What are the inner planets?

The four planets closest to the sun are known as the inner planets. Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars

Mercury

This picture of Mercury was

made by joining many smaller

photos taken by Mariner 10. No

photos were taken of the area that looks smooth.

Mercury is the planet closest to the Sun.

It is a small planet, a little bigger than Earth’s moon.

Mercury is covered with thousands of dents. The dents are shaped like bowls and are called craters.

Craters were made when meteorites crashed into Mercury’s surface long ago.

Venus

Venus is the second planet from the Sun.

It is about the same size as Earth, but Venus turns in the opposite direction.

Like Mercury, Venus is very hot and dry.

Unlike Mercury, Venus has an atmosphere made of thick, swirling clouds.

Using the chart, What is one reason people cannot live on Mercury or Venus?

Using the chart, how much longer is Venus’ year than Mercury’s year (in Earth days)?

Earth

Earth, our home, is the third planet from the Sun. It is also the solar system’s

largest rocky planet. Earth is the only planet that

has liquid water on its surface. In fact, most of Earth’s surface is covered with water. Earth is the only planet in the

solar system known to support life.

Earth’s Moon

Moons are satellites of planets. A satellite is an object that

orbits another object in space. Just as planets revolve around

the Sun because of gravity, moons revolve around planets. Earth has one large moon. The diameter of the Moon is

about one-fourth the diameter of Earth.

Mars

The fourth planet from the Sun is Mars.

The rocks and soil that cover much of Mars contain the mineral iron oxide.

This mineral is reddish-brown in color. It is the same material that makes up rust.

This has given Mars its nickname, the "Red Planet."

How much lighter is a 100 pound person on Mars?

Why is the average surface temperature considerably lower on Mars compared to Earth

Quiz Time!

Let’s see how you do locating the planet!

Earth Mars

This Planet has an atmosphere made of thick, swirling clouds.

Find the planet

Venus

Oh no! Quick guess again!

Great Job Kids!

Earth Mars

This planet is closest to the sun.

Find the planet

Mercury

Oh no! Quick guess again!

Great Job Kids!

Earth Mars

This is the fourth planet from the sun.

Find the planet

Venus

Oh no! Quick guess again!

Great Job Kids!

Earth Mercury

This is the largest of the inner planets.

Find the planet

Venus

Oh no! Quick guess again!

Great Job Kids!