nonrocky

nonrocky is a term used to describe celestial bodies or geological formations that are not primarily composed of solid rock. This contrasts with rocky planets, asteroids, and moons that are characterized by silicate or metallic compositions. Nonrocky bodies can encompass a variety of materials and structures.

One significant category of nonrocky celestial bodies includes gas giants, such as Jupiter and Saturn in our solar system. These planets are predominantly composed of hydrogen and helium, existing in a gaseous or fluid state. Their internal structures do not feature a solid rocky surface as seen on terrestrial planets.

Another type of nonrocky celestial object is an ice giant, like Uranus and Neptune. These planets contain a substantial amount of water, ammonia, and methane ices, often in a slushy or fluid state, surrounding a potentially small rocky core. While they may have a core, the bulk of their mass is not rocky.

In some contexts, nonrocky can also refer to certain types of asteroids or comets. While many asteroids are rocky, some are understood to be composed of icy materials or a mixture of rock and ice, often referred to as "dirty snowballs." Similarly, comets are primarily made of ice, dust, and rock fragments, with the ice being a dominant component. The surface and internal composition are key factors in determining if a celestial body is considered nonrocky.