The Solar System SOL 6.8. Introduction In this presentation we will : In this presentation we will :...

The Solar SystemThe Solar System

SOL 6.8SOL 6.8

IntroductionIntroduction In this presentation we will :In this presentation we will :

-- explore the nine planets and their explore the nine planets and their features.features.

-- compare and contrast the similarities compare and contrast the similarities and differences of the “inner” and and differences of the “inner” and ““outer” planets.outer” planets.

-- examine the location of the solar system in examine the location of the solar system in the universe and explore theories about its the universe and explore theories about its beginning.beginning.

-- take a detailed look at comets, asteroids, and take a detailed look at comets, asteroids, and moons as significant members of our solar system.moons as significant members of our solar system.

Let’s start with the SunLet’s start with the SunA G2 typical yellow dwarf starA G2 typical yellow dwarf star

DiameterDiameter: 1.4 million kilometers: 1.4 million kilometers Contains 99.8% of the mass of the Contains 99.8% of the mass of the

solar systemsolar system The volume of the Sun could hold The volume of the Sun could hold

1 million Earths.1 million Earths.

CompositionComposition: 75% hydrogen, : 75% hydrogen, 25% helium25% helium

Surface TemperatureSurface Temperature: 5500 : 5500 ooCC

Core TemperatureCore Temperature: 15 million : 15 million degrees Celsiusdegrees Celsius

Rotates on its own axis once Rotates on its own axis once every 25.4 days at the equator.every 25.4 days at the equator.

Revolves around the center of the Revolves around the center of the Milky Way Galaxy once every 225 Milky Way Galaxy once every 225 million years.million years.

How about the planets?How about the planets?

The solar system is divided into two basic The solar system is divided into two basic groups. The inner and outer planets.groups. The inner and outer planets.

The inner planets lie inside of the asteroid belt The inner planets lie inside of the asteroid belt and consist of Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.and consist of Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.

They are four of the five smallest planets in the They are four of the five smallest planets in the solar system and are often called terrestrial solar system and are often called terrestrial planets because of their similarities with Earth.planets because of their similarities with Earth.

They have high densities because of heavy They have high densities because of heavy metal cores.metal cores.

Lets take a closer look at each one.Lets take a closer look at each one.

MercuryMercury Mercury is the eighth largest Mercury is the eighth largest

planet (or second smallest) in the planet (or second smallest) in the Solar System. Solar System.

Mercury is a heavily cratered Mercury is a heavily cratered planet, composed of rock with a planet, composed of rock with a central iron core that is three-central iron core that is three-quarters of the diameter of the quarters of the diameter of the planet (3,600 km). Following the planet (3,600 km). Following the Earth, Mercury is the second Earth, Mercury is the second densest planet in the Solar densest planet in the Solar System. System.

Covered with thousands of Covered with thousands of craters, the surface of Mercury craters, the surface of Mercury closely resembles the Earth's closely resembles the Earth's Moon. Moon.

Mercury has few non-cratered Mercury has few non-cratered areas on the surface, with the areas on the surface, with the exception of the large flat area exception of the large flat area known as the Caloris Basin, and a known as the Caloris Basin, and a few other small areas. few other small areas.

The Caloris Basin, the result of an The Caloris Basin, the result of an asteroid impact, is 1300 km in asteroid impact, is 1300 km in diameter. diameter.

More on MercuryMore on Mercury The surface temperature of Mercury is The surface temperature of Mercury is

characterized by major fluctuations. characterized by major fluctuations. The daytime side of the planet reaches The daytime side of the planet reaches over 400 degrees C (752 degrees F), over 400 degrees C (752 degrees F), but on the night side the temperature but on the night side the temperature falls to -170 degrees C (-274 degrees falls to -170 degrees C (-274 degrees F). F).

Mercury has no atmosphere and no Mercury has no atmosphere and no known satellites. known satellites.

The only visit to Mercury was made by The only visit to Mercury was made by the Mariner 10 spacecraft in 1974. the Mariner 10 spacecraft in 1974.

