Concept in Definition ABC

The divinities of Greek and Roman mythology have served to name the planets of our Solar system. This is what has happened with Saturn, Jupiter or Neptune. For this reason, the term Neptune can be framed in mythology or in the astronomy.

In Roman mythology

For the Romans of antiquity Neptune was the god of the Sea and the son of Saturn and Cybele. In his youth Neptune conspired against Jupiter and Jupiter threw him from the Olympus of the gods and turned him into a mortal being. Thus, Neptune helped the citizens of Troy to erect a wall to protect themselves from the force wave. Then he set about ruling the Trojans and did it with Justice and effectiveness.

Neptune wanted to marry the beautiful Amphitrite (the daughter of Ocean), but this very beautiful nymph rejected him due to her bad appearance and her messy mane. This prompted a dolphin that had observed his dejected situation to make the decision to contact Amphitrite. The words of the dolphin convinced the beautiful nymph and Neptune was finally able to marry her.

Neptune's power was not limited to the seas and rivers, but also extended to the islands, peninsulas, and mountains. According to the mythological tale, Neptune was the creator of the horse and he devised it to give it to men.

Neptune is normally represented as a old man broad-shouldered, in his hand he carries a trident and is accompanied by a procession of mermen, marine divinities similar to mermaids.

Key aspects of the planet

In our solar system, Neptune is the planet furthest from the Sun and at the same time the coldest (its temperature average is -221.4 degrees Celsius) and the one with the highest velocity of the wind.

Like Saturn or Uranus, Neptune has a series of rings around it and some of them are brighter than others.

The only space mission that has traveled to Neptune was Voyager 2 in 1989, but NASA plans to carry out another mission in 2016 (it is estimated that it will reach Neptune in 2030).

Neptune has a total of 13 moons, with Triton being the largest of them.

As for its atmosphere, it is made up of hydrogen, methane, helium, ammonia and water.

Neptune has a characteristic blue color, which is due to the fact that methane in the atmosphere absorbs red light.

Photos: iStock - Gabriele Maltinti / Christopher Futcher