Neptune

:This article is about the planet. For the Roman god, see Poseidon. For other meanings, see Neptune (disambiguation).

Related Topics:
Roman god - Poseidon - Neptune (disambiguation)

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Neptune is the eighth, or—due to Pluto's eccentric orbit—ninth planet farthest from the Sun, and the outermost gas giant in our solar system. It is fourth largest by diameter and third largest by mass, but it is the smallest of the gas giants. It is slightly smaller than Uranus, but more massive, this is due to a higher density and abundance of heavier elements within Neptune.

Related Topics:
Pluto - Eccentric orbit - Planet - Sun - Gas giant - Solar system - Gas giants - Uranus

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Faint dark rings have been detected around the blue planet, but are less substantial than those of Saturn. When these rings were discovered, it was thought that they might not be complete, but this was disproved by Voyager 2. Neptune also has 2,000 km/h winds of hydrogen, helium, and methane that gives it its blue appearance. In its southern hemisphere, it has a Great Dark Spot comparable to the Great Red Spot on Jupiter. It possesses eight confirmed moons and five awaiting confirmation, the largest of which, Triton, is known for its subzero temperatures and methane production.

Related Topics:
Voyager 2 - Hydrogen - Helium - Methane - Great Dark Spot - Great Red Spot

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Neptune is named after the Roman god of the sea. Its symbol is a stylised representation of the god's trident (Unicode: ♆). Discovered on September 23, 1846, Neptune has been visited by only one spacecraft, Voyager 2, which flew by the planet on August 25, 1989.

Related Topics:
Roman god of the sea - Trident - Unicode - September 23 - 1846 - Voyager 2 - August 25 - 1989

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