Earth Science
The Solar System
Inner versus Outer Planets
Study Tip
Still looking for a clever way to remember the planets? Try
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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
M
y
V
ery
E
legant
M
oose
J
ust
S
lurped
U
p
N
oodles.
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?