The Bridge V Learning Edition 1 ; our solar system | Page 22

Credit: NASA
Jupiter is the largest planet in our Solar System. Like all giant planets, it mainly consists of gas
and has a solid core. It has a remarkable red spot on its surface, that is two times the size of the
Earth! This spot is a huge cyclone which has been raging for more than 400 years. Due to its
significant gravitational pull, Jupiter attracts many asteroids and thus protects us from their
impact. It has around 50 moons and is composed mainly of hydrogen and helium.
Saturn
Credit: NASA
Saturn is surrounded by large rings and therefore earns its nickname ‘Lord of the rings’. These
rings consist of numerous small ice grains. Saturn’s atmosphere has a fairly low density: Saturn
is the only planet in the Solar System that could float on water. It has many moons: more than
60!
Uranus