Overview
This lecture explores what would happen if you dug a hole into Saturn, emphasizing the planet’s unique composition and atmospheric conditions.
Saturn's Physical Structure
- Saturn is not mostly solid; it is primarily made up of gases.
- The outer layers consist of a frigid atmosphere made mostly of hydrogen and helium.
- Ammonia clouds exist in Saturn’s atmosphere, contributing to extreme cold.
Atmospheric Conditions
- Saturn’s winds reach speeds four times faster than the strongest hurricane winds on Earth.
- The atmosphere is marked by extremely low temperatures and violent weather.
Digging into Saturn
- Descending through Saturn, one encounters more exotic and unfamiliar layers instead of solid ground.
- The further you go, the more foreign and other-worldly the environment becomes.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Hydrogen — the lightest element, making up most of Saturn’s atmosphere.
- Helium — a light, inert gas found in large amounts in Saturn’s atmosphere.
- Ammonia Clouds — icy clouds composed of ammonia crystals in Saturn’s upper atmosphere.
- Hurricane — a powerful storm system on Earth, with Saturn’s winds vastly surpassing their speed.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the atmospheric and structural composition of Saturn.
- Prepare for further discussion on the physical properties of gas giant planets.