Inner planets
Download as PPTX, PDF1 like2,559 views
The inner planets are Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. They are composed mostly of rock, are smaller and denser than the outer gas giants, and have few to no moons and no rings. Mercury is the closest planet to the sun, has no moons, and experiences extreme temperature ranges. Venus has a thick, toxic atmosphere that creates a runaway greenhouse effect. Earth has a protective atmosphere and one moon, and is the only known planet capable of supporting life. Mars is also called the Red Planet for its rust-colored surface and has a thin atmosphere and two small moons.
Inner planets
- 2. • The inner planets are the planets in the internal part of the Solar System that orbit closest to the sun. The 4 inner planets are Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. There are a number of differences between the inner and outer planets aside from location. The inner planets are composed mostly of rock, while the outer planets are gas giants. Generally, inner planets are both smaller and denser than their counterparts. They also have few or no moons and no rings circling them, while the outer planets often have dozens of satellites and rings composed of particles of ice and rock.
- 3. • Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun. This small planet looks very much like the Earth’s Moon and is even a similar grayish color. It has no moons of its own and, comprised mostly of iron and nickel, is one of the densest planets in the Solar System. Mercury has a very thin atmosphere, which means that it is burning during the day, up to 430°C, and freezing at night – as low as -187 °C – because the atmosphere can neither keep heat in or out.
- 4. • Venus is the hottest planet in the solar system. Its atmosphere is a thick cloud composed of various gases, including carbon dioxide, which traps the heat and transforms the planet into a raging storm of heat. Venus is often called the morning star because, with the exception of Earth’s moon, it’s the brightest object in the sky. The planet has no moon of its own
- 5. • Earth is the third inner planet and the one we know best. Earth’s atmosphere protects the planet from dangerous radiation and helps keep valuable sunlight in, allowing life to survive. Like Mercury, the Earth has an internal magnetic field. The planet, which only has one moon, is comprised of a mixture of various rocks and minerals.
- 6. • Mars is the final inner planet, also known as the Red Planet due to the rust of iron-rich materials that form the planet’s surface. Mars’ thin atmosphere has led some astronomers to believe that water that once existed on the planet might have actually leaked into space. The planet has two small moons called Phobos and Deimos. One of Mars’ best-known features is its network of canals and canyons that led many to believe there was life on Mars. Beyond Mars are the four outer planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.