_generated_images/img_462b4b421.gif

Huygens Discovered Saturn’s Huygens Discovered Saturn’s RingsRings

http://www2.jpl.nasa.gov/saturn

Huygens sketch

Huygens loooong refracting telescope

Saturn’s VisibilitySaturn’s Visibility From earth, Saturn appears to slowly drift through the From earth, Saturn appears to slowly drift through the

zodiac constellations requiring 29 earth years for one zodiac constellations requiring 29 earth years for one complete revolutioncomplete revolution

Throughout its 29 year revolution, Saturn’s orientation Throughout its 29 year revolution, Saturn’s orientation allows us to see the top and bottom of the rings, each allows us to see the top and bottom of the rings, each half is visible for about 14 earth yearshalf is visible for about 14 earth years

When Saturn appears edge on, the rings appear as a When Saturn appears edge on, the rings appear as a thin line and nearly disappear. This is termed a thin line and nearly disappear. This is termed a ring-ring-plane crossingplane crossing. The last occurred in 1995, we are due for . The last occurred in 1995, we are due for another in 2009another in 2009

Saturn’s synodic period is a little over an earth year long Saturn’s synodic period is a little over an earth year long (378 days), this means that Saturn’s oppositions occur (378 days), this means that Saturn’s oppositions occur every 378 daysevery 378 days

Our view of Saturn’s rings during its 30-year Our view of Saturn’s rings during its 30-year revolution around the Sunrevolution around the Sun

At some points in its orbit, we see the full face of the rings, and sometimes the rings disappear when we see them edge-on.

Saturn’s Changing Inclination Saturn’s Changing Inclination (Friedman, 2004-2007)(Friedman, 2004-2007)

http://www.spaceweather.com/swpod2007/09feb07/friedman.gif

Saturn Ring Plane CrossingSaturn Ring Plane Crossing

Full Moon & SaturnFull Moon & Saturn

Missions to SaturnMissions to Saturn

Saturn was first visited by NASA's Pioneer 11 in Saturn was first visited by NASA's Pioneer 11 in 1979 and later by Voyager 1 and Voyager 21979 and later by Voyager 1 and Voyager 2

Cassini (a joint NASA / ESA project) arrived on Cassini (a joint NASA / ESA project) arrived on July 1, 2004 and orbits SaturnJuly 1, 2004 and orbits Saturn

Cassini released the Huygens probe that landed Cassini released the Huygens probe that landed on Saturn’s moon Titan in January 2005on Saturn’s moon Titan in January 2005

Huygens was able to return images from the Huygens was able to return images from the surface of Titansurface of Titan

Fast RotatorFast Rotator

Like Jupiter, Saturn has a fast rotation of Like Jupiter, Saturn has a fast rotation of close to 10 hours on earth close to 10 hours on earth

Lightest PlanetLightest Planet: Saturn is the least dense : Saturn is the least dense of the planets, it is less dense than liquid of the planets, it is less dense than liquid waterwater

Like Jupiter, Saturn is composed of gases, Like Jupiter, Saturn is composed of gases, there is no solid surface except perhaps at there is no solid surface except perhaps at the very center where a solid core is the very center where a solid core is thought to existthought to exist

The Lightest PlanetThe Lightest Planet

Saturn is about 75% hydrogen and 25% Saturn is about 75% hydrogen and 25% helium helium

Similar in composition to the supposed Similar in composition to the supposed nebula from which the solar system nebula from which the solar system formedformed

As does Jupiter, Saturn emits more heat As does Jupiter, Saturn emits more heat back into space than it receives from the back into space than it receives from the sunsun

Cloud FeaturesCloud Features

Unlike Jupiter, Saturn’s zones and belts Unlike Jupiter, Saturn’s zones and belts are more difficult to see. are more difficult to see.

Saturn displays white oval spots on rare Saturn displays white oval spots on rare occasions. occasions.

Cassini: Swirling Storms of Cassini: Swirling Storms of SaturnSaturn

Ring FeaturesRing Features

The major divisions of The major divisions of Saturn’s rings are Saturn’s rings are named A, B, and Cnamed A, B, and C

The gap between the The gap between the A and B rings is A and B rings is named the Cassini named the Cassini division.division.

A

B

C

Cassini Division

Saturn’s FeaturesSaturn’s Features

Ring ParticlesRing Particles

Rings appear solid in a small Rings appear solid in a small telescopetelescope

Actually made of many small Actually made of many small particles each in an independent particles each in an independent revolution about Saturn. revolution about Saturn.

