The Planets
Science: KS3, topic 3.6.2
The Planets
There are 8 planets in our solar system.
Breakdown
- The 8 planets are split into the four inner planets and the four outer planets.
- The 4 inner planets are made mostly of metals like nickel and iron, as well as rocks.
- The 4 outer planets are known as 'gas giants' because they are huge and made of gases.
Inner planets
- Mercury is the smallest planet.
- Mercury has no moons and is the closest planet to the Sun.
- Venus was called Earth’s sister planet but it has a thick carbon dioxide atmosphere.
- Earth is the only known planet with life.
- Mars is the inner planet that is furthest from the Sun.
- Mars has 2 moons called Phobos and Deimos.
Outer planets
- Jupiter is the largest planet in our Solar System.
- Jupiter currently has a storm system larger than the Earth, that has been going for over 400 years.
- Saturn is known for its seven rings that surround the planet.
- Uranus has lots of moons and it takes 84 years to orbit the sun.
- Neptune is the planet farthest from the sun.
- Pluto was once named the ninth planet, but in 2006 it was reclassified as a dwarf planet.
Test yourself on The Planets
Which of these is NOT commonly found in the inner planets?
Order of the Planets
Which 4 planets are the inner planets?
Select the correct statement about the outer planets in each pair
A newly discovered planet is made mostly of metal and rock. How would scientists most likely classify it?