G.7.4                  Saturn

There is currently no adopted Reference Atmosphere Model for Saturn. Saturn's atmosphere is about 96 percent hydrogen and 3 percent helium by volume, a proportion similar to that found in the sun and Jupiter. Small amounts of methane, ammonia, and water also are present. A layer of clouds composed of ammonia ice compose what is seen in photographs and through the telescope. Deeper in the atmosphere, the clouds can be formed of water ice.