Particles range from less than an Particles range from less than an inch to several yardsinch to several yards

Each particle a separate “moon” of Each particle a separate “moon” of SaturnSaturn

Cassini: Saturn’s Rings Cassini: Saturn’s Rings

Amorphous RingsAmorphous Rings

Rings: 155,376 miles in diameter, but are Rings: 155,376 miles in diameter, but are less than a mile in thickness. less than a mile in thickness.

All ring particles squeezed together would All ring particles squeezed together would create a world < 60 miles acrosscreate a world < 60 miles across

Ring particles mainly water ice with some Ring particles mainly water ice with some rock rock

Ring OriginsRing Origins: Probably the breakup of : Probably the breakup of some larger satellitessome larger satellites

Cassini Spacecraft Crosses Cassini Spacecraft Crosses

Saturn's Ring PlaneSaturn's Ring Plane

Satellites of SaturnSatellites of Saturn

Saturn has 34 named satellites [click]Saturn has 34 named satellites [click]The first satellites were discovered by The first satellites were discovered by

telescopic observers. Later satellites were telescopic observers. Later satellites were discovered by space missionsdiscovered by space missions

Saturn’s satellites were named for Saturn’s satellites were named for miscellaneous Greek and Roman miscellaneous Greek and Roman mythological charactersmythological characters

Saturn’s first known moon was Titan, Saturn’s first known moon was Titan, discovered in 1655 by Christian Huygensdiscovered in 1655 by Christian Huygens

First 18 Satellites of SaturnFirst 18 Satellites of Saturn

PanPan MimasMimas HeleneHelene

AtlasAtlas EnceladusEnceladus RheaRhea

PrometheusPrometheus TethysTethys TitanTitan

PandoraPandora TelestoTelesto HyperionHyperion

EpimetheusEpimetheus CalypsoCalypso IapetusIapetus

JanusJanus DioneDione PhoebePhoebe

Some Mythology of Saturn’s Some Mythology of Saturn’s MoonsMoons

PanPan: Half human, half goat Roman god: Half human, half goat Roman godPandoraPandora: Made of clay by Hephaestus at : Made of clay by Hephaestus at

the request of Zeus; she married the request of Zeus; she married Epimetheus and opened the box that Epimetheus and opened the box that loosed a host of plagues upon humanityloosed a host of plagues upon humanity

MimasMimas: A Titan felled by Hephaestus in : A Titan felled by Hephaestus in the war between the Titans and Olympian the war between the Titans and Olympian gods. gods.

MimasMimas

Mimas is composed mainly of water ice and a Mimas is composed mainly of water ice and a small amount of rock. small amount of rock.

The surface of Mimas is dominated by an impact The surface of Mimas is dominated by an impact crater 80 miles in diameter. This crater is almost crater 80 miles in diameter. This crater is almost 1/3 of the diameter of Mimas. 1/3 of the diameter of Mimas.

This crater is named Herschel after William This crater is named Herschel after William Herschel, the astronomer who discovered Herschel, the astronomer who discovered Mimas in 1789. Mimas in 1789.

The rest of Mimas is saturated with craters.The rest of Mimas is saturated with craters.

Darth Crater on Mimas Darth Crater on Mimas

EnceladusEnceladus

EnceladusEnceladus is the most reflective body of is the most reflective body of any in the solar system. Its surface is any in the solar system. Its surface is covered with fresh, clean ice. covered with fresh, clean ice.

Enceladus exhibits smooth plains and liner Enceladus exhibits smooth plains and liner cracks (tiger stripes) and ridges. cracks (tiger stripes) and ridges.

Much of the surface appears to be Much of the surface appears to be geologically young (lacking craters)geologically young (lacking craters)

20052005: Cassini imaged fountains of water : Cassini imaged fountains of water iceice

Fresh Tiger Stripes on Saturn's Enceladus Fresh Tiger Stripes on Saturn's Enceladus

