The Inner Planets

Click to edit MasterVenus subtitle style Mercury

Earth

Mars

Standards

S6E1 Students will explore current scientific views of the universe and how those views evolved. S6E1c Compare and contrast the planets in terms of Size relative to the Earth, Surface and atmospheric features, relative distance from the sun, and its ability to support life.

Essential Questions

What characteristics do the inner planets have in common? What are the main characteristics that distinguish each of the inner planets?

Why they are called the Inner Planets

The inner planets are the four planets that lie between the Sun and the asteroid belt.

Mars Earth Venus The planets that are located after the Mercury asteroid belt are called the outer planets. That makes sense, doesnt it?

Characteristics of the Inner Planets

Closest to the Sun Composed mostly of solid rock Each have a core, a mantle, and a crust Many craters of varying sizes Sometimes called the terrestrial planets, because of their similarities to Earth Smaller than most of the outer planets

Mercury

Distance from the sun:

57,909,175 km

Origin of Name:

the Roman messenger of the gods

Size (in diameter):

4,880 km

Interesting Fact:

The temperature can range from -200 C to over 430 C ! Mercury has no atomosphere.

Venus

Distance from the Sun:

108,208,930 km

Origin of Name: Size (in diameter):

12,103.6 km

The Roman goddess of love and beauty

Interesting Fact: It is called Earths sister planet because of its size. Venus rotates opposite most planets. (east to west)

Venus
The atmosphere of Venus is made up mainly of carbon dioxide, and thick clouds of sulfuric acid completely cover the planet. The pressure of Venuss atmosphere is 90 times greater than Earths atmosphere. Venus has an average temperature of 460 degrees Celsius.

Earth

Distance from the Sun: 149,597,890 km Origin of Name:

Old English and Germanic

Size (in diameter):

12,756.3 km

Interesting Fact:

The Earth is not perfectly round, but actually pearshaped!

The only planet able to sustain life.

Mars

Distance from the Sun: 227,936,640 km Origin of Name:

the Roman god of war

Size (in diameter):

6,794 km

Interesting Fact:

The month of March got its name from Mars!

Mars

Marss atmosphere is 95 % carbon dioxide. Mars temperatures range from -140 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius. Mars is covered by iron oxide. Mars has two seasons because it has a tilted axis.

Essential Questions

What characteristics do the inner planets have in common? What are the main characteristics that distinguish each of the inner planets?

Independent Work

Turn to page 571. Do all questions on the page. You do not have to write the questions.