What is gas giant? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of gas giant

gas giantnoun

hành tinh khí khổng lồ

/ˌɡæs ˈdʒaɪənt//ˌɡæs ˈdʒaɪənt/

Where does the word gas giant come from?

The term "gas giant" is used to describe a type of planet in our solar system that has a relatively small, rocky core enveloped by a thick atmosphere composed mainly of gases such as hydrogen, helium, and methane. These planets, which include Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, are much larger than Earth and have no solid surface due to the thickness of their atmospheres. The name "gas giant" originated in the 19th century when astronomers believed that these planets were primarily composed of gases. However, subsequent scientific discoveries revealed their true nature with solid cores that were enveloped by dense atmospheres composed of gases. Today, the term "gas giant" is still used to describe these unique and fascinating worlds in our solar system.

Example of vocabulary gas giantnamespace

  • Jupiter is the largest gas giant in our solar system, with a diameter that exceeds 142,000 kilometers.
  • The atmosphere of Saturn is primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, making it a true gas giant.
  • The gravitational pull of the gas giant Neptune prevents its moons from forming ring systems, unlike the other ringed planet, Saturn.
  • NASA's Juno spacecraft is currently exploring the chaotic weather patterns of Jupiter, a gas giant with fierce storms that last for centuries.
  • Gas giants like Uranus and Neptune have such low densities that they would actually float in a bathtub of water, such is their mixture of gases.

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