Facts about inner planets

What is the difference between inner and outer planets?

The inner planets rotate slower than the outer planets, which makes them more round at their poles. The inner planets are also denser than the outer planets. The thick atmosphere also protects Venus from meteors as they tend to disintegrate before they can pass through to the planet's surface.

What are the characteristics of the inner planets?

While the inner planets are rocky planets, the outer planets are referred to as gas giants. Inner planets have a mostly iron core, surrounded by a mantle. The surface of the inner planets is characterized by volcanoes, canyons, craters, and mountains, and earth is the only one known to have water on its surface.

What is the order of the inner planets?

The inner planets (in order of distance from the sun, closest to furthest) are Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars. After an asteroid belt comes the outer planets, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. The interesting thing is, in some other planetary systems discovered, the gas giants are actually quite close to the sun.

What is the only planet with life?

As yet Earth is the only planet known to have life. The presence of liquid water, the ability of the atmosphere to filter out harmful radiation, and many other features make the planet uniquely suited to harbor life.