Neptune When Most People Talk

Neptune When most people talk about the outer planets of the solar system, they will often think of Jupiter as the largest and most dominant one. While this is true for the most part, the fact of the matter is that Neptune is another gas giant that plays an equally dominate role among the outer planets. Where, it has a blue like color and an equatorial diameter of 30,760 miles. To put it another way, Neptune could easily hold 60 planets the size of Earth.

Despite being photographed by Voyagers 1 and 2, the planet continues to capture the imagination of scientists along with the general public. (Hamilton) to fully understand the planet itself requires examining: how chance played a role in the discoveries of the outer planets, what is causing Neptune to have its colors, looking at its interior, studying how the planet was discovered, examining the different moons of the planet, discussing the various rings and explaining what the outer moons tell us about its past.

Together, these different elements will provide the greatest insights as to why Neptune continues to remain such an enigma. Describe how both chance and calculation played major roles in the discoveries of the outer planets The outer planets of the solar system were discovered based on mathematical calculations and chance. What happened is both Neptune and Pluto were thought to exist. Yet, there was no way to actually confirm this fact with a telescope. Instead, scientists would use mathematical calculations and the gravitational pull on other planets (i.e.

Uranus) to determine the general location of these celestial bodies. In this aspect, the two were discovered based upon: mathematical calculations, estimation and chance. (Smith) ("The Planet Pluto") What is responsible for the colors of Neptune? The reason why Neptune has a blue color is because it consists of: hydrogen, methane, helium and water that are frozen. The planet does not have solid surface like the Earth. (Smith) as a result, the sun will reflect the color of the methane in the atmosphere (giving the planet its blue reflection).

("Neptune's Color") How is the interior of Neptune thought to be constructed? The interior of the planet consists of silicates and thick condensed gases. Silicates are minerals that make up the crust of the planet (similar to those found on Earth). In the case of Neptune, these elements intermingle with others to create a frozen like surface of condensed gas (even though the surface is not considered to be solid). (Smith) How was Neptune discovered? Like what was stated previously, Neptune was discovered based upon: estimation, theory and mathematical calculations.

What happened was Uranus was thought to be the most distant planet in the solar system. However, the orbit of the planet was being affected by some unknown force. This would lead John Adams to begin working to identify the planet through various mathematical calculations. He determined the location of the celestial body and sent his findings to George Airy (an astronomer with Royal England). Airy had no confidence in the calculations of Adams and would let his work sit.

At the same time, Urbain Leverrier (a French mathematician) would independently calculate the location of the plant and send his findings to the Urania Observatory in Berlin. Where, they had a theory that some kind of planet was in the location of the mathematical calculation. Once they received the findings from Leverrier, they were able to discover Neptune. As a result, both Adams and Leverrier would be recognized for discovering the planet. (Smith) Discuss the moons of Neptune Neptune has a total a thirteen discovered moons.

However, in the last ten years a total five moons were discovered. The largest is Triton. This runs in a counter clockwise orbit of the planet and is full of geological activities (including: volcanoes as well as geysers). A few of the other moons that orbit Neptune include: Nereid, Despina, Galatea, Larissa, Naiad, Proteus and Thalassa. (Russell) Describe and discuss the rings of Neptune Neptune has three dark rings that are difficult to see from a traditional telescope. They consist of mainly fine particles of dust.

The outer ring is brighter than other two, as there is uneven dust dispersion between the three. (Smith) Explain what the moons of the outer planets tell us about their past The different moons are highlighting how the gravitational pull of the outer planets is so extreme that they can pull comets and meteors into their orbits. This is important, because it highlights how these planets were constantly being hit by various types of space debris.