Neptune's discovery, composition, and role among the outer planets

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)

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. The fact that they have large amounts of gradational pull would mean that they would see increased comet and meteor strikes.

Clearly, Neptune continues to remain an enigma, because of its distance and the fact that it cannot be seen with a traditional telescope. These factors are important, because the majority of the discoveries surrounding the planet and its moons would take place over the last 100 years. This is because, technology evolved to the point that various space craft (Voyageur 1 and Voyageur 2) would identify a number of significant features include: moons, rings and other important elements of the planet itself. As a result, the knowledge and understanding of the planet would be limited until this would take place. In many ways, one could argue that these different factors are what make Neptune such an enigma.