Outer Planets: The Gas Giants — Reading Comprehension

The four largest planets in our solar system are called the gas giants. These planets are Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. They are much bigger than Earth and are found far from the Sun. Unlike the inner planets, which are made mostly of rock, gas giants are made mostly of gases like hydrogen and helium.

Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system. It is known for its colorful clouds and the Great Red Spot, a huge storm that has been blowing for hundreds of years. Jupiter has more than 75 moons, including Ganymede, the biggest moon in the solar system.

Saturn is famous for its bright, beautiful rings. These rings are made of ice, rock, and dust. Saturn is also very large and has more than 80 moons. The biggest is Titan, which has thick clouds and lakes of liquid methane.

Uranus and Neptune are called "ice giants" because they have more ice and water in their atmospheres. Uranus is unique because it spins on its side, making its seasons very different from those on other planets. Neptune is the farthest planet from the Sun and is known for its deep blue color. It has the fastest winds in the solar system, blowing up to 1,200 miles per hour!

The gas giants do not have solid surfaces like Earth. Instead, they have thick atmospheres of gas and small rocky cores deep inside. Because they are so far from the Sun, they are much colder than the inner planets. Scientists study gas giants to learn more about how planets form and what makes our solar system special.

Interesting Fact: Jupiter is so big that over 1,300 Earths could fit inside it!

Which planet has the Great Red Spot?

What are Saturn's rings made of?

Which planet spins on its side?

Why are Uranus and Neptune called ice giants?

What do gas giants NOT have?

How do gas giants differ from inner planets?

Jupiter is the largest planet.

What is a moon?