Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Chapter Seven Notes Darelyn Chambers

Jovian Planet Systems 



The Jovian planets are different than the terrestrial planets in that they are far larger in size and have a very different composition. They are orbited by rings and often have numerous moons. The jovian planets are often called "gas giants" because of their composition. The jovian planets are made mostly of hydrogen, helium, and hydrogen compounds, making them very different in composition from terrestrial worlds. Also, because they are closer to the Sun they capture more hydrogen and helium gas, making them larger and leaving them with smaller proportions of hydrogen compounds, rock, and metal. 

Jovian planets usually have dynamic winds and weather, with more colorful weather than that of the other planets. The clouds on jovian planets are usually spectacular colors. The jovian planets all have cloud skies, but the clouds are different than those of the terrestrial planets. 

The jovian planets are also for their many moons. The moons are usually large in both size and number. These moons often have geological activity of their own. These planets are known for their rings as well. The rings are made of vast numbers of particles ranging in size from dust grains to boulders that orbit the planet in a circular motion. The orbit of these rocks is so perfect that they are able to orbit without crashing into each other. The orbits have been cleared out so they are now able to orbit perfectly. 

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