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21-2- The Inner Planets
What are the important facts to pass the test of us and our intriguing neighbors in space?
9
Astronomy
6th Grade
03/18/2013

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Term
Inner Planets
Definition
The inner planets are also called terrestrial planets because, like Earth, they are very dense and rocky. The inner planets are smaller, denser, and rockier than the outer planets.
Term
Mercury
Definition
Closest to the sun. You would weigh only 38% of what you weigh on Earth due to surface gravity. 3.2 light-minutes from the sun, rotation 59 days, revolution 88 days.
Term
Venus
Definition
The so-called Earth's twin, with the densest atmosphere than any other terrestrial planets. 6 light-minutes from the sun, rotation 243 days, revolution 224 days.
Term
Retrograde Rotation
Definition
The clockwise spin of a planet, such as Venus, as seen from above the planet's north pole.
Term
Prograde Rotation
Definition
The counterclockwise spin of a planet as seen above its north pole; rotation in the same direction as the sun's rotation.
Term
Greenhouse Effect
Definition
The carbon dioxide on Venus traps thermal energy from sunlight, and causes Venus's surface Temperature to be very high.
Term
Magellan Spacecraft
Definition
Between '90 and '92, this spacecraft mapped the surface of Venus by using radar waves. The waves traveled through the clouds and bounced off the planets surface. Data showed that Venus has volcanoes.
Term
Earth
Definition
An Oasis in space. 8.3 light-minutes from sun, rotation 23 hours, 56 minutes, revolution 365 days, 6 hours.
Term
Mars
Definition
No liquid water can exist on this planet's surface today. 12.7 light-minutes from sun, rotation 24 hours, 40 minutes, revolution 687 Earth days.
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