Planet Neptune and its curiosities – Map of My Heaven

The planet Neptune is the eighth and last planet in the Solar system, considering its distance from the Sun. Furthermore, it is the fourth largest in size and is also considered a Gas Giant.

Being so far away from our king star gives it unique characteristics and makes this planet one of the most mysterious in the Milky Way.

Check out all the interesting facts about the planet Neptune, both in the field of astronomy, astrology and mythology!

Characteristics of Planet Neptune

Called the “Ice Giant”, Neptune is part of the so-called gaseous planets of the solar system alongside the planets Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus.

Basically, its composition is similar to that of its neighbor (the planet Uranus) with its atmosphere consisting mainly of hydrogen, helium and methane.

This last gas is the reason we see the planet with a bluish color, as it causes red light to reflect in this way.

The distance between Neptune and the Sun is a determining factor in why it is so cold, because it is about 4.5 billion km away from the star!

Therefore, it has average temperatures of -220°C, reaching almost -240°C!

What is the diameter of the planet Neptune?

Neptune’s diameter is 49,528km, which makes it slightly smaller than Uranus and the fourth largest planet in the solar system.

In fact, it would be possible to include around 60 planets like Earth within it and it is approximately 3.5 times larger than our planet.

How long is a day on the planet Neptune?

The days on Neptune are quite fast, compared to those on Earth. It takes 16 hours and 6 minutes to complete the rotation process. In other words, make a complete turn around its axis.

Unlike Uranus, which has a huge inclination in relation to its own orbit, the planet Neptune follows an orbit similar to that of the other planets in the solar system.

How long is a year on Neptune?

While the Earth takes 365 days to complete its orbit around the sun, the planet Neptune takes an impressive 165 years to complete its translation movement!

Neptune’s rings and moons

Like the other gas planets, Neptune also has rings. Even though they are not as expressive as those on Jupiter, they also deserve to be mentioned.

There are five rings (Galle, Le Verrier, Lassell, Arago and Adams), which are a few thousand km wide each and are mainly composed of rocks, ice and dust.

They are probably the result of pieces of moons or asteroids that have collided in the region, forming dark but very beautiful rings on the planet.

Currently, we know of 14 moons on the planet Neptune, they are: Naiad, Thalassa, Despina, Galatea, Larissa, S / 2004 N1, Proteus, Triton, Nereida, Halimede, Sao, Laomedeia, Psámata and Neso. All names are linked to mythology and myths involving Neptune or his helpers.

The main natural satellite is Triton, which is 2,700km in diameter, larger than the dwarf planet Pluto. There, it is possible to observe constant volcanic movement. However, in the form of geysers, which are transformed into ice on the surface.

Recently, Neptune’s 14th moon was also discovered, temporarily called S / 2004 N1, based on the analysis of old images from the Hubble telescope.

Differences between Uranus and Neptune

Both are blue-green in color, but the planet Neptune has more clouds in its atmosphere, as well as a “black spot” called the “Great Dark Spot”, which is a huge storm approximately the same size as Earth.

Although the two are apparently similar in size, Neptune is 18% more massive than Uranus, which directly determines the planet’s structure. This means that its core, unlike its neighbor, presents constant thermal activity, which is transferred to the atmosphere.

Therefore, the incidence of clouds on Neptune is much greater, as are its storms and winds that can reach up to 2,000 km/h.

Planet Neptune in Astrology

The last planet in the solar system also rules a sign, Pisces!

Perhaps because it is the most distant planet and carries many mysteries that still need to be investigated, the star is related to the psyche, intuition and fantasy.

In this way, Neptune corresponds to the 12th House of our birth chart and the aspects of spirituality and the unconscious.

The positioning of Neptune in the map indicates the field where we can have a breath of inspiration and creativity, but at the same time, it can mean an area where there is not much clarity.

This is because at the same time that the planet inspires imagination and mysticism, it can also “drown” the individual in fantasies and escapism.

As for the sign that the planet rules, Pisces, it has everything to do with what we talked about above. After all, Pisces are very sensitive and love to live “in the world of the Moon”. Or should we say “in Neptune’s world?” LOL

Do you want to know more about the personality of the signs, including Pisces? Check out our article on the subject!

Neptune in Mythology

In Roman mythology, Neptune was the god of the seas, son of Saturn and Cybele. Respectively, in Greek mythology, Poseidon, Cronos and Rhea.

Myths say that he helps his brother Zeus, Jupiter in Roman mythology, to dethrone his father and save his other brothers after they were devoured.

With this, he would have inherited control over the waters, becoming one of the most powerful gods on Olympus. His trademark is his trident, which he uses to stir the waters and generate waves.

In the past, it was believed that when the sea was rough and ravaged by storms, it was because Poseidon was furious about something. They even feared and venerated him because he had the power to destroy entire villages.

The god also had several wives, the main one being Amphitrite, Salacia in Roman mythology, with whom he had the tritons. In other words, the male version of mermaids, half man, half dolphin.

Also see stories involving Mythology and the signs of the Zodiac!

Gift of planets

You don’t have to go to the planet Neptune to find the perfect gift. It’s closer than you think!

Now that you know everything about the Ice Giant, how about giving yourself a gift or giving someone special a Map of the Planets?

Calm down, we’ll explain!

We at use reliable astronomical catalogs to bring you the positioning and alignment of the planets on a special date!

With this, you customize it with the model, phrases and thoughts that you think are best. The result is a personalized painting full of details and exclusive to that person.

After all, the planets have completely different translation movements, which makes this gift original.

Create your Map of the Planets in just a few minutes or check out our incredible Map of the Stars, which shows exactly what the sky was like on a special date.

You don’t want to buy any gift and face, in addition to Poseidon’s fury, that of the person you gave the gift to, right?

Enjoy and have the universe closer to you or whoever you like!

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