Astronomy Notes

Part 5: The Terrestrial Planets

John P. Pratt

Introduction to the Planets

What are the Planets?

PlanetPeriodDistanceDiameter
Mercury1/4.4.4
Venus8/13.71
Earth11.01
Mars21.5.5
Asteroids53< 0.1
Jupiter12510
Saturn30109
Uranus84204
Neptune164304
Pluto24840.2

Comparative Planetology is the systematic study of the similarities and differences of the planets.

The Inner Planets are closer to the sun than is the earth.

The Outer Planets are all the rest, which are farther from the sun than is the earth. The Terrestrial Planets are Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars. The Giant Planets are Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

Synodic vs. Sidereal Orbital Periods

Mercury

Physical Characteristics

Rotation and Revolution

Properties

Venus

Overall Characteristics

Rotation and Revolution

Atmosphere

Other Properties

Mars

Overall Characteristics

Rotation and Revolution

Physical Characteristics

Geological Features

No Life on Mars

Moons