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terrestrial planet


terrestrial planets of the solar system
When the four terrestrial planets of the solar system – Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars – are placed side by side, it's clear their size distribution is close to symmetrical, with the two largest lying between the two smallest. Image: NASA
A small planet of high density with a solid, rocky surface. The terrestrial planets in the solar system are Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. The first terrestrial planet to be found orbiting another star is OGLE-2005-BLG-390Lb.

Compare with gas giant.


Archived news

Many, perhaps most, nearby Sun-like stars may form rocky planets (Feb 17, 2008)


Related entry

   • Earth-class planet


Related category

   • PLANETS AND MOONS
   • EXTRASOLAR PLANETS AND SUBSTELLAR OBJECTS
   • ASTROBIOLOGY


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