The Gas Planets

Quick Write In this chapter, you will learn about the gas planets. Write down these questions and answer them in complete sentences. 1. What’s a difference between gas and terrestrial planets? 2. What’s the name of the biggest of all planets? 3. Is Pluto a planet?

1. Gas planets vs. terrestrials? Much larger than terrestrial planets Much farther away from the Sun Distances between them is much bigger than terrestrial planets 2. Jupiter? Largest planet in SS 70% of all the mass of the planets is found in Jupiter 4 major moons 12 minor moons

3. Jupiter’s rotation? Very rapid (1 spin every 10 hours) 4. Saturn? 2nd largest planet in solar system Has visible rings Has 18 moons

Check for Understanding What’s one difference between gas planets and terrestrial planets? ______ is the largest planet in the SS, while ______ has noticeable rings. Movie

5. Saturn’s rings? Pieces of rock and ice Rings are leftover debris from a collision between Saturn and a moon 7 major rings 6. Uranus? (pronounced ‘urine us’) Discovered accidentally At least 18 moons At least 10 rings AS = CH4 Sideways rotation

7. Neptune? Diffs in the orbit of Uranus suggested that a very massive object existed. They looked and found Neptune. 8. Neptune moons? Yes, 8 of them.

9. Pluto? Now considered to be a ‘planet-like object’ Very low density Very small ½ ice and ½ rock N. Pole points S 1 moon

Check for Understanding Match the following: 1.Jupiter a. 8 moons, found accidentally 2.Saturn b. most massive planet in SS 3.Uranus c. 2 nd largest, visible rings 4.Neptune d. atmosphere of methane Should Pluto be considered a planet? Movie