Mercury was believed by the Greeks to Mercury was believed by the Greeks to be two different stars. Mercury's be two different stars. Mercury's appearance in the morning was called appearance in the morning was called Apollo, and its evening appearance Apollo, and its evening appearance was referred to as Hermes. was referred to as Hermes.

Mercury, often identified with the Mercury, often identified with the Greek god, Hermes, is the messenger Greek god, Hermes, is the messenger of the gods in Roman mythology. of the gods in Roman mythology. Mercury is often characterized with Mercury is often characterized with winged sandals. winged sandals.

Position: Closest to Sun

Distance from Sun: 57,910,000 km

Mercury Day: 58.65 Earth Days

Mercury Year: 87.97 Earth Days

Orbital Speed: 47.8 km/sec

Eccentricity of Orbit: 0.206

Satellites: None

Diameter: 4,878 km

Mass: 3.30e23 kg

How About VenusHow About Venus Venus is the sixth largest planet in the Venus is the sixth largest planet in the

Solar System. Solar System. Similar in size, density, and mass, Similar in size, density, and mass,

Venus and Earth often referred to as Venus and Earth often referred to as sister planets. However the surface sister planets. However the surface and atmosphere of the two planets are and atmosphere of the two planets are drastically different. drastically different.

The atmosphere of Venus is primarily The atmosphere of Venus is primarily composed of carbon dioxide (96%) composed of carbon dioxide (96%) and nitrogen (3%), with traces of other and nitrogen (3%), with traces of other gases and little to no water vapor. gases and little to no water vapor.

Venus would have a cold climate if it Venus would have a cold climate if it weren't for the high concentration of weren't for the high concentration of carbon dioxide in its atmosphere carbon dioxide in its atmosphere (96%). (96%).

The high albedo on Venus reflects the The high albedo on Venus reflects the majority of the solar radiation that majority of the solar radiation that reaches it, but carbon dioxide, a well reaches it, but carbon dioxide, a well known greenhouse gas, keeps the known greenhouse gas, keeps the planet extremely warm. planet extremely warm.

In fact the surface temperature of In fact the surface temperature of Venus is over 480 degrees C (900 Venus is over 480 degrees C (900 degrees F). degrees F).

Photograph of Venus

More about VenusMore about Venus The clouds in Venus' atmosphere are The clouds in Venus' atmosphere are

composed of sulfuric acid which composed of sulfuric acid which causes the planet to reflect 65% of the causes the planet to reflect 65% of the sunlight that reaches it. sunlight that reaches it.

Thus, Venus the third brightest object Thus, Venus the third brightest object in the sky (third only to the Sun and in the sky (third only to the Sun and the Moon). the Moon).

The atmospheric pressure on the The atmospheric pressure on the surface of Venus is 90 times the surface of Venus is 90 times the pressure on Earth.. pressure on Earth..

The surface of Venus is very dry with The surface of Venus is very dry with flat plains, highland regions, and flat plains, highland regions, and depressions. depressions.

The interior of Venus is composed of a The interior of Venus is composed of a central iron core and a molten rocky central iron core and a molten rocky mantle, similar to the composition of mantle, similar to the composition of Earth. Earth.

The rotation of Venus is very slow. A The rotation of Venus is very slow. A day on Venus (243 Earth days) is day on Venus (243 Earth days) is longer than a year (224.7 Earth days). longer than a year (224.7 Earth days). The rotation is also opposite from that The rotation is also opposite from that of Earth, with the Sun rising in the of Earth, with the Sun rising in the West. West.

Magellan Probe Computer Generated Surface Image

The Russians photographed the The Russians photographed the surface first with their Venera probesurface first with their Venera probe

And a little more Venutian info…And a little more Venutian info… Venus has been visited Venus has been visited

by over 20 spacecrafts. by over 20 spacecrafts. The first visit was The first visit was made by Mariner 2 in made by Mariner 2 in 1962. 1962.