Enceladus Close-Up Enceladus Close-Up

Fountains of EnceladusFountains of Enceladus

TitanTitan Titan is the largest satellite of Saturn, larger in Titan is the largest satellite of Saturn, larger in

diameter than Mercury and Plutodiameter than Mercury and Pluto Titan is the second largest satellite in the solar Titan is the second largest satellite in the solar

system (after Ganymede).system (after Ganymede). Titan is about half water ice and half rocky Titan is about half water ice and half rocky

material. material. Titan has a thick, orange atmosphere of nitrogenTitan has a thick, orange atmosphere of nitrogen The Cassini mission landed a probe (Huyghens) The Cassini mission landed a probe (Huyghens)

on the surface of Titan in 2004on the surface of Titan in 2004 Cassini observed stream patterns and Cassini observed stream patterns and

shorelines, likely liquid methaneshorelines, likely liquid methane

Cassini’s TitanCassini’s Titan

Three Kilometers Above Titan Three Kilometers Above Titan

Titan’s Surface Titan’s Surface (Huygens)(Huygens)

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Cassini-Huygens/SEM15Y71Y3E_1.html

Shoreline Terrain on Saturn's TitanShoreline Terrain on Saturn's Titan

(Huygens Probe)(Huygens Probe)

Titan: Stream BedsTitan: Stream Beds

Huyghens Landing MovieHuyghens Landing Movie

[Click]

Hyperion: Sponge Moon of Saturn Hyperion: Sponge Moon of Saturn

IapetusIapetus

Iapetus is the third largest of Saturn’s Iapetus is the third largest of Saturn’s moons moons

One hemisphere of Iapetus is as dark as One hemisphere of Iapetus is as dark as coal, and the other half is brightcoal, and the other half is bright

Resembles yin & yangResembles yin & yangCassini imaged strange equatorial Cassini imaged strange equatorial

mountain range, moon resembles a walnutmountain range, moon resembles a walnut

Saturn's Iapetus: Moon with a Strange Saturn's Iapetus: Moon with a Strange Surface Surface

http://starryskies.com/solar_system/saturn/iapetus.jpg

Lore of SaturnLore of Saturn

CronusCronus: Saturn, as the outermost of the : Saturn, as the outermost of the classical planets, requires the longest time classical planets, requires the longest time to revolve once around the sun (about 30 to revolve once around the sun (about 30 years). years).

Therefore, the Greek god Cronus (Roman Therefore, the Greek god Cronus (Roman Saturn) was believed to be lethargic and Saturn) was believed to be lethargic and have a dark personality. have a dark personality.

The term The term saturninesaturnine means means uncommunicative, melancholy, and slow.uncommunicative, melancholy, and slow.

Uranus DataUranus Data

Mean Distance from SunMean Distance from Sun1,782,000,000 miles1,782,000,000 miles

19.2 AU19.2 AU



84.01 earth years84.01 earth years


Length of “Day”Length of “Day”17 hr. 14 min.17 hr. 14 min.


SymbolSymbol


First New PlanetFirst New Planet

UranusUranus: Uranus is the ancient Greek deity : Uranus is the ancient Greek deity of the heavensof the heavens

Uranus was the son of Gaia (earth) and Uranus was the son of Gaia (earth) and the father of Cronus (Saturn)the father of Cronus (Saturn)

First Modern PlanetFirst Modern Planet: Uranus was the first : Uranus was the first planet to be discovered in modern timesplanet to be discovered in modern times

William Herschel discovered Uranus on William Herschel discovered Uranus on March 13, 1781March 13, 1781

Observing UranusObserving Uranus

Uranus is sometimes just barely visible to Uranus is sometimes just barely visible to the unaided eye on a very clear nightthe unaided eye on a very clear night

It is easy to locate with binoculars if you It is easy to locate with binoculars if you know exactly where to lookknow exactly where to look

In a telescope, the planet resembles a In a telescope, the planet resembles a tiny, green-colored disktiny, green-colored disk

Blue Gas GiantBlue Gas Giant

Uranus is a gas giant like Jupiter and Uranus is a gas giant like Jupiter and Saturn Saturn

The atmosphere of Uranus is composed of The atmosphere of Uranus is composed of 83% hydrogen, 15% helium, and 2% 83% hydrogen, 15% helium, and 2% methanemethane

The methane creates the blue color of The methane creates the blue color of Uranus’s atmosphereUranus’s atmosphere

Uranus From Earth (Keck)Uranus From Earth (Keck)

http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/multimedia/display.cfm?IM_ID=3163

Voyager 2Voyager 2

SpacecraftSpacecraft: Uranus has been visited by : Uranus has been visited by only one spacecraft, Voyager 2 on Jan 24, only one spacecraft, Voyager 2 on Jan 24, 1986. 1986.

