Question

Write a note on ice-giants.

Answer 1

Hint: Planets that are part of the outer solar system are called Jovian planets. There are four Jovian planets namely, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Jovian planets are characterized based on their size and composition. These are enormous in size.

Complete step by step solution:
Jovian planets are named after the largest planet in the solar system i.e. Jupiter, also referred to as Jove named after the ancient Roman king of the gods. The four Jovian planets are distinguished based on their structure and compositions. High concentrations of methane and other heavy elements such as sulphur, carbon, nitrogen, etc. are present in the interior regions of Neptune and Uranus. Therefore, these planets are termed as ‘ice giants’ whereas the other two planets, Jupiter and Saturn are termed as ‘gas giants’ specifically.
Additional information:
Two main characteristics of Jovian planets are as follow:
(i) Their composition primarily consists of gases such as hydrogen and helium in addition to other heavy elements such as methane, water, ammonia, and other gases. They are termed as gas giants.
(ii) Jovian planets have ring systems that form an orbiting disc around the planets. These planets in the outer solar system have several natural satellites i.e. moon of their own.

Note: All the Jovian planets do have their ring systems. However, the rings around Saturn are more visible in comparison to other Jovian planets because of their colourful and large rings. Uranus is the coldest planet in the solar system.