Characteristics of the Eight Planets of the Solar System

Eight planets revolve around the sun with remarkable precision. The speed,
eccentricity, and distance from the sun characterize the orbits of the planets. The
interplanetary space is so vast, but the number and variety of orbits in the solar
system suggest the possibility of their crossing, allowing collision of planets and
satellites to occur.
Most of the planets orbit lies approximately in the same plane as the earths
orbit. Each planet spins and rotates about an axis. The axis defines the planets
north and south poles.
Planet differ in the angle of inclination of their axis. The tilt of the axis
determines the nature and intensity of seasons in a planet. If the tilt is small, all
parts of the planet receive the same amount of light from the sun. If the tilt is great,
the amount of sunlight received by the Northern and Southern Hemispheres on the
planet varies greatly. This leads to large seasonal effects on the planet.
Some planets have magnetic fields while others have none. Mercury has a
small magnetic field. Venus and Mars have a very weak magnetic fields. The earth
has a very significant magnetic field, and Jupiter has a very large and strong
magnetic field.
Warming process in the atmosphere of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune
is much similar to that of the earth, but their absorbing materials are different. The
earth is warmed by the heat developed in the absorption of ultraviolet rays by the
ozone layer in the atmosphere while the outer planets are warmed by the heat
developed by the absorption of solar radiation of methane and the smog of some
particles. Jupiter, Saturn, and Neptune are found to be emitting more heat than they
receive from the sun.
Planets are grouped according to size. Terrestrial planets are small; they have
high densities due to their bodies made up of rocks and heavy elements. Mercury,
Venus, Earth, and Mars are considered terrestrial planets. Jovian planets are larger
and massive. They have low densities and have dense atmospheres. They are
similar to sun in composition, being made up of lighter elements and gases with
little ammonia, methane, and water.

CHARACTERISTIC OF THE EIGHT PLANETS OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM|John Jorel S. David

CHARACTERISTIC OF THE EIGHT PLANETS OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM|John Jorel S. David

CHARACTERISTIC OF THE EIGHT PLANETS OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM|John Jorel S. David