- What causes gaps in Saturn’s rings?
- Why are scientists interested in the atmosphere of Saturn’s moon Titan?
- What liquid is found on the surface of Titan?
- Why is Uranus blue-green in color?
- What is the name of Neptune’s largest moon?
Further Reading / Supplemental Links
- http://www.nasa.gov/worldbook/jupiter_worldbook.html
- http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planetselector.cfm?Object=Jupiter
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iVw72sX3Bg
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLXeUVCNoX8
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29wfzotaBIg
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqX2YdnwtRc
Vocabulary
Galilean moons The four largest moons of Jupiter discovered by Galileo.
gas giants The four large outer planets composed of the gases hydrogen and helium.
Great Red Spot An enormous, oval shaped storm on Jupiter.
outer planets The four large planets beyond the asteroid belt in our solar system.
planetary rings Rings of dust and rock encircling a planet in a thin plane.
Points to Consider
- The inner planets are small and rocky, while the outer planets are large and gaseous.
Why might the planets have formed into two groups like they are? - We have discussed the Sun, the planets, and the moons of the planets. What other
objects can you think of that can be found in our solar system?
25.4 Other Objects in the Solar System
Lesson Objectives
- Locate and describe the asteroid belt.