7.0 Learning Objectives

In this chapter, students will learn how to:

• Describe the basic characteristics of the giant planets in our solar system, including their distances from the Sun, orbital periods, and comparative sizes in relation to Earth and the Sun.
• Compare and contrast the cloud compositions and weather patterns of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
• Discuss the diverse magnetic tilts observed in the giant planets and explore the implications of these magnetic fields on their respective magnetospheres and charged particle interactions.
• Evaluate the significance of the Voyager missions’ trajectory known as the “Grand Tour” and describe how gravity-assisted flybys were used to visit multiple outer planets with a single spacecraft.