NAME: _________________________________ DATE: _____________ CLASS: _____________

Questions The Four Outer Planets (pages 70-76)

1. List the four outer planets. (NOTE: Pluto is no longer considered a planet. Youll see why in your
homework!)

2. How are these four outer planets physically different from Earth? (2 ways)

3. What nickname are these four planets given, since they are so large?

4. Why do the four outer planets have such deep atmospheres?

5. The four outer planets are made up of mainly which gas?

6. Why is it so difficult to learn about the solid cores of the outer planets?

7. Which planet is the most massive? _______________________________________

8. What is the Great Red Spot?

9. Which planet is the second-largest in the solar system? _______________________________

10. What are Saturns rings made out of? _____________________________________________
11. :: CRITICAL THINKING REQUIRED:: If you dropped Saturn into a gigantic pool of water, what
would happen? Why?

12. What color does Uranus appear to be? Why?

13. Why do astronomers think that Uranus was hit by an object and knocked on its side?

14. Which planet has a Great Dark Spot? _______________________________________________