Jovian Planets

Solar Nebular Theory/Planet Formation

1: Contraction — heating, spinning, collision/flattening

2: Condensations — frost line, planetesimals (minute planets)

3: Accretion: planetesimal coagulation, gas accretion

4: Clearing: solar wind

What are the Jovian planets and describe them.

• Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune

• They are massive (stronger gravity) with gaseous surfaces

Gas giants are…

Jupiter and Saturn (H and He)

Ice giants are…

Uranus and Neptune (H2O & ammonia & methane)

the upper/outer layers have

extremely cold temperatures, visible clouds, gaseous hydrogen

the intermediate/middle layers have

high pressure, liquid hydrogen, metallic hydrogen (Jupiter & Saturn)

the interior/inner layers have

VERY high temps (because of strong gravitational compression), rock/metal & hydrogen compounds core

Describe Jupiter and Saturn and the possibility of life.

• Steep temp gradient (temp increases with depth)

• Layers of clouds of different gases

• Water droplets ~100 km into the atmosphere

• Frequent lightning (energy?)

• Life is unlikely because it has vertical winds (caused by steep temp gradient) and organic materials are driven rapidly between hot and cold

Describe Uranus and Neptune and if life is possible.

• Farther from Sun so less energy

• Weaker gravitational compression because of smaller masses

• Water droplet layer but also has vertical winds

• Deep “oceans” might exist around rocky cores but too difficult to explore

• LIFE IS POSSIBLE BUT DIFFICULT TO EXPLORE