Voyager revealed Uranus to be a Voyager revealed Uranus to be a featureless blue disk of gas. featureless blue disk of gas.

Voyager also discovered 10 small moons Voyager also discovered 10 small moons in addition to the 5 large ones already in addition to the 5 large ones already known. known.

Planet on Its SidePlanet on Its Side

Tilted PlanetTilted Planet: The rotational axis of Uranus : The rotational axis of Uranus is tilted 98º is tilted 98º

The planet appears to be lying on its side. The planet appears to be lying on its side. Each pole of the planet is pointed towards Each pole of the planet is pointed towards

the sun for about 42 years, half of a the sun for about 42 years, half of a “Uranian” year. “Uranian” year.

Why is Uranus tilted so dramatically? The Why is Uranus tilted so dramatically? The planet may have suffered a collision with planet may have suffered a collision with an earth-sized object early in its formationan earth-sized object early in its formation

The Uranus axis of rotation is tilted on its side, making seasonal changes drastic.

Axial Tilts of the PlanetsAxial Tilts of the Planets

Dark RingsDark Rings

RingsRings: A faint system of rings was : A faint system of rings was discovered in 1977 when Uranus passed discovered in 1977 when Uranus passed in front of a star. in front of a star.

Voyager 2 photographed the rings in 1986. Voyager 2 photographed the rings in 1986. There are 11 known rings, all very faint. There are 11 known rings, all very faint.

The material composing the rings is very The material composing the rings is very dark. dark.

The rings of Uranus were the first to be The rings of Uranus were the first to be discovered after those of Saturn. discovered after those of Saturn.

http://www.nmm.ac.uk/server/show/conMediaFile.6398

Uranus OccultationUranus Occultation

Satellites of UranusSatellites of Uranus

Uranus has 20 named satellites plus one Uranus has 20 named satellites plus one recently discovered which has yet to be recently discovered which has yet to be given a name. given a name.

The satellites are named after characters The satellites are named after characters from the writings of Shakespeare and from the writings of Shakespeare and Pope (Pope (Rape of the LockRape of the Lock))

Uranus’s Satellites (in order outward Uranus’s Satellites (in order outward from Uranus)from Uranus)

CordeliaCordelia PortiaPortia ArielAriel SycoraxSycorax

OpheliaOphelia RosalindRosalind UmbrielUmbriel ProsperoProspero

BiancaBianca BelindaBelinda TitaniaTitania SetebosSetebos

CressidaCressida 1986U101986U10 OberonOberon

DesdemonaDesdemona PuckPuck CalibanCaliban

JulietJuliet MirandaMiranda StephanoStephano

Uranus Family Portrait (IR)Uranus Family Portrait (IR)

MirandaMiranda

Voyager 2 revealed Miranda’s “mixed up” Voyager 2 revealed Miranda’s “mixed up” surfacesurface

Heavily cratered areas, with weird grooves, Heavily cratered areas, with weird grooves, valleys, and cliffsvalleys, and cliffs

Miranda may have been partially shattered and Miranda may have been partially shattered and reassembled reassembled

Consists of water ice and rock, about 440 miles Consists of water ice and rock, about 440 miles in diameter. in diameter.

Miranda is the daughter of the magician Miranda is the daughter of the magician Prospero in Shakespeare’s Prospero in Shakespeare’s The TempestThe Tempest

Miranda ViewsMiranda Views

http://www.solarviews.com/raw/uranus/miranda7.jpg

Cliffs of MirandaCliffs of Miranda

Groovy MirandaGroovy Miranda

Titania & ArielTitania & Ariel

Transit of UranusTransit of Uranus

The HST captured a view of Ariel crossing the disk of Uranus in July 2006

Lore of UranusLore of Uranus

HerschelHerschel: On March 13, 1781 William Herschel, while : On March 13, 1781 William Herschel, while observing the sky using a six-inch reflecting telescope, observing the sky using a six-inch reflecting telescope, discovered the planet Uranusdiscovered the planet Uranus

Odd appearance, it resembled a bluish disk. Odd appearance, it resembled a bluish disk. At first Herschel thought that he had discovered a new At first Herschel thought that he had discovered a new

comet. comet. Herschel observed the “comet” four days later and found Herschel observed the “comet” four days later and found

that it had moved slightly. that it had moved slightly. This confirmed that the discovery was something in the This confirmed that the discovery was something in the

solar system. solar system.