The Soviet Venera 7, The Soviet Venera 7, which visited Venus in which visited Venus in 1970, was the first 1970, was the first spacecraft to land on spacecraft to land on another planet. another planet.

A recent visit made by A recent visit made by the Magellan, launched the Magellan, launched in 1989, produced high in 1989, produced high resolution maps of the resolution maps of the surface using radar. surface using radar.

Venus is named after Venus is named after the Roman goddess of the Roman goddess of love and beauty. love and beauty.

Position: Second from Sun

Distance from Sun: 108,200,000 km (.72 AU)

Venus Day: 243 Earth Days

Venus Year: 224.7 Earth Days

Orbital Speed: 35 km/sec


Satellites: None

Diameter: 12,100 km

Mass: 4.869e24 kg

Major Atmospheric Gas: Carbon Dioxide

The Third Planet - EarthThe Third Planet - Earth Diameter: 12.7 thousand Diameter: 12.7 thousand

kilometerskilometers Mass: 6.0 x 10Mass: 6.0 x 102424 kilograms or kilograms or

six sextillion metric tonssix sextillion metric tons Composition: water, silicon, Composition: water, silicon,

carbon, heavy metal iron-carbon, heavy metal iron-nickel corenickel core

Atmosphere: nitrogen, water Atmosphere: nitrogen, water vapor, oxygen, carbon dioxidevapor, oxygen, carbon dioxide

Surface Temperature: -13 – Surface Temperature: -13 – 3737ooCC

Called the “Blue Planet” Called the “Blue Planet” because of the color of because of the color of nitrogen in it’s atmosphere.nitrogen in it’s atmosphere.

More on the EarthMore on the Earth The Earth rotates on an axis that is tilted 23 The Earth rotates on an axis that is tilted 23 ½½ degrees relative to degrees relative to

the orbital or ecliptic plane. the orbital or ecliptic plane. It’s period of rotation is one day or 23 hours and 56 minutes.It’s period of rotation is one day or 23 hours and 56 minutes. The period of revolution around the Sun is a year or 365 and one-The period of revolution around the Sun is a year or 365 and one-

quarter days.quarter days.

Earth (continued)Earth (continued) Earth is the fifth largest planet in Earth is the fifth largest planet in

the Solar System. the Solar System. The Earth is around 4.6 billion The Earth is around 4.6 billion

years old. years old. Earth is the only presently known Earth is the only presently known

planet in the Solar System to planet in the Solar System to support life. The earliest fossil support life. The earliest fossil evidence for life dates back 3.5 evidence for life dates back 3.5 billion years ago. billion years ago.

71% of Earth's surface is covered 71% of Earth's surface is covered in water. in water.

The Earth is the densest planet in The Earth is the densest planet in the Solar System. the Solar System.

The Earth travels at an orbital The Earth travels at an orbital speed of 108,000 km (67,000 speed of 108,000 km (67,000 miles) an hour. miles) an hour.

The Earth has only one satellite, The Earth has only one satellite, the Moonthe Moon. The Moon is the . The Moon is the second brightest object in the sky. second brightest object in the sky.

Position Third from the Sun


Earth Day: 24 hours

Earth Year: 365 Earth Days



Satellites: 1

Diameter: 12,756 km

Mass: 5.976e24 kg

Major Atmospheric Gas: Nitrogen

How about the Red Planet - MarsHow about the Red Planet - Mars Mars is the seventh largest planet Mars is the seventh largest planet

in the Solar System. in the Solar System. Known as the Red Planet, Mars Known as the Red Planet, Mars

is characterized by its red, dusty is characterized by its red, dusty landscape. landscape.

In observation of Mars seasonal In observation of Mars seasonal changes and river channels on changes and river channels on the surface, many scientists the surface, many scientists hoped for a possibility of Martian hoped for a possibility of Martian life. They speculated that the life. They speculated that the composition of Mars' was similar composition of Mars' was similar enough to Earth to support life. enough to Earth to support life. However, the atmosphere on However, the atmosphere on Mars is very different than Mars is very different than Earth's, with only small amounts Earth's, with only small amounts of life supporting oxygen and of life supporting oxygen and water. water.

