Gases are affected the same way by gravity just like anything would be, so they're pulled downwards towards the planet's core. Also, on certain planets (Jupiter) the amounts of pressure are so insanely high that the particles in the atmosphere (Helium, Hydrogen) are squished together, forming an almost liquid, metallic substance.
All four of the Jovian planets have rings, but only the rings of Saturn are easily visible from Earth. The rings are composed of many, many small pieces of rock and ice, each orbiting the planet like a tiny moon. The rings look flat to us because the particles all orbit in essentially the same plane.
Again, Jupiter's moon Europa has many characteristics that are similar to that of Earth. Europa is believed to have an iron core and a mantle, just like Earth. However, Europa has a thick ice crust as opposed to Earth's rock and sediment crust, although it is very possible that a huge ocean lies underneath the ice. Although Europa shares these in common with the Earth, humans could never inhabit the moon, as the temperature never rises about -260 degrees Fahrenheit.
Why are these planets called "Jovian" Planets? What does Jovian mean?
ReplyDeleteJovian means "Jupiter-like" which means all the planets are somewhat similar to Jupiter, and they are: they're gaseous!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteWhat keeps these Jovian planents together if they're mostly composed of only gas?
Gases are affected the same way by gravity just like anything would be, so they're pulled downwards towards the planet's core. Also, on certain planets (Jupiter) the amounts of pressure are so insanely high that the particles in the atmosphere (Helium, Hydrogen) are squished together, forming an almost liquid, metallic substance.
Deletewhat are the rings around some of the jovian planets made of? what prevents them from floating off into space?
ReplyDeleteAll four of the Jovian planets have rings, but only the rings of Saturn are easily visible from Earth. The rings are composed of many, many small pieces of rock and ice, each orbiting the planet like a tiny moon. The rings look flat to us because the particles all orbit in essentially the same plane.
DeleteIs there any possible life on any of the Jovian planets or their moons?
ReplyDeleteOne of Jupiter's moons, Europa, is believed to have an ocean buried beneath a thick crust of ice. There very well could be possible life there!
DeleteWhich of the Jovian planets or their moons, is most similar to Earth?
ReplyDeleteAgain, Jupiter's moon Europa has many characteristics that are similar to that of Earth. Europa is believed to have an iron core and a mantle, just like Earth. However, Europa has a thick ice crust as opposed to Earth's rock and sediment crust, although it is very possible that a huge ocean lies underneath the ice. Although Europa shares these in common with the Earth, humans could never inhabit the moon, as the temperature never rises about -260 degrees Fahrenheit.
DeleteWhat is the smallest of Jupiter's moons?
ReplyDeleteThe smallest known moon on Jupiter is known as S/2010 J 2. It was discovered in September 2010, and is only 1.2 miles in diameter.
Delete