|
Neptune
Neptune is the eighth planet
and it is the outermost gas giant in our solar
system. It is fourth largest by diameter and third
largest by mass, but it is the smallest of the
gas giants. It is somewhat smaller than Uranus,
but more substantial, this is due to a higher
density and profusion of heavier elements within
Neptune. Neptune is named after the Roman god
of the sea. Its symbol is a stylized representation
of the god's trident.
Faint
dark rings have been detected about the blue planet,
but are less significant than those of Saturn. When
these rings were discovered, it was thought that they
might not be inclusive, but this was disproved by Voyager
2. Neptune also has 2,000 km/h winds of hydrogen, helium,
and methane that give it its blue outward show.
In its southern hemisphere, it has a Great Dark Spot
analogous to the Great Red Spot on Jupiter. It possesses
eight confirmed moons and five awaiting confirmation,
the largest of which, Triton, is known for its subzero
temperatures and methane production. |
|
Discovered on September 23,
1846, Neptune has been visited by only one spacecraft,
Voyager 2, which flew by the planet on August
25, 1989.
See about:
vPhysical
Characteristics
vDiscovery
Of Neptune
vVisibility
From Earth And Appearance
vNeptune's
Rings
vThe
Moons And Trojan Asteroids Of Neptune
|
