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Composition of Saturnian Atmosphere

 

The atmosphere of Saturn or Saturnian atmosphere is primarily composed of molecular hydrogen and helium. It also has methane, ammonia and ethane. In addition, trace amounts of other chemicals like acetylene, propane and phosphine have been detected in Saturnian atmosphere. There also exist clouds which are believed to be composed of ammonia crystals in the case of upper ones and either ammonium hydrosulfide (NH4SH) or water in the case of lower ones. Ammonia crystals in the upper atmosphere are also thought to give Saturn its pale yellow hue. It may also be interesting to know that the prominent ring system of Saturn is mainly composed of ice particles beside some rocky debris and dust in smaller amounts.

 

 

 

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