Ch 8 October 17 2012 Jennifer Blazejack

Introduction
Density
Jovian Planet Interiors
Weather
Moons
Rings
Conclusion
Introduction
We took the midterm of ten questions. We were also told about the book "The Rocks Don't Lie" and how the rocks can "talk" if you study them long enough.
Density
Hydrogen makes up Jupiter and Saturn. Since hydrogen is less dense than water the planet Saturn would float in our ocean. Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune would sink in an ocean because they are more dense than water. The denser the material of a planet is the smaller it will be. Since the Jovian planets are more gas than rock they are bigger than the other planets. The Jovian planets grew to be big because hydrogen compounds are more abundant than rock and metal. 
Jovian Planet Interiors
Metallic hydrogen is important because electrons are found freely and generate heat and electricity. Jupiter has alot of metallic hydrogen in its interior which is why it is so warm even though it is far from the Sun. Jupiter's metallic hydrogen also causes Jupiter to have a strong magnetic field. This magnetic field creates auroras and radiation on Jupiter. Uranus and Neptune lack a magnetic field because solar winds  blew away their available hydrogen and helium.
Weather
Jupiter has a Great Red Spot and Neptune has a Great Dark Spot- these are thought to be century old storms. Uranus and Neptune are very cold while Jupiter has fast winds. Ammonia "snow" falls and rises causing the brown and white bands on Jupiter. The white band on Jupiter represents the coldest layer of ammonia. Uranus and Neptune are blue because methane absorbs red light.
Moons
Their moons are potato shaped because the Moons do not have strong gravity so they cannot become spheres. Io is active with many volcanoes and can be seen when using infrared light on the dark side of the moon. Io is squished and stretched because Jupiter and its other moons are constantly pushing and pulling Io in its orbit. 
Rings
The Jovian planets have rings because the rings are made up of leftovers from dust and particles. There are no photos of close ups for the rings because the cameras would be crushed and destroyed.       

Conclusion
We were told about the debates that took place. We were told about how important science is and that it's good to go into the field of science because there is a high demand for it.