Homework 11 Jupiter and Saturn
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Astronomy
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Dec 6, 2023
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Science 105
Homework #11
Jupiter and Saturn
Define the following
1.
Belt – Dark cloud bands that run parallel to the equator. These clouds are lower in the
atmosphere of each of the planets and are composed of ammonia crystals and water.
2.
Zone – Light cloud bands that run parallel to the equator. These clouds are high in the
atmosphere of each planet and are colder than the belts and are composed of hydrogen
and ammonia.
3.
Resonance – The ratio of the orbital period of the shepherd moons to the orbital period of
the ring it shepherds.
4.
Shepherd Satellite - A moon that orbits near the edge of a planetary ring, stabilizing the
ring's particles through gravitational pull and confining the ring to a sharply defined band.
5.
Synchrotron radiation – Radiation at a specific radio wavelength that is produced when
high velocity charged particles move through a strong magnetic field.
6.
Cassini Division – This is a 4,800 km (2,980 mile) wide gap between the A and B rings. It
was discovered in 1675 by Giovanni Cassini.
Answer the following questions.
All questions must be answered in full sentences or full
credit will not be given.
Any question that has math associated with it you must show all
work on your answers or full credit will not be given (just giving a number as an answer
does not tell me that you know where the number came from).
Note:
A full sentence
completely repeats or restates the question within the answer.
7.
What is metallic hydrogen? - Metallic hydrogen is a theoretical phase of hydrogen in
which it is believed to exhibit properties of both a metal and a liquid. Under extremely
high pressure, hydrogen gas is predicted to undergo a phase transition and transform into
a state where its electrons are no longer bound to individual protons, resulting in a state
that behaves like a metal.
8.
What is thought to be the source of Jupiter’s excess internal heat? - Jupiter, like many
other planets, radiates more heat than it receives from the Sun. The excess internal heat of
Jupiter is thought to originate from several sources. During the formation of Jupiter, the
planet's gravitational contraction likely played a significant role in heating its interior. As
the gas and dust in the early solar system collapsed to form Jupiter, the planet's material
was compressed, leading to an increase in temperature due to gravitational potential
energy being converted into heat. Jupiter is thought to have a core made up of heavy
elements, such as rock and metal. The process of differentiation, where heavier materials
sink toward the center of the planet, could release additional heat. This is similar to how
the Earth's core generates heat through the separation of lighter and heavier materials.
9.
What are the belts and zones found on Saturn less distinctive than those found on Jupiter?
- Saturn, like Jupiter, exhibits atmospheric bands known as belts and zones, which are
features characterized by alternating patterns of darker and lighter cloud bands. However,
these features on Saturn are generally less distinctive and prominent than those found on
Jupiter. There are a few reasons for this: Saturn's cloud structure is less pronounced than
Jupiter's. The cloud bands on Jupiter are more visibly defined, and the contrast between
the darker belts and lighter zones is more apparent. In contrast, Saturn's cloud bands tend
to be more muted, with less contrast between the belts and zones. The clouds on Saturn
are primarily composed of ammonia ice crystals, whereas Jupiter's clouds include a
mixture of ammonia and water ice. The differences in cloud composition contribute to
variations in color and reflectivity, making Jupiter's cloud bands more visually striking.
The atmospheric dynamics, including wind patterns and cloud movements, differ between
the two gas giants. The interactions between the atmosphere and the underlying dynamics
play a role in shaping the appearance of cloud bands. Saturn's atmospheric circulation
may contribute to the less distinct appearance of its belts and zones.
10.
What is the source of energy that powers Io’s volcanoes? - The volcanoes on Io, one of
Jupiter's largest moons, are primarily powered by tidal heating. Tidal heating is a process
driven by the gravitational interactions between Io, Jupiter, and the other large moons of
Jupiter, particularly Europa and Ganymede. The heat generated by tidal heating is a major
factor in driving volcanic activity on Io. The internal heat melts subsurface rocks, creating
a source of molten material that erupts through the moon's surface in the form of volcanic
plumes and lava flows.
11.
