The Best of the Solar System
Summary
The images show the variety of features found on the nine planets of the Solar System. Summarize what you have learned. In your journal, make a chart like the one below. In the left-hand column list the major features you saw in your ten images. For each feature, list the planets or moons that have this feature.
As you studied the images and completed the chart, you may have noticed a pattern. The four inner planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars have solid surfaces. They are called the terrestrial planets. The Jovian planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune have thick, soupy atmospheres and no solid surface. They are known as the gas giants. The most distant planet, Pluto does not fit the pattern. Pluto is small and icy with little atmosphere.
If you would like to learn more about the planets and their features or to see more images of the planets, visit the following sites:
