Neptune

Neptune

Neptune is the eighth and farthest planet from the Sun in the Solar System. It is the fourth-largest planet by diameter and the third-largest by mass. Neptune is 17 times the mass of Earth and is somewhat more massive than its near-twin Uranus, which is 15 times the mass of Earth but not as dense. On average, Neptune orbits the Sun at a distance of 30.1 AU, approximately 30 times the Earth–Sun distance. Named for the Roman god of the sea, its astronomical symbol is ♆, a stylised version of the god Neptune's trident.

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Famous quotes containing the word neptune:

    His nature is too noble for the world;
    He would not flatter Neptune for his trident,
    Or Jove for’s power to thunder.
    William Shakespeare (1564–1616)

    But we are spirits of another sort.
    I with the morning’s love have oft made sport,
    And like a forester the groves may tread
    Even till the eastern gate, all fiery-red,
    Opening on Neptune with fair blessèd beams,
    Turns unto yellow gold his salt green streams.
    William Shakespeare (1564–1616)