Question
What term refers collectively to the four inner planets of our solar system?
Galilean planets
terrestrial planets
sidereal planets
abyssal planets
Galilean planets
terrestrial planets
sidereal planets
abyssal planets
Ask by Zimmerman Campbell. in the United States
Jan 22,2025
Upstudy AI Solution
Tutor-Verified Answer
Answer
Terrestrial planets refer to the four inner planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.
Solution
The correct term is:
Terrestrial planets
Explanation:
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Terrestrial planets: This term refers to the four inner planets of our solar system—Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. These planets are characterized by their solid, rocky surfaces.
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Galilean planets: This is not a standard term in astronomy. However, the “Galilean moons” refer to the four largest moons of Jupiter—Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto—discovered by Galileo Galilei.
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Sidereal planets: “Sidereal” relates to stars or the measurement of celestial objects’ positions relative to the stars. It is not used to categorize planets based on their location in the solar system.
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Abyssal planets: This term is not recognized in standard astronomical nomenclature.
So, terrestrial planets is the appropriate term for the four inner planets of our solar system.
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The Deep Dive
The term you’re looking for is “terrestrial planets,” which includes Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. These planets are characterized by their rocky surfaces and relatively small sizes compared to the gas giants. They also possess solid ground, making them quite different from their bigger, more gaseous cousins in the outer solar system!
Did you know that these four planets have their own unique features? For instance, Venus has a thick, toxic atmosphere and is the hottest planet, while Mars is known for its rusty surface and is a prime candidate for future human exploration. Each planet tells a fascinating story about the evolution of our solar system!