terrestrial planet
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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
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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.
Related entry
Earth-class planet
Related category
PLANETS AND MOONS
EXTRASOLAR PLANETS AND SUBSTELLAR OBJECTS
• ASTROBIOLOGY
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Many, perhaps most, nearby Sun-like stars may form rocky planets (Feb 17, 2008)
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