The atmosphere on Mars is very The atmosphere on Mars is very thin, composed mainly of carbon thin, composed mainly of carbon dioxide(95%), nitrogen(2.7%), dioxide(95%), nitrogen(2.7%), and argon(1.6%), with traces of and argon(1.6%), with traces of oxygen and water. oxygen and water.

More on MarsMore on Mars Mars has polar ice caps, Mars has polar ice caps,

composed of solid carbon dioxide, composed of solid carbon dioxide, that advance and retreat with the that advance and retreat with the changing seasons. changing seasons.

Temperatures on Mars vary from Temperatures on Mars vary from a maximum of 0 degrees C (32 a maximum of 0 degrees C (32 degrees F) to minimum -100 degrees F) to minimum -100 degrees C (-148 degrees F). degrees C (-148 degrees F).

The terrain on Mars is complex The terrain on Mars is complex and varied, with deep canyons, and varied, with deep canyons, mountains, volcanoes, and mountains, volcanoes, and craters. Olympus Mons, the craters. Olympus Mons, the largest mountain in the Solar largest mountain in the Solar System, stands on Mars with an System, stands on Mars with an altitude of 24 km (78,000 feet) with altitude of 24 km (78,000 feet) with a base that is 600 km across. a base that is 600 km across. Valles Marineris is a system of Valles Marineris is a system of canyons that stretch out over the canyons that stretch out over the surface of Mars for nearly 2,500 surface of Mars for nearly 2,500 miles (4000 km). The canyons can miles (4000 km). The canyons can get up to 200 km wide and 6 km get up to 200 km wide and 6 km deep in some areas. deep in some areas.

Position: Fourth from Sun


Mars Day: 24.6 Earth Hours

Mars Year: 686.98 Earth Days



Satellites: Two

Diameter: 6,794 km

Mass: 6.4219e23 kg

Major Atmospheric Gas: Carbon Dioxide

Mars (continued)Mars (continued) Mars was first visited by Mars was first visited by

the Mariner 4, in 1965, the Mariner 4, in 1965, which transmitted 22 which transmitted 22 pictures of the Martian pictures of the Martian surface back to Earth. surface back to Earth. The pictures revealed The pictures revealed that there was no water that there was no water or life on the cold or life on the cold surface, shattering hopes surface, shattering hopes to find life on Mars. There to find life on Mars. There has been no proof to date has been no proof to date that there was ever life that there was ever life on Mars. on Mars.

Mars has two small Mars has two small satellites named Phobos satellites named Phobos and Deimos. and Deimos.

Mars is the god of war in Mars is the god of war in Roman mythology. Roman mythology.

Mars Rover currently on Mars

What have you learned?What have you learned?

Name the inner planets.Name the inner planets. Which one is smallest?Which one is smallest? Which one is biggest?Which one is biggest? Which ones have water?Which ones have water? Which is the densest?Which is the densest? Which one is the “red Which one is the “red

planet?planet? Which have no moons?Which have no moons? Which one has two Which one has two

moons? moons?

Which has no Which has no atmosphere?atmosphere?

Which has an Which has an atmosphere of sulfuric atmosphere of sulfuric acid?acid?

Which is the brightest Which is the brightest object in the night sky object in the night sky after the Sun and Moon?after the Sun and Moon?

Which has one moon?Which has one moon? Which has the tallest Which has the tallest

mountain?mountain?

The Outer PlanetsThe Outer Planets

The outer planets consist of four gas The outer planets consist of four gas giants, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and giants, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, and the outermost planet called Neptune, and the outermost planet called Pluto.Pluto.

Another 1-2 AUs and we’ll be in the Another 1-2 AUs and we’ll be in the Asteroid BeltAsteroid Belt

Asteroids are small rocky objects that Asteroids are small rocky objects that move in elliptical orbits in the move in elliptical orbits in the asteroid beltasteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.

