PHYC 2451 Chapter Notes - Chapter 12: Metallic Hydrogen, Aurora, Spheroid
23 Dec 2015
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
Composition and structure: jupiter and saturn are both much larger than earth. Each is composed of 71% hydrogen, 24% helium, and 5% all other elements by mass. Both planets have a higher percentage of heavy elements than does the sun: jupiter probably has a rocky core several times more massive than earth. The core is surrounded by a layer of liquid ices (water, ammonia, methane, and associated compounds). On top of this ice layer is a layer of helium and liquid metallic hydrogen and an outermost layer composed primarily of ordinary hydrogen and helium. Atmospheres: the visible surfaces of jupiter and saturn are actually the tops of their clouds. The rapid rotation of the planets twists the clouds into dark belts and light zones that run parallel to the equator. Strong zonal winds run along the belts and zones. Some, such as the great red spot, are quite stable and persist for many years.
