What is the Difference Between Saturn and Jupiter?

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Jupiter and Saturn are both gas giants in our solar system, and they share some similarities. However, there are also notable differences between them:

  • Mass and Density: Saturn has a radius that is slightly smaller than Jupiter's, but it has only about 1/3 the mass of Jupiter. This gives Saturn a much lower density, making it the planet with the lowest average density in the solar system.
  • Moons: Saturn has 18 moons, while Jupiter has 16.
  • Rings: Both planets have rings, but Saturn's rings are more extensive and visible than Jupiter's. Saturn has thousands of rings, while Jupiter has only a few.
  • Cloud Layers: Saturn has the same cloud layers as Jupiter (ammonia, ammonium hydrosulfide, and water ice), but they are less distinct due to the haze layer on top. This makes Saturn's storms and spots less obvious than Jupiter's.
  • Brightness: Jupiter is much brighter than Saturn, mainly because it's closer to Earth. Saturn is over twice as far away from Earth as Jupiter.
  • Position in the Solar System: Saturn is the sixth planet from the Sun, while Jupiter is the fifth planet from the Sun.

In summary, Jupiter and Saturn are both gas giants with some similar features, such as their composition and internal structures. However, they differ in mass, density, the number of moons, the extent of their rings, the visibility of their cloud layers, and their positions in the solar system.

Comparative Table: Saturn vs Jupiter

Here is a table comparing the differences between Saturn and Jupiter:

Feature Jupiter Saturn
Position in the Solar System 5th planet from the Sun 6th planet from the Sun
Distance from the Sun (avg) 741 million km 1,460 million km (1.46 billion km)
Radius 69,900 km 58,232 km
Mass 1.9 × 10²⁷ kg 5.6834×10²⁶ kg
Rotation Period (1 day) 10 hours 10.5 hours
Rotation Speed 45,000 km/h 9.87 km/s
Orbit Period (1 year) 11.85 years 29.4 years
Number of Moons 67 known moons 63 known moons
Magnetic Field Stronger magnetic field Weaker magnetic field
Color Colorful with stripes of orange, brown, red, and white Yellow with some white mixed in
Average Temperature -140°C (-220°F) -150°C (-240°F)

Jupiter and Saturn are both gas giants in our solar system, sharing some similarities such as their large size, elemental composition, and rough weather. They also both have many moons. However, there are notable differences between them, including their distance from the Sun, magnetic field strength, ring size, rotation period, and color.