Jovian means Jupiter.. While the Gas Giants are not all Jupiter, the idea is that they are all Jupiter-like: large, gaseous, low density planets.
JupiterExtensive, very dense atmosphere. The cloud layer moves around the planet at incredible speeds, creating the light and dark bands. The Red Spot, first noted more than 300 years ago, is like an enormous hurricane, which the entire Earth could fit in. |
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SaturnWhat all school children draw when they are asked to draw a planet! The ring system was first recognized in 1659. Small spots (storms) in the upper atmosphere are seen to come and go. Material making up Saturn's rings are highly reflective, making them very bright. |
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UranusThe most embarrassing planet to pronounce! Also, about the most boring planet.. Entirely featureless. Rolls in its orbit like a barrel. However, it does have a very weak system of rings. And moons. |
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NeptuneAlso has rapid winds, and a Great Dark Spot, about half the size of Jupiter's Red Spot, blowing at 700 mph. Images show that it has perhaps dissipated, and new spots (hurricanes) may be forming. Neptune has moons and faint rings. |
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These make up the rest of the mass in the solar system.
PlutoSome think Pluto should be classified as a large asteroid or comet rather than as a planet. Some consider it to be the largest of the Kuiper Belt objects (also known as Trans-Neptunian Objects). Pluto is likely to remain classified as a planet. |
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Asteroids Lying between Mars and Jupiter, these objects may represent a failed planet! They are just like what we expect planetesimals to have looked like. Jupiter's tidal effects kept them from ever coalescing. Several hundred thousand are known. |
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Comets Known since antiquity. 900 are known, 180 are periodic (less than 200 yr period). Made of ice (water and frozen gas) and dust. Represent early solar system material. They are supposed lie FAR away from the Sun and 'melt' when they get close in. |
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