An Overview of Saturn's Interior



This is a schematic of the interior of Saturn.
Click on image for full size (41K GIF)

The Giant planets do not have the same layered structure that the terrestrial planets do. Their evolution was quite different than that of the terrestrial planets, and they have less solid material inside.

Saturn's interior composition is primarily that of simple molecules such as hydrogen and helium, which are liquids under the high pressure environments found in the interiors of the outer planets, and not solids.

Motions in the interior of Saturn contribute in a very special way to the development of the powerful and extensive magnetosphere of Saturn. Heat generated within Saturn contributes to the unusual motions of the atmosphere.


Comparison of Saturn and the Earth

Images of Saturn


An Overview of Saturn's Interior



This is a schematic of the interior of Saturn.
Click on image for full size (41K GIF)

The Giant planets do not have the same layered structure that the terrestrial planets do. Their evolution was quite different than that of the terrestrial planets, and they have less solid material.

Saturn's interior composition is primarily that of simple molecules such as hydrogen and helium, which are liquids under the high pressure environments found in the interiors of the outer planets, and not solids.

Motions in the interior of Saturn contribute in a very special way to the development of the powerful and extensive magnetosphere of Saturn. Heat generated within Saturn contributes to the unusual motions of the atmosphere.


Comparison of Saturn and the Earth

Images of Saturn


A Look at the Inside of Saturn



This is a drawing of the interior of Saturn.
Click on image for full size (41K GIF)

The Giant planets do not have the same kind of layers inside that the earth-like planets do. The history of the giant planets was so different that they formed with much more gas on the inside.

Saturn is made of the simple molecules hydrogen and helium, and they become liquid in the environment that is found deep inside Saturn.

Motions inside Saturn help form the powerful magnetosphere of Saturn. Heat from within Saturn contributes to the unusual movements of the atmosphere.


Comparison of Saturn and the Earth

Images of Saturn



Last modified April 2, 1997 by the Windows Team

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