Their average distance from the Sun is Their average distance from the Sun is about 2.9 astronomical units (A.U.) about 2.9 astronomical units (A.U.)

Asteroids are also called minor planets. Asteroids are also called minor planets. Giuseppe Piazzi discovered the first Giuseppe Piazzi discovered the first asteroid, Ceres, on January 1, 1801.asteroid, Ceres, on January 1, 1801.

Take a look.Take a look.

Ten thousand of these??

More on AsteroidsMore on Asteroids Asteroids range in size from Ceres, which has a Asteroids range in size from Ceres, which has a

diameter of about 1000 km, down to the size of diameter of about 1000 km, down to the size of pebbles. pebbles.

Sixteen asteroids have a diameter of 240 km or Sixteen asteroids have a diameter of 240 km or greater. They have been found inside Earth's greater. They have been found inside Earth's orbit to beyond Saturn's orbit. orbit to beyond Saturn's orbit.

Most, however, are contained within a Most, however, are contained within a main beltmain belt that exists between the orbits of Mars and that exists between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.Jupiter.

Astronomers have calculated that, the chances Astronomers have calculated that, the chances of a collision between Earth and an asteroid of a collision between Earth and an asteroid averages out to only one collision about every averages out to only one collision about every 300,000 years. 300,000 years.

On to JupiterOn to Jupiter Jupiter, the largest Jupiter, the largest

planet in our solar planet in our solar system, is 318 system, is 318 times larger than times larger than Earth. Earth.

It has 62 moons.It has 62 moons. The largest four The largest four

were discovered by were discovered by Galilei Galileo. Galilei Galileo. IoIo, , EuropaEuropa, , GanymedeGanymede and and CallistoCallisto

Jupiter is the fourth Jupiter is the fourth brightest object to brightest object to be seen in the sky. be seen in the sky.

Occasionally Mars Occasionally Mars will appear to be will appear to be brighter than Jupiter brighter than Jupiter in the Earth's sky. in the Earth's sky.

The Great Red Spot

More on JupiterMore on Jupiter Jupiter spins faster on its axis than Jupiter spins faster on its axis than

any other planet in our solar system. any other planet in our solar system. One day on Jupiter is 9.8 Earth hours One day on Jupiter is 9.8 Earth hours

Jupiter is a gas planet, composed Jupiter is a gas planet, composed largely of hydrogen (89%) and helium largely of hydrogen (89%) and helium (11%), with traces of methane, water (11%), with traces of methane, water vapor, and ammonia. The gas gets vapor, and ammonia. The gas gets denser with depth turning into liquid denser with depth turning into liquid toward the center. The tops of the gas toward the center. The tops of the gas clouds in the atmosphere make up clouds in the atmosphere make up the colorful texture on Jupiter. the colorful texture on Jupiter.

The Great Red Spot is a high The Great Red Spot is a high pressure region with clouds, moving pressure region with clouds, moving in a counter-clockwise direction, in a counter-clockwise direction, thought to contain red phosphorus. thought to contain red phosphorus. The cloud tops in the Spot are higher The cloud tops in the Spot are higher than the surrounding clouds. The than the surrounding clouds. The Great Red Spot is about 12,000 by Great Red Spot is about 12,000 by 25,000 km. 25,000 km.

Position: Fifth from Sun


Jupiter Day: 9.8 Earth Hours

Jupiter Year: 11.9 Earth Years



Satellites: 16 (plus Rings)

Equatorial Diameter: 142,984 km

Polar Diameter: 133,708 km

Mass: 1.900e27 kg

Major Atmospheric Gas: Hydrogen

Still More About JupiterStill More About Jupiter The Pioneer 10 was the first spacecraft to visit The Pioneer 10 was the first spacecraft to visit

Jupiter in 1973, and was followed by visits from Jupiter in 1973, and was followed by visits from Pioneer 11, Voyager 1, Voyager 2, and Ulysses. Pioneer 11, Voyager 1, Voyager 2, and Ulysses.

