Planetary Atmospheres >> Other Planets
The planets in our solar system can be divided into two groups:
- The small terrestrial planets (Mercure, Venus, Earth, and Mars) and
- The large outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune).
Pluto is the smallest and outermost planet in the "classical view" of the solar system. Since 2006 Pluto is considered a "dwarf planet".
Mercury:
the inermost and smallest planet in the solar system that has no atmosphere and orbits around its own axis. The surface temperature can amount to 550°C.
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Venus - Earth - Mars
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Jupiter:
the largest and heaviest planet within the solar system whose fast rotation causes its characteristic banded pattern. Jupiter has a turbulent atmosphere and a powerful magnetic field. |
Saturn:
a gas giant known for its fast rotation, intense magnetic field and average specific density less than water. This torrid world of hydrogen is encircled by a system of rings, consisting of ice particles with rocky debris and dust. Saturn’s rings blot out a large amount of solar radiation in winter and autumn, causing almost complete occultation on the surface of the planet . |
Uranus:
is de enige planeet die op haar zij ligt wanneer ze rond de Zon draait. Ze bestaat voornamelijk uit waterstof en helium en haar gemiddelde dichtheid doet denken aan samengedrukt ijs. Haar atmosfeer is rijk aan methaan en ze bezit ook een magnetisch veld en een ringensysteem. |
Neptune :
its atmosphere is quite turbulent and mainly consists of hydrogen, helium, and traces of methane that account for the planet’s blue appearance. The planet’s magnetic field is faint and is strongly tilted relative to its rotational axis at 47°. It also has a ring system. |
More info
>> The Nine Planets, the Eight Planets,
A Multimedia Tour of the Solar System
>> Views of the Solar System
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