Jovian Planets & Dwarf Planets(Chapter 18)

Student Learning Objectives

• Identify & describe each Jovian planet

• Compare and contrast the Jovian planets

• Characterize PlutoPluto & Charon

What are the basic qualities of Jovian planets?

Jovian planets are often called gas or ice giants.

Contain mostly low density materialsNo solid surfaceSeveral moonsRing systemsHydrogen rich atmospheres

Practice

What is the most likely method for Jovian planets to have acquired atmosphere? Explain.

a. Outgassing c. Comets

b. Volcanism d. Capture

How are Jupiter and Saturn similar?

Deep layers contain liquid and metallic hydrogen

Strong magnetic fields

Alternating bands of belts and zones in atmosphere

Jupiter 20,000x Earth'sSaturn 8,000x Earth's

Jupiter

Rotation

Rotation Periods average 10 h

Non-solid objects have different rotation speeds at different latitudes.

Differential Rotation

Fluid Spinning Fast Oblate

The smaller the core, the more oblate the shape

Jupiter Saturn

Jupiter & Saturn

The Galilean Moons• Io (P = 1.769 days)

• Europa (P = 3.551 days)• Ganymede (P = 7.154 days)• Callisto (P = 16.689 days)

The Great Red Spot

on Jupiter

is the longest lived weather disturbance in the

solar system.

The Red Spot is ShrinkingMay 15, 2014 NASA

Jupiter’sRing

Practice

1) Who was the first person to “see” the Galilean moons? Why was observing these moons important?

2) Why is it difficult to observe Jupiter’s ring?

Saturn's ring system is divided into 7 major systems.

Each major system is comprised of several ringlets.

Saturn’s Rings

Saturn’s Moon Titan

Saturn's largest moon, Titan, has an atmosphere and liquid methane lakes.

Practice

1) How did Saturn get it’s rings?

2) Why would scientists want to explore methane lakes on Titan?

How are Uranus and Neptune similar?

Uranus and Neptune both have methane rich atmospheres.

Uranus looks green-blue

Neptune looks very blue

Uranus & Neptune

Uranus Neptune

Uranus and Neptune both have ring systems.

Uranus’sRings

Neptune’sRings

Uranus rotates on its side (90º Tilt), resulting in the most extreme seasons in our solar system.

Neptune’s Spot

Neptune has the strongest winds (1,200 mph) ever recorded on any planet.

The Great Dark Spot

on Neptune

Disappeared in 1994

APODMay 8, 1996

Practice

1) Why do you think Neptune is more blue than Uranus?

2) Write a general statement discussing how Uranus and Neptune compare and contrast with Jupiter and Saturn.

Pluto is unlike either Terrestrial or Jovian planets.

 

Orbit is inclined by 17ºOrbit is elliptical (e = 0.25)Composition similar to comet

Pluto is characterized as a

dwarf planet.

What about Pluto?

Plutobefore New Horizons

Image Credit: NASA

Definition of a Planet(2006, International Astronomical Union)

1. Is in orbit around the Sun

2. Has sufficient mass to assume a nearly round shape

3. Is not a satellite (moon)

4. Has cleared the neighborhood around its orbit

Dwarf Planets

Dwarf planets are defined as objects that are similar to planets but do not meet all planet criteria.

CeresPluto Eris

Practice

1) What criterion is Pluto missing to be classified as a planet?

2) How many moons does Pluto have?

Hubble Finds 'Tenth Planet' Slightly Larger Than Pluto

04.11.06 NASA

Pluto’s Moons

NASA

Space.com