The Galileo probe arrived in the Jovian system The Galileo probe arrived in the Jovian system in late 1995 and will remain in orbit there until in late 1995 and will remain in orbit there until 1997 (two years). 1997 (two years).

Jupiter, sometimes called Jove, was the King of Jupiter, sometimes called Jove, was the King of the gods in Roman mythology and the son of the gods in Roman mythology and the son of Saturn. Saturn.

Like Saturn, Jupiter has rings, though they are Like Saturn, Jupiter has rings, though they are much smaller, fainter, and darker. Jupiter's rings much smaller, fainter, and darker. Jupiter's rings were discovered by the Voyager 1 in 1979.were discovered by the Voyager 1 in 1979.

Take a look! Take a look!

Rings of Jupiter??

How about SaturnHow about Saturn Saturn is the sixth planet from Saturn is the sixth planet from

the Sun and the second the Sun and the second largest. largest.

Saturn is flattened at the poles, Saturn is flattened at the poles, due to a fast rotation on its axis. due to a fast rotation on its axis.

Galileo discovered Saturn in Galileo discovered Saturn in 1610, and was confused by its 1610, and was confused by its strange appearance in his strange appearance in his telescope. telescope.

Saturn is a gas planet, like Saturn is a gas planet, like Jupiter, and is large enough Jupiter, and is large enough and far enough away from the and far enough away from the Sun to retain its original Sun to retain its original primitive gases. The primitive gases. The atmosphere on Saturn is atmosphere on Saturn is primarily composed of primarily composed of hydrogen, with small amounts hydrogen, with small amounts of helium and methane. of helium and methane.

More about SaturnMore about Saturn Saturn is the only planet in our Saturn is the only planet in our

solar system that is less dense solar system that is less dense that water. that water.

Saturn is well known for it's Saturn is well known for it's beautiful beautiful ringring system, which are system, which are composed of millions of composed of millions of particles and large chunks of ice particles and large chunks of ice and snow. The ring system is and snow. The ring system is divided into various parts, divided into various parts, including rings and gaps. The including rings and gaps. The bright A and B rings are bright A and B rings are separated by a large gap called separated by a large gap called the Cassini Division. Radial the Cassini Division. Radial "spokes" composed of fine "spokes" composed of fine particles, about the size of dust particles, about the size of dust specks, were found in the B-specks, were found in the B-Ring by the Voyager. Ring by the Voyager.

Saturn was the god of Saturn was the god of agriculture in Roman mythology. agriculture in Roman mythology. Saturn is also the father of Saturn is also the father of Jupiter, the king of the Roman Jupiter, the king of the Roman gods. gods.

Position: Sixth from Sun

Distance from Sun: 1,427 million km

Saturn Day: 10 hours, 14 minutes

Saturn Year: 29.5 Earth Years



Satellites: 18 (plus rings)

Equatorial Diameter: 120,536 km

Polar Diameter: 108,728 km

Mass: 5.688e26 kg


Mission to SaturnMission to Saturn

This photo was This photo was taken by the taken by the Cassini-Cassini-Huygens Huygens Probe on a Probe on a mission to mission to Saturn and its Saturn and its largest moon, largest moon, Titan.Titan.

The Cassini-Huygens Probe on route to Saturn

How About Uranus?How About Uranus? The atmosphere of Uranus The atmosphere of Uranus

is composed of hydrogen, is composed of hydrogen, helium, and methane. The helium, and methane. The methane in the atmosphere methane in the atmosphere absorbs red light, giving the absorbs red light, giving the planet a blue-green color.planet a blue-green color.

Uranus is considered Uranus is considered unusual because the planet unusual because the planet is tipped on its side.is tipped on its side.

The poles actually point The poles actually point towards the Sun. This is towards the Sun. This is due to the fact that its due to the fact that its magnetic field is tilted 60 magnetic field is tilted 60 degrees from the axis of degrees from the axis of rotation. rotation.

