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What is the Composition of the Atmospheres of the Gas Giants?

The principle gases in the atmospheres of our solar system's gas giants are hydrogen and helium. Other gases, such as methane, are also present, and they contribute to the unique appearance of each planet.

Jupiter
- The largest of the gas giants, Jupiter has a thick, turbulent atmosphere composed of 79 percent hydrogen, 20 percent helium and 1 percent other elements. Trace amounts of sulfur and phosphorous produce vivid colors in the atmosphere. Weather patterns are easily visible and spectacularly demonstrated by a massive storm known as the Great Red Spot.
Saturn
- Like Jupiter, Saturn, famous for its rings, has a thick atmosphere of 75 percent hydrogen and 25 percent helium with trace gases of sulfur and phosphorous. The hazy appearance of Saturn's atmosphere makes weather observations more difficult than on Jupiter.
Uranus
- Two percent of Neptune's atmosphere is methane that absorbs red wavelengths of light, giving the planet a blue appearance. Ammonia and other gases are also present in the atmosphere that is composed of 83 percent hydrogen and 15 percent helium.
Neptune
- Similar in composition to Uranus, Neptune's atmosphere contains 85 percent hydrogen, 13 percent helium, 2 percent methane and trace gases. As with Uranus, the methane in the atmosphere gives the planet a blue appearance. However, while Uranus' features are obscured, clouds and storms are apparent in the atmosphere of Neptune.

Astronomy