Welcome back, travelers! Let’s conclude our journey through the solar system by exploring the final destinations and perks of traveling through our solar system. This is your guide for vacationing do’s and don’ts when it comes to interplanetary travel.
Neptune: The Great Roman Sea god
Earth-dwellers take pride in Neptune, for it is the only planet that was predicted scientifically before actually being observed. Being 2.793 billion miles – 12.9 years – away, Neptune cannot be viewed from Earth with the naked eye.
However, those who have seen it through telescopes understand why this planet received such a powerful name. Even its moons are remarkable; Triton used to be a Kuiper Belt object and rotates clockwise. This would be another “DeLorean moment,” if you choose to stop there.
There is a huge, dark vortex near Neptune’s ‘surface’ –- or what would be the surface if it was not made of gases. Neptune’s weather is incredibly unpredictable. Astronomers generally agree that Neptune has the strangest weather patterns. Neptune’s winds are the strongest in the solar system, capable of moving faster than the speed of sound. At the same time, Neptune rains methane ice crystals. While not as fancy as Uranus’s diamonds, this crystalized rain is still an attractive attribute.
Unlike some of the other planets we’ve explored, Neptune has less of a packing list and more of a list with what not to pack. For starters, there is absolutely no need to bring sunglasses or sunscreen. On Neptune, the Sun is 900 times fainter than it is on Earth.
Neptune is so far away that Earth wouldn’t be visible without a telescope. If you’re curious to see what Earth would look like from billions of miles away – or simply homesick – then make sure to have those telescopes packed and ready.
Outro
Travelers, you are now ready to embark on what will no doubt be an incredible journey. Space is unpredictable but beautiful, terrifying but calming, and simple but complex. Don’t feel down if you’re missing home – the solar system is full of familiar patterns if you look close enough.
Deciding on your first destination may be difficult since you are bound for adventure no matter where you choose to go. Each planet calls for different experiences and challenges, but with this helpful guide, you have a better chance of enjoying yourself.
With so much to learn and discover, you don’t want to pass up the opportunity to discover the wonders of the solar system.
Thank you and good luck, space travelers!
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Glossary (Paraphrased Dictionary Definitions)
Kuiper Belt: A region of the solar system beyond Neptune, which contains comets, asteroids, and other small, icy bodies.
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