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Neptune

Definition

Neptune is the eighth and farthest planet from the Sun in our solar system. It is a gas giant with a blue atmosphere. Neptune is the fourth largest planet in our solar system, after Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus.

Neptune's atmosphere is made up of hydrogen, helium, and methane. The methane gives Neptune its blue colour. Neptune's atmosphere is very stormy, with winds that can reach speeds of up to 2,100 kilometres per hour.

Neptune's interior is made up of a hot, dense core of rock and metal. This core is surrounded by a layer of liquid hydrogen and helium. The outermost layer of Neptune's atmosphere is made up of a thin layer of gas.

Neptune has a very strong magnetic field. It is the strongest magnetic field in our solar system, even stronger than Jupiter's. Neptune's magnetic field is thought to be caused by its rapid rotation.

Neptune has a system of rings, but they are much fainter than the rings of Saturn. Neptune's rings are thought to be made up of dust and small particles of ice.

Neptune has 14 moons, the largest of which is Triton. Triton is the only moon in our solar system that orbits its planet in the opposite direction of its rotation. Triton is thought to be a captured Kuiper Belt object.

Neptune is a fascinating planet with a lot to learn about. Scientists are still learning about Neptune's atmosphere, interior, and moons.

How can the word be used?

Neptune is a gas giant with a diameter of about 49,530 kilometres.

Neptune

Different forms of the word

There are no different forms of the word "planet Neptune".

Etymology

The name of the planet Neptune comes from the Roman god Neptune, the god of the sea. Urbain Le Verrier, the French astronomer who predicted the existence of Neptune, named the planet after Neptune because of its blue colour, which is similar to the colour of the sea.

The word "Neptune" comes from the Latin word "Neptunus," which is the god of the sea in Roman mythology. The Latin word "Neptunus" is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *nep-," which means "wet.".

Question

What is Neptune?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Explain the unique characteristics of the planet Neptune and discuss its role in the solar system.

Answer:

Neptune, the eighth and farthest planet from the Sun in our solar system, possesses several distinctive features that set it apart. One notable trait is its vibrant blue colour, attributed to the presence of methane gas in its atmosphere that absorbs red light while reflecting blue light.

Neptune's massive size and gaseous composition categorise it as a gas giant, similar to Jupiter and Saturn. It boasts a turbulent atmosphere characterised by powerful storms and the fastest winds in the solar system, reaching speeds of up to 1,200 miles per hour. The most famous of these storms is the Great Dark Spot, which is similar to Jupiter's Great Red Spot.

The planet's most intriguing aspect is its moon Triton, which is unique among large moons for orbiting in the opposite direction of Neptune's rotation—a backward orbit suggesting a captured object from the Kuiper Belt. Triton's surface features geysers that erupt nitrogen gas into space, indicating an active and dynamic moon.

Neptune plays a crucial role in the outer solar system's dynamics, affecting the orbits of other planets and objects. Its discovery through mathematical predictions also highlighted the power of celestial mechanics in locating distant planets.