Earth Science
The Solar System
Inner versus Outer Planets
Study Tip
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The Inner Planets
- Includes Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.
- These are also called the terrestial planets.
- They tend to spin slower on their axis.
- They are usually composed of rock, such as nickel and iron.
- These planets tend to have either one or no satellites.
Study Tip
Still looking for a clever way to remember the planets? Try My Very Elegant Moose Just Slurped Up Noodles.
The Outer Planets
- Includes Jupiter, Saturn, and Neptune.
- These are often referred to as the gas giants.
- They take longer to orbit the Sun.
- They are usually composed of more gases, such as hydrogen and helium.
- These planets have numerous moons and rings. The rings are composed of dust and other small particles that encircle the planet on a thin plane.
Concept Check
- What main characteristics are different between inner and outer planets?
Concept Check
- What main characteristics are different between inner and outer planets?
