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Jun 20, 2008
Jun 8, 2008
Planets
Polar Composition
Mercury
Despite its close proximity to the sun, nighttime temperatures on Mercury can drop as low as -183° degrees C (-297° degrees F). Because of this, and the fact that it has very little atmosphere to keep it warm, it is possible for ice to exist on Mercury. Radar imaging of Mercury shows that ice is possibly stored in permanently shadowed craters at both poles.
Despite its close proximity to the sun, nighttime temperatures on Mercury can drop as low as -183° degrees C (-297° degrees F). Because of this, and the fact that it has very little atmosphere to keep it warm, it is possible for ice to exist on Mercury. Radar imaging of Mercury shows that ice is possibly stored in permanently shadowed craters at both poles. Venus
A "polar dipole" has been observed at Venus' north pole. A polar dipole is a vast vortex that rotates around the pole and is bounded by a "polar collar"
(a ring that surrounds the polar regions).
A "polar dipole" has been observed at Venus' north pole. A polar dipole is a vast vortex that rotates around the pole and is bounded by a "polar collar"(a ring that surrounds the polar regions).
Earth
Extreme cold temperatures and heavy glaciation occur at both of Earth's poles. Polar ice caps made of water ice rest on land at the south pole (continent of Antarctica) and on ocean at the north pole (Arctic Circle). Extreme variations in daylight hours occur, with 24 hours of daylight in mid-summer and permanent darkness in mid-winter.
Extreme cold temperatures and heavy glaciation occur at both of Earth's poles. Polar ice caps made of water ice rest on land at the south pole (continent of Antarctica) and on ocean at the north pole (Arctic Circle). Extreme variations in daylight hours occur, with 24 hours of daylight in mid-summer and permanent darkness in mid-winter. Mars
Mars has polar ice caps consisting of both water ice and carbon dioxide ice. Both caps contain a permanent, year-round ice cap made of water ice and a seasonal cap of carbon dioxide ice that forms in winter and disappears in summer. In the northern polar region, the permanent cap is made of water ice, while the southern permanent cap is mostly carbon dioxide ice mixed with some water ice.
Mars has polar ice caps consisting of both water ice and carbon dioxide ice. Both caps contain a permanent, year-round ice cap made of water ice and a seasonal cap of carbon dioxide ice that forms in winter and disappears in summer. In the northern polar region, the permanent cap is made of water ice, while the southern permanent cap is mostly carbon dioxide ice mixed with some water ice. Jupiter
Jupiter's polar regions have auroras, similar to the Northern Lights on Earth. In addition, a "Great Dark Spot" swirls near Jupiter's north pole, which scientists believe is a curious side effect of Jupiter's powerful auroras.
Jupiter's polar regions have auroras, similar to the Northern Lights on Earth. In addition, a "Great Dark Spot" swirls near Jupiter's north pole, which scientists believe is a curious side effect of Jupiter's powerful auroras. Saturn
Saturn is a large, gas planet that spins very fast on its axis. Because of the centrifugal force associated with the rapid spinning, Saturn's equator bulges and its poles are "flattened."
Saturn is a large, gas planet that spins very fast on its axis. Because of the centrifugal force associated with the rapid spinning, Saturn's equator bulges and its poles are "flattened." Uranus
Uranus is so tilted on its axis that it rotates on its side. Because of this, its poles are sometimes pointed directly at the Sun. For part if its orbit, one pole faces the sun continuously, while the other pole faces away. Scientists are uncertain which of Uranus' poles is south and which is north.
Uranus is so tilted on its axis that it rotates on its side. Because of this, its poles are sometimes pointed directly at the Sun. For part if its orbit, one pole faces the sun continuously, while the other pole faces away. Scientists are uncertain which of Uranus' poles is south and which is north. Neptune
Because Neptune's axis is tilted 30 degrees, its poles remain in constant sunlight for 41 years during the summer season. Bright regions have been observed at the poles, which are thought to be produced by a haze of ice crystals.
Because Neptune's axis is tilted 30 degrees, its poles remain in constant sunlight for 41 years during the summer season. Bright regions have been observed at the poles, which are thought to be produced by a haze of ice crystals. Pluto
Pluto's polar regions are made of frozen methane and nitrogen. During orbit phases when Pluto is closer to the Sun, the methane and nitrogen thaw, rise, and form a temporary atmosphere.
Pluto's polar regions are made of frozen methane and nitrogen. During orbit phases when Pluto is closer to the Sun, the methane and nitrogen thaw, rise, and form a temporary atmosphere.
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