Neptune

Neptune is the eighth and farthest known planet from the Sun in the Solar System. It is the fourth-largest planet by diameter and the third-largest by mass. Neptune is a gas giant, composed primarily of hydrogen, helium, and methane. It has a thick atmosphere with high-speed winds and a bluish appearance due to the presence of methane, which absorbs red light and reflects blue light.

Physical Characteristics

• Diameter: 49,244 kilometers
• Mass: 1.024 x 10²⁶ kilograms
• Atmosphere: Composed of hydrogen, helium, and methane
• Orbit: Takes approximately 165 Earth years to orbit the Sun

Moons

Neptune has 14 known moons, including Triton, which is the largest and most massive of its moons. Triton is unique in that it orbits Neptune in a retrograde direction, suggesting that it may have been captured by Neptune's gravity rather than forming in orbit around the planet.

Study Guide

When studying Neptune, it's important to focus on the following key areas:

1. Physical characteristics of Neptune, including its size, mass, and composition.
2. The unique features of Neptune's atmosphere, such as the presence of methane and high-speed winds.
3. The orbital characteristics of Neptune, including its distance from the Sun and the length of its year.
4. The moons of Neptune, with a particular focus on Triton and its unusual retrograde orbit.

Additionally, it's important to understand the role of Neptune in the context of the Solar System and its significance as a gas giant planet.

[Neptune] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• Our Solar system and beyondScience • Fourth Grade