Like Venus, Uranus spins Like Venus, Uranus spins from east to west, which is from east to west, which is opposite from the spin of opposite from the spin of Earth. Earth.

More About UranusMore About Uranus Uranus has rings that are Uranus has rings that are

composed of fine dust, rocks, composed of fine dust, rocks, and ice boulders. The rings are and ice boulders. The rings are very faint and remained very faint and remained undiscovered until the Voyager undiscovered until the Voyager 2 spacecraft visited the planet 2 spacecraft visited the planet in 1986. in 1986.

Voyager 2 is the only Voyager 2 is the only spacecraft to have visited spacecraft to have visited Uranus. Uranus.

Uranus is named after the Uranus is named after the Greek god of the sky. Uranus Greek god of the sky. Uranus was the husband of Gaia, the was the husband of Gaia, the goddess of the Earth. goddess of the Earth.

Take a look at the rings of Take a look at the rings of Uranus.Uranus.

Position: Seventh from Sun

Distance from Sun: 2,870,990,000 km

Uranus Day: .72 Earth Days

Uranus Year: 84.01 Earth Years




Diameter: 51,800 km

Mass: 8.686e25 kg


Nine rings…Can you Count them?Nine rings…Can you Count them?

Now on to NeptuneNow on to Neptune Neptune is the fourth Neptune is the fourth

largest planet in the largest planet in the Solar System. Solar System.

The only spacecraft ever The only spacecraft ever to visit Neptune was the to visit Neptune was the Voyager 2 in 1989. Voyager 2 in 1989.

Neptune is a gas planet, Neptune is a gas planet, composed of hydrogen, composed of hydrogen, helium, methane, with helium, methane, with traces of ammonia and traces of ammonia and water. water.

The blue color of the The blue color of the planet is due to the planet is due to the absorption of red light by absorption of red light by methane in the methane in the atmosphere. atmosphere.

More about NeptuneMore about Neptune Neptune has actually been the Neptune has actually been the

most distant planet from the sun most distant planet from the sun since 1979 to 1999, due the fact since 1979 to 1999, due the fact that Pluto's orbit is highly that Pluto's orbit is highly eccentric. Pluto is now the most eccentric. Pluto is now the most distant planet from Sun the distant planet from Sun the again. again.

Neptune has the stronger winds Neptune has the stronger winds than any other planet in the Solar than any other planet in the Solar System. Blowing in a westerly System. Blowing in a westerly direction, winds on Neptune get direction, winds on Neptune get up to 2,000 km/hour (1,200 up to 2,000 km/hour (1,200 miles/hour).miles/hour).

"The Scooter" is a cloud that "The Scooter" is a cloud that moves around Neptune about moves around Neptune about every 16 hours. every 16 hours.

Neptune is the god of the sea in Neptune is the god of the sea in Roman Mythology. Roman Mythology.

Position: Eighth from Sun

Distance from Sun:

30.06 AU

Neptune Day: 0.75 Earth Days

Neptune Year: 164.83 Earth Years


Eccentricity of Orbit:

0.0097


Diameter: 49,528 km

Mass: 1.0247e26 kg

Major Atmospheric Gas:

Hydrogen

Can you see the faint rings of Can you see the faint rings of Neptune?Neptune?

On to PlutoOn to Pluto Pluto is the smallest Pluto is the smallest

planet in our Solar planet in our Solar System. System.

Not a very good Not a very good picture..huh?picture..huh?

It’s just too far away.It’s just too far away. Pluto is named after Pluto is named after

the Greek lord of the the Greek lord of the underworld, Hades. It's underworld, Hades. It's only satellite, Charon, only satellite, Charon, is named after the is named after the boatman who ferried boatman who ferried the dead across the the dead across the River Styx to Hades. River Styx to Hades.