Herschel’s 6-inch ReflectorHerschel’s 6-inch Reflector

http://www.nasm.si.edu/ceps/etp/discovery/disc_planets.html

George’s StarGeorge’s Star In November 1781, the German astronomer In November 1781, the German astronomer

Johann Bode calculated the orbit of “Planet Johann Bode calculated the orbit of “Planet Herschel” and found that it lay twice as far from Herschel” and found that it lay twice as far from the sun as Saturnthe sun as Saturn

With one discovery, Herschel doubled the size With one discovery, Herschel doubled the size of the solar system.of the solar system.

Bode suggested the name Uranus because, in Bode suggested the name Uranus because, in mythology, Uranus was the father of Saturnmythology, Uranus was the father of Saturn

Herschel wanted to name it “Georgium Sidus” Herschel wanted to name it “Georgium Sidus” after the infamous George III of Englandafter the infamous George III of England

““Uranus” became the accepted name after 1850Uranus” became the accepted name after 1850

Neptune DataNeptune Data

Mean Distance from SunMean Distance from Sun2,792,400,000 miles 2,792,400,000 miles

28.8 AU28.8 AU

Diameter at the EquatorDiameter at the Equator30,770 miles 30,770 miles


164.79 earth years 164.79 earth years

Diameter if Earth = 1Diameter if Earth = 13.89 3.89

Length of “Day”Length of “Day”16 hr. 3 min. 16 hr. 3 min.


SymbolSymbol


God of the SeaGod of the Sea

NeptuneNeptune: In Roman mythology Neptune : In Roman mythology Neptune (Greek Poseidon) was the god of the sea.(Greek Poseidon) was the god of the sea.

Neptune was discovered in 1846 at the Neptune was discovered in 1846 at the Berlin Observatory based upon a Berlin Observatory based upon a prediction by the French astronomer prediction by the French astronomer Leverrier.Leverrier.

This was the first time that a planet had This was the first time that a planet had been predicted to exist before its been predicted to exist before its discovery.discovery.

Twin of UranusTwin of Uranus

Neptune is composed of gas and is very Neptune is composed of gas and is very similar in size and composition to Uranus. similar in size and composition to Uranus.

Like Uranus, Neptune also has methane in Like Uranus, Neptune also has methane in its atmosphere, which gives the planet a its atmosphere, which gives the planet a blue color.blue color.

Magnetic FieldsMagnetic Fields

Uranus & Neptune:Uranus & Neptune: Magnetic fields are not centered on the planet’s Magnetic fields are not centered on the planet’s

corescores Both fields extremely tilted compared to the Both fields extremely tilted compared to the

rotation axesrotation axes Uranus, 59Uranus, 59ºº Neptune, 47Neptune, 47ºº Earth, 12Earth, 12ºº

With most other planets, the axes of rotation and With most other planets, the axes of rotation and magnetic field are fairly closemagnetic field are fairly close

The magnetic fields of Earth, Jupiter, and Saturn nearly align with their respective rotation axes.

In contrast, the magnetic and geographic poles of Uranus and Neptune differ greatly.

Voyager 2Voyager 2

SpacecraftSpacecraft: Neptune has been visited by : Neptune has been visited by only one spacecraft, Voyager 2 on August only one spacecraft, Voyager 2 on August 25, 1989. 25, 1989.

During its flyby, Voyager 2 discovered six During its flyby, Voyager 2 discovered six new satellites and observed the ring new satellites and observed the ring structure of Neptunestructure of Neptune

Voyager 2 had already visited Jupiter, Voyager 2 had already visited Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus before encountering Saturn, and Uranus before encountering NeptuneNeptune

Voyager 2 ViewsVoyager 2 Views

Detail of Neptune’s clouds Neptune & Triton

Like Uranus, Neptune is Surrounded Like Uranus, Neptune is Surrounded by Thin, Dark Ringsby Thin, Dark Rings

Great Dark SpotGreat Dark Spot

Great Dark SpotGreat Dark Spot: For Voyager 2, displayed an : For Voyager 2, displayed an ever-changing atmosphere. Uranus was ever-changing atmosphere. Uranus was featurelessfeatureless

At the time of the Voyager 2 encounter, At the time of the Voyager 2 encounter, Neptune’s most prominent feature was the Great Neptune’s most prominent feature was the Great Dark SpotDark Spot

About half the size of Jupiter’s Great Red Spot About half the size of Jupiter’s Great Red Spot (about the same diameter as the earth)(about the same diameter as the earth)

Observations from the Hubble Space Telescope Observations from the Hubble Space Telescope in 1994 have revealed that the Great Dark Spot in 1994 have revealed that the Great Dark Spot has vanished! has vanished!

