Question

Fill in the blanks with the correct vocabulary word or words. __________ is the second largest planet.

Short answer

Saturn is the second largest planet.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Context

Review the question carefully. It is asking for the second largest planet in the Solar System. Recall that the largest planets are usually the gas giants in our Solar System.

Recalling Planetary Order by Size

Remember the order of planets by size in the Solar System. The largest planet is Jupiter, followed by Saturn.

Identifying the Correct Vocabulary Word

Since Jupiter is the largest, the planet that is second largest is Saturn. Fill in the blank with "Saturn."

Key concepts

Planets

In our solar system, there are eight primary planets that revolve around the Sun. Each planet has its distinct characteristics and size. When we think about planets, it's important to consider their order, physical properties, and types. The planets are often divided into two main groups: terrestrial planets and gas giants.

• Terrestrial planets include Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. These are smaller, rocky planets.
• Gas giants, on the other hand, are Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. These are massive planets consisting mainly of gases.

Exploring planets helps us understand the formation and evolution of the solar system. Each planet orbits the sun at different distances, contributing to their unique environments and atmospheres. By studying planets, we gain insights into the possibilities of life beyond Earth and the vastness of space.

Gas Giants

Gas giants are a fascinating group of planets in the solar system. They include Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. These planets are predominantly composed of hydrogen and helium, similar to the Sun. Their substantial size and mass define their class as 'giants'.

Key features of gas giants include:

• A thick atmosphere composed mainly of hydrogen and helium.
• No well-defined solid surface; as you move deeper, the gases become denser.
• Numerous moons and intricate ring systems.

Gas giants are crucial in our understanding of planetary systems both within and outside our solar system. Their strong gravitational forces significantly influence nearby objects, including asteroids and comets. This group of planets continues to be a major focus in space research and exploration.

Saturn

Saturn stands out as a prominent feature of our solar system. Recognized as the second-largest planet, it is most known for its stunning ring system. These rings are primarily composed of ice particles, with some rock debris and dust.

Saturn's characteristics include:

• Primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, much like Jupiter.
• An extensive and majestic system of rings, visible even with a small telescope.
• Over 80 moons, with Titan being the largest and one of the most Earth-like bodies in the solar system.

Interestingly, Saturn's low density means it would float if placed in a vast water body large enough to hold it. Studying Saturn gives us insight into the formation of planetary ring systems and the dynamics of moons and their interactions. Saturn continues to be a captivating subject for astronomers and researchers alike.