Why are numerous impacts found on Ganymede and Callisto but not on Io or Europa? -
The differences in the number of impact craters on Jupiter's moons Ganymede and
Callisto compared to Io and Europa can be attributed to variations in their surface
processes. Ganymede and Callisto are larger and less geologically active than Io and
Europa. They have undergone less internal heating and have fewer processes modifying
their surfaces. As a result, impact craters from past collisions are preserved over longer
periods. Ganymede and Callisto lack the intense volcanic activity seen on Io, which
resurfaces its surface and erases older impact craters. Additionally, they experience less
tidal heating compared to Io and Europa, which means their surfaces are not as actively
modified. Io is the most volcanically active body in the solar system due to tidal heating
caused by its interactions with Jupiter and other Galilean moons. This activity continually
resurfaces the moon, erasing or burying older impact craters. Europa, though smaller than
Ganymede, has a subsurface ocean beneath its icy crust. Tidal heating generated by
gravitational interactions with Jupiter and other moons keeps the ocean liquid and drives
geological activity on the surface, such as ice deformation and the creation of new
surfaces. This process also helps erase impact craters.
12.
What is a shepherd satellite? - A shepherd satellite is a moon or a small celestial body that
helps maintain the stability and shape of a planetary ring by interacting with the ring
particles gravitationally. These satellites are often responsible for creating and
maintaining gaps within the rings and preventing the particles from spreading out or
collapsing into the planet.
13. If Saturn had no moons what do you think the rings would look like? - The presence of
moons around Saturn has a significant influence on the structure and appearance of its
rings. If Saturn had no moons, the dynamics of its ring system would likely be different.
Ring Debris Distribution:
Moons, especially shepherd moons, play a role in shaping and
maintaining the structure of Saturn's rings. Without moons, there might be a more uniform
distribution of ring debris. The gravitational influence of moons can create gaps, density
waves, and other features in the rings.
Ring Stability:
Moons help stabilize the edges of
the rings. The absence of shepherd moons could result in a more diffuse and irregular
outer edge for the rings, with ring particles potentially spreading out over time.
Ring
Dynamics:
Moons exert gravitational forces on ring particles, influencing their orbits and
interactions. Without moons, the ring dynamics would be influenced solely by the gravity
of Saturn. This might lead to a more uniform and less structured ring system.
14.
How can Titan keep and atmosphere while Ganymede cannot? - The ability of a celestial
body to retain an atmosphere depends on several factors, including its mass, temperature,
and the escape velocity of its particles. In the case of Titan and Ganymede, the key
differences in their ability to retain atmospheres are related to their sizes, masses, and
temperatures. Titan is the largest moon of Saturn and has a substantial mass for a moon.
Its mass is large enough that it has an escape velocity sufficient to retain a significant
atmosphere. Titan's atmosphere primarily consists of nitrogen, methane, and other organic
compounds. The combination of its mass and low temperatures allows it to keep an
atmosphere. Ganymede, while the largest moon in the solar system, is not as massive as
Titan. Its lower mass means that it has a lower escape velocity. Additionally, Ganymede's
temperature is higher than Titan's. As a result, Ganymede has a thinner atmosphere, and
its lighter molecules are more likely to escape into space over time. In summary, Titan's
ability to retain its atmosphere is influenced by its larger mass, lower temperatures, and
the presence of molecules with low escape velocities. Ganymede, on the other hand, has a
lower mass, higher temperatures, and a thinner atmosphere, making it more challenging
for Ganymede to retain an atmosphere comparable to Titan's.
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Extra Credit
1. Why is Jupiter more oblate than the Earth? - Jupiter is more oblate than Earth primarily due
to its rapid rotation. The planet rotates at a much faster rate than Earth, completing a full
rotation in about 9.9 hours, while Earth takes approximately 24 hours to complete one
rotation. This fast rotation causes Jupiter to exhibit significant oblateness, meaning it is
flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator. The oblateness of a planet is a result of the
centrifugal force generated by its rotation. As a planet spins on its axis, the material at the
equator experiences a greater outward force due to this rotation, counteracting the
gravitational force pulling everything toward the center of the planet. This results in a bulging
at the equator and a flattening at the poles.