Jovian Planets

Unit 6: Jovian Planets (weeks 14-16)

Learning Objectives

  • Compare and contrast the Jovian planets as a group to the terrestrial planets

  • Contrast the Jovian planets to each other in terms of density, atmosphere, and unique features.

  • Understand ring formation and compare the Jovian rings system to each other.

  • Compare and contrast the general characteristics of the major Jovian moons.

Outline

Jupiter

  • physical characteristics (and weather systems)

  • Magnetic field and auroras

  • Lunar diversity: Io, Europa, Ganymede, Callisto

  • Rings

Saturn

  • Atmosphere

  • Rings

  • Titan and Mimas

Uranus

  • atmosphere and physical features

  • tilted rotational axis

  • Moons and rings

  • magnetic field

Neptune

  • physical properties

  • moons and rings

  • magnetic field

  • Triton

Class Notes – The Jovian Planets

Read Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune and/or Chapter 10 in Zeilik.

Read The Nine Planets

Online Homework

Online Lectures

Next Up - Midterm #2 on Units 4-6, then onto The Sun