As we know, the solar system is made up of 8 planets that have different colors. One of the things that many people question is the authentic colors of the planets of the solar system. We know that the images we see of the planets are not exact representations of reality. In many cases the images are altered or improved for different reasons. This means that we do not know well what are the colors of the planets of the solar system.
In this article we are going to tell you the whole truth about the colors of the planets of the solar system and their main characteristics.
Image processing
A very common practice is the treatment of images in the world of astronomy. We know that the planets are too far away to be able to see them very clearly. It is here where it is necessary to treat some images not only of planets but also of other objects, especially images. nebulae. Filters and color enhancements are often used to make different features of the planet easier to observe and distinguish. This is not intended to hide anything, rather it is used for more practical purposes.
This raises the question of whether the colors of the planets in the solar system are the same as those shown in the rounded images. We know that our planet appears as a sort of blue marble since the ocean makes up most of its land area. However, we don't know to what extent the other planets maintain the same color as we see them in the modified images.
We know that if a planet is terrestrial and is composed mainly of minerals and silicates their appearance will be that of a gray or oxidized mineral tone. To understand the colors of the planets in the solar system, you must take into account the type of atmosphere they have, since it will modify the overall color depending on how much light they can absorb and reflect from the sun.
Colors of the planets of the solar system
Let's see below what are the different colors of the planets of the solar system in a real way.
Mercury
Since taking pictures of Mercury is difficult due to its proximity to the sun, it is practically impossible to take clear photos. This makes not even powerful telescopes like Hubble have been able to take a practical photo. The surface of the planet Mercury is very similar in appearance to that of the Moon. It is similar in that it ranges in color from gray to mottled and is covered in craters caused by asteroid impacts.
Since Mercury is a rocky planet and is composed mostly of iron, nickel, and silicates and also has an extremely thin atmosphere, it makes it appear darker gray and rocky in color.
(Venus
This planet depends largely on the position we have when observing it. Although it is also a rocky planet, it has an extremely dense atmosphere made up of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and sulfur dioxide. This means that from orbit we cannot see more than a dense layer of sulfuric acid clouds and no surface details. For this reason, it is noted in all the photos that Venus has a yellowish color when viewed from space. This is because sulfuric acid clouds absorb the blue color.
However, from the ground the vision is very different. We know that (Venus It is a terrestrial planet with neither vegetation nor water. This results in a very rough and rocky surface. It's difficult to determine the true color of the surface, as the atmosphere is essentially blue. It's also interesting to know how the atmosphere affects the colors of the planets in the solar system.
Colors of the planets of the solar system: Earth
Our planet is made up mostly of ocean and we have an atmosphere rich in oxygen and nitrogen. The appearance of color is due to the effect of light scattering from the atmosphere and oceans. This causes the blue light to be scattered more than the rest of the colors due to its short wavelength. In addition, it must also be taken into account that water absorbs light from the red part of the electromagnetic spectrum. This gives it a general blue appearance if we look at planet Earth from space. This is how our planet looks unmistakable.
If we add the clouds that cover the sky, they make our planet look like a blue marble. The color of the surface also depends on where we are looking. It can range from green, yellow, and brown. We know that depending on the type of ecosystem it will have one predominant color or another.
Mars
El planet Mars It is known as the Red Planet. This planet has a thin atmosphere and is closer to our planet. We have been able to see it quite clearly for over a century. In recent decades, thanks to the development of space travel and exploration, we have learned that Mars is similar to our planet in many ways. Most of the planet is reddish in color. This is attributed to the presence of iron oxide on its surface. Its color is also evident given its very thin atmosphere.
Colors of the planets of the solar system: Jupiter
This planet has an unmistakable appearance, with its orange and brown bands mixed with white. This color is due to its composition and atmospheric patterns. We know that there are outer layers in its atmosphere that are composed of clouds of hydrogen, helium and debris from other elements that move at high speeds. Their white and orange hues are due to the exposure of these compounds, which change color when they come into contact with ultraviolet light from the sun.
Saturn
Saturn has an appearance similar to that of JupiterIt is also a gaseous planet and has bands that run across the entire planet. However, due to its lower density, the bands are fainter and wider in the equator. Its composition is mostly hydrogen and helium, with some small amounts of volatile elements such as ammonia. The combination of the red ammonia clouds and its exposure to the sun's ultraviolet radiation makes them have a color combination of pale gold and white.
Uranus
Being a large, icy gas planet, it is composed primarily of molecular hydrogen and helium. Along with other amounts of ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, water, and hydrocarbons gives it a cyan blue color close to seawater.
Neptuno
It is the farthest planet from the solar system and is similar to Uranus. It is largely similar in composition and is composed of hydrogen and helium. It also contains small amounts of nitrogen, water, ammonia, and methane, as well as other hydrocarbons. Since it is further away from the sun, it has a darker blue color.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about the colors of the planets in the solar system.