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Question
How come Saturn's cloud decks are less colorful than Jupiter's?
Thank You
-ken
You must be taking the same course as "James"...as he
just asked the exact same question!
Ken, because its about 100 degrees colder out by Saturn,
as Saturn is about twice as far from the sun....887 million
miles compared to 484 million miles (average distance).
[And -300 compared to Jupiter's much warmer -200 degrees F.]
Thus the ammonia and methane crystals in the atmosphere are
more muted by saturn's colder atmosphere. Also, it takes lots of light to see color, and Saturn would receive only 1/2 squared, or 1/4 the intensity of sunlight (and heat)that Jupiter does.
{Recall the inverse square law....intensity of any energy drops as the square of the distance.}
But that is all as seen from the Earth...I wonder what
the current Cassini mission will show, once it's in orbit
around Saturn in another 3 more months? We could be
in for a surprise, so stand by only 3 more months.
Cassini actually being there, in orbit around Saturn, may record and send back, lots of colorful bands. We will know
soon, if all goes well with the Cassini mission.
Clear skies,
Tom Whiting
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Answers by Expert:
Tom Whiting
Expertise
Astronomy has been my hobby/pasttime for over 50 years. Currently own 3 telescopes, the largest of which is a 30 inch Newtonian truss Dob that is portable.I taught Astronomy/Meteorology at the University Level for 13 years before retiring in 1995. Being retired and home most of the time, I am able to answer all questions relatively quickly, unless it's a new moon weekend with good observing conditions. No astrology questions please, or questions about alleged UFO picture identifications.
Experience
Experience: Astronomy has been my hobby and study for over 50 years. We currently now own a 30 inch portable telescope (Updated - Pennsylvania`s largest portable telescope). It can be seen on our website at:http://www.velocity.net/~bwhiting and also attend several regional starparties during the year, and have been on 5 total solar eclipse expeditions.
Organizations: President, Erie County Mobile Observers Group for over 15 years.
Publications: Wrote the "Over Erie Skies" newspaper article in our local newspaper for 11 years (1975-86).
Education: Masters Degree- Taught at the University level for 13 years. Retired 20 years -USAF Pilot - KC-135 with 180 combat missions; Also Eagle Scout, Philmont staff 2 Yrs, Order of Arrow Lodge Chief, Ham Radio (inactive).
Awards: two discoveries: The mini-coathanger asterism in Ursa Minor (the little dipper) And the mini-ladle- another asterism in the bowl of Ursa Minor. Clients: Currently President of the ECMOG as mentioned above.
Education/Credentials
BS Metallurgical Engineering Grove City College, PAMaster's Degree, Gannon University, Erie, PA
Also retired USAF pilot, 20 years.
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