Giant planets

Definition

Giant planets, also known as Jovian planets, are large celestial bodies in our solar system characterized by their substantial size and gaseous composition. They include Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Giant planets have a thick atmosphere primarily composed of hydrogen and helium.
2. They possess strong magnetic fields due to the movement of metallic hydrogen or other conductive materials within their interiors.
3. Jupiter is the largest of the giant planets and contains more mass than all the other planets combined.
4. Unlike terrestrial planets, giant planets do not have a well-defined solid surface.
5. Each giant planet has a ring system, although Saturn's rings are the most prominent and easily visible from Earth.

Review Questions

• What are the primary components of the atmospheres of giant planets?
• Which giant planet has the most massive magnetic field?
• Why do giant planets lack a well-defined solid surface?

Related terms

Terrestrial Planets: Rocky planets with solid surfaces such as Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.

Hydrogen-Helium Atmosphere: The predominant type of atmosphere found on giant planets.

Ring System: A collection of dust, rock particles, and ice that orbit around a planet; all four giant planets have these structures.