More on PlutoMore on Pluto Pluto's moon, Charon, is Pluto's moon, Charon, is

12,200 miles from the 12,200 miles from the planet and has a planet and has a diameter of 1,200 km diameter of 1,200 km (740 miles). (740 miles).

Charon was first seen Charon was first seen from Earth in 1978. from Earth in 1978. Pluto and Charon are Pluto and Charon are similar in size, and they similar in size, and they orbit each other like a orbit each other like a double planet, with the double planet, with the same sides permanently same sides permanently facing each other. facing each other.

Check this out.Check this out.

Position: Ninth from Sun

Distance from Sun: 39.5 AU

Plutonian Day: 6.39 Earth Days

Plutonian Year: 247.7 Earth Years


Eccentricity of Orbit:

0.2482

Satellites: 1

Diameter: 2340 km

Mass: 1.32e22 kg

Major Atmospheric Gas:

Methane

Pluto and CharonPluto and Charon

Planetary Moons (9/2003)Planetary Moons (9/2003)

Planet Number of MoonsMercury 0

Venus 0

Earth 1

Mars 2

Jupiter 62 WOW!

Saturn 31

Uranus 27

Neptune 13

Pluto 1

How about CometsHow about Comets Comets are small, fragile, irregularly shaped bodies composed of a Comets are small, fragile, irregularly shaped bodies composed of a

mixture of non-volatile grains and frozen gases.mixture of non-volatile grains and frozen gases. They are thought to come from places in the Solar system called the They are thought to come from places in the Solar system called the

Kuiper belt, and the Oort Cloud.Kuiper belt, and the Oort Cloud. The The Kuiper BeltKuiper Belt is a disk-shaped region past the orbit of Neptune is a disk-shaped region past the orbit of Neptune

extending roughly from 30 to 50 AU from the Sun containing many extending roughly from 30 to 50 AU from the Sun containing many small icy bodies. It is now considered to be the source of the short-small icy bodies. It is now considered to be the source of the short-period comets.period comets.

Occasionally the orbit of a Kuiper Belt object will be disturbed by the Occasionally the orbit of a Kuiper Belt object will be disturbed by the interactions of the giant planets in such a way as to cause the object interactions of the giant planets in such a way as to cause the object to cross the orbit of Neptune or cross into the inner solar system. to cross the orbit of Neptune or cross into the inner solar system.

The statistics imply that the Oort cloud may contain as many as a The statistics imply that the Oort cloud may contain as many as a trillion (1e12) comets. Unfortunately, since the individual comets are trillion (1e12) comets. Unfortunately, since the individual comets are so small and at such large distances, we have no direct evidence so small and at such large distances, we have no direct evidence about the Oort Cloud. about the Oort Cloud.

The Anatomy of a CometThe Anatomy of a Comet

Space Missions to CometsSpace Missions to Comets

Deep Space 1: NASA. Launched in 1998. DEEP Deep Space 1: NASA. Launched in 1998. DEEP SPACE 1 flew within 10 miles (16 kilometers) of SPACE 1 flew within 10 miles (16 kilometers) of Asteroid 1992 KD Braille on July 28, 1999. The Asteroid 1992 KD Braille on July 28, 1999. The mission is mainly a test of new propulsion and mission is mainly a test of new propulsion and navigation technology. The extended mission navigation technology. The extended mission was to include flybys of two comets, Wilson-was to include flybys of two comets, Wilson-Harrington and Borrelly, but a problem with the Harrington and Borrelly, but a problem with the tracking system meant that priority is now being tracking system meant that priority is now being given to Comet Borrelly.given to Comet Borrelly.

Stardust: NASA. Launched 1999. STARDUST Stardust: NASA. Launched 1999. STARDUST will fly past comet Wild 2 and capture dust grains will fly past comet Wild 2 and capture dust grains blown from the comet's surface. These will be blown from the comet's surface. These will be returned to Earth for analysis.returned to Earth for analysis.

The Solar System SOL 6.8. Introduction In this presentation we will : In this presentation we will :...

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