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7.3: Comparing Planets

Last updated

Nov 20, 2024
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- 7.2: What do you think?
- 7.4: Rocky Planets

Lumen Learning
Lumen Learning

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We will look at our Solar System and its worlds from a comparison perspective, called Comparative Planetology, rather than focus on a lot of numbers and data. To compare the planets, they will be grouped into two major types: the Rocky or Terrestrial (Earth-Like) planets, and the Gas Giants or Jovian (Jupiter-like) planets. Recall, the focus of this module will be on the Rocky Planets. The next module will focus on the Gas Giants.

The table, Rocky Planets Vs. Gas Giant Planets, provides a broad snapshot of the differences between the Rocky Planets and the Gas Giant Planets.

Rocky Planets Vs. Gas Giant Planets

Rocky Planets: Mercury-Venus-Earth-Mars

Characteristics:

Distance from the Sun — Close
Revolution Length — Short
Surface Type — Solid surface
Diameter — Small
Craters — Many
Water — All except Venus
Rings — None
Satellites — Few or none

Gas Giant Planets: Jupiter-Saturn-Uranus-Neptune

Characteristics:

Distance from the Sun — Farther out
Revolution Length — Long
Surface Type — Gas; Probably no surface or very small icy core
Diameter — Large
Craters — None (gas)
Water — Yes; in the atmosphere (gas)
Rings — Yes; from one to multiple rings
Satellites — Many

Rocky Planets Vs. Gas Giant Planets

Rocky Planets: Mercury-Venus-Earth-Mars

Gas Giant Planets: Jupiter-Saturn-Uranus-Neptune

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