Gas Giants

Characteristics of Gas Giants:

• Composition: Gas giants are mainly composed of hydrogen and helium, with traces of other gases and possibly some water and ammonia.
• Size: Gas giants are significantly larger than terrestrial planets, with diameters typically ranging from 40,000 to 140,000 kilometers.
• Magnetic fields: Gas giants have strong magnetic fields, especially Jupiter and Saturn.
• Rings: All the gas giants except Uranus have rings, which are made up of ice and rock particles.
• Moons: Gas giants often have numerous moons, with Jupiter and Saturn having the most extensive moon systems.
• Atmosphere: Gas giants have thick atmospheres with swirling cloud bands and powerful storms, such as Jupiter's Great Red Spot.

Study Guide for Gas Giants:

1. What are gas giants primarily composed of?
   Answer: Gas giants are primarily composed of hydrogen and helium.
2. Which planets in our solar system are classified as gas giants?
   Answer: The gas giants in our solar system are Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
3. Which gas giant is known for its prominent ring system?
   Answer: Saturn is known for its prominent ring system.
4. What is the largest storm in our solar system, located on a gas giant?
   Answer: The Great Red Spot is the largest storm in our solar system, located on Jupiter.
5. Which gas giant has a unique sideways rotation?
   Answer: Uranus has a unique sideways rotation, which sets it apart from the other gas giants.

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