Neptune’s Great Dark SpotNeptune’s Great Dark Spot

Moon’s of NeptuneMoon’s of Neptune

Neptune has seven small moons and one large moon Neptune has seven small moons and one large moon named Triton.named Triton.

Neptune’s moons were named after “watery” characters Neptune’s moons were named after “watery” characters from Greek mythology.from Greek mythology.

Neptune’s’ Satellites (in order outward from Neptune)Neptune’s’ Satellites (in order outward from Neptune)

NaiadNaiad LarissaLarissa

ThalassaThalassa ProteusProteus

DespinaDespina TritonTriton

GalateaGalatea NereidNereid

TritonTriton

In Greek mythology, Triton is the son of In Greek mythology, Triton is the son of NeptuneNeptune

Triton revolution of Neptune is retrograde Triton revolution of Neptune is retrograde Triton may have formed elsewhere and Triton may have formed elsewhere and

was later captured by Neptunewas later captured by NeptuneTriton is about 25% water ice and 75% Triton is about 25% water ice and 75%

rockrockTriton is probably similar to PlutoTriton is probably similar to PlutoTriton is about 1,700 miles in diameterTriton is about 1,700 miles in diameter

Cantaloupe WorldCantaloupe World

Surface FeaturesSurface Features: Triton has a young : Triton has a young surface with few craters surface with few craters

Its southern hemisphere is covered with Its southern hemisphere is covered with an “ice cap” of frozen nitrogen and an “ice cap” of frozen nitrogen and methane. methane.

Complex ridges and valleys cover Triton’s Complex ridges and valleys cover Triton’s surface. surface.

In the Voyager 2 images, Triton’s surface In the Voyager 2 images, Triton’s surface resembles the skin of a cantaloupe. resembles the skin of a cantaloupe.

Triton (V2)Triton (V2)Triton

Ice VolcanoesIce Volcanoes

Voyager images of Triton reveal “ice volcanoes”Voyager images of Triton reveal “ice volcanoes” Eruptions of liquid nitrogen, dust, or methane Eruptions of liquid nitrogen, dust, or methane

compounds from beneath the surfacecompounds from beneath the surface Voyager images show an actual plume rising Voyager images show an actual plume rising

five miles above the surface and extending over five miles above the surface and extending over 90 miles “downwind” 90 miles “downwind”

Triton, Io, and Enceladus are the only other Triton, Io, and Enceladus are the only other bodies in the solar system besides earth that bodies in the solar system besides earth that display some form of volcanismdisplay some form of volcanism

Ice Ice Volcanoes Volcanoes

(V2)(V2)

•Dark streaks are possible “ice volcanoes”

Lore of NeptuneLore of Neptune

Galileo: In 1613, Galileo observed Galileo: In 1613, Galileo observed Neptune when it happened to be very near Neptune when it happened to be very near Jupiter, but he thought that it was only a Jupiter, but he thought that it was only a star. star.

If Galileo had been the discoverer of If Galileo had been the discoverer of Neptune, then the 8th planet would have Neptune, then the 8th planet would have been found before the 7th.been found before the 7th.

Leverrier & AdamsLeverrier & Adams

Adams & LeverrierAdams & Leverrier: Due to irregularities : Due to irregularities observed in the orbit of Uranus, the astronomers observed in the orbit of Uranus, the astronomers Adams and Leverrier predicted the existence Adams and Leverrier predicted the existence and location of a new planet beyond Uranus and location of a new planet beyond Uranus

This new planet was discovered by Galle and This new planet was discovered by Galle and d’Arrest on September 23, 1846. d’Arrest on September 23, 1846.

They pointed a telescope at the predicted They pointed a telescope at the predicted position and quickly located the new planet!position and quickly located the new planet!

Amazing use of Newton’s laws to find a new Amazing use of Newton’s laws to find a new planet!planet!

jovian planets (2010)

Documents

jupiter day

jupiter greek

jupiters atmosphere

cronus jupiter

jupiter spacecraft

cloud bands jupiter

zones belts of jupiter

jupiter data http