Gas giants are large planets primarily made of hydrogen and helium, without solid surfaces. Jupiter and Saturn are the two gas giants in our solar system, known for their thick atmospheres and storms like Jupiter's Great Red Spot. Their size and gaseous nature set them apart from terrestrial planets. Jupiter and Saturn have diameters of about 139,822 kilometers (86,881 miles) and 116,464 kilometers (72,367 miles), respectively. Both feature dynamic atmospheres with strong winds and fascinating weather patterns. Their gaseous composition creates intricate cloud formations.
The gas giants have notable ring systems, especially Saturn's, which is the most extensive. They also have many moons, some large enough to be classified as planets. These features add to the complexity of our solar system.
Gas giants influence planetary formation and the dynamics of solar systems. Their strong gravitational fields can affect the orbits of nearby objects like asteroids. Continued exploration enhances our understanding of these intriguing planets.