The Terrestrial Planets

Front

What are the terrestrial planets?

Back

The terrestrial planets are the four innermost planets in the solar system: Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. They are characterized by their rocky surfaces.

Front

Which two inner planets have no moons?

Back

Mercury and Venus.

Front

Why doesn’t Mercury have much of an atmosphere?

Back

It is small.

Front

Which planet has the shortest year?

Back

Mercury.

Front

Which planet is the hottest?

Back

Venus.

Front

What is the main reason Venus is hotter than Mercury?

Back

Venus has a thick atmosphere that traps heat, creating a greenhouse effect.

Front

What is the surface temperature of Venus?

Back

The average surface temperature of Venus is about 467 degrees Celsius (872 degrees Fahrenheit).

Front

How long does it take Mercury to orbit the Sun?

Back

Mercury takes about 88 Earth days to complete one orbit around the Sun.

Front

What is unique about the rotation of Venus?

Back

Venus rotates on its axis very slowly and in the opposite direction to most planets, taking about 243 Earth days to complete one rotation.

Front

What is the largest terrestrial planet?

Back

Earth is the largest terrestrial planet.