This is an image of Saturn.
Click on image for full size
NASA/JPL

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Return to Saturn's Atmosphere

A Look at the History of Saturn's Atmosphere

The giant planets have definitely changed since their formation. But how much remains to be seen.

Most of the original air of the giant planets remains in place. (The earth-like planets lost most of their atmospheres very soon after they formed because the atmosphere drifted away).

Saturn is made primarily of the simple molecules hydrogen and helium, which is what there was near Saturn when it was forming.


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