What is the Difference Between Inner Planets and Outer Planets?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main differences between inner and outer planets in our solar system are their distance from the Sun, composition, size, and atmosphere. Here is a summary of these differences:
- Distance from the Sun: Inner planets are those closest to the Sun (Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars), while outer planets are those furthest from the Sun (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune).
- Composition: Inner planets are made of rock and metal, often referred to as terrestrial planets. Outer planets are made of gas and ice, sometimes called gas giants or ice giants. This difference in composition is due to the distance from the Sun, which affects the temperature and the form of water present on the planets.
- Size: Inner planets are generally smaller, with Earth being the largest and having a diameter of 12,756 km (7,926 miles). Outer planets are much larger, with Jupiter having a diameter of 142,984 km (88,846 miles).
- Atmosphere: The atmospheres of inner planets vary from planet to planet, while outer planets have more uniform atmospheres. Inner planets have no rings, while outer planets have numerous moons and rings.
In summary, inner planets are closer to the Sun, smaller in size, made of rock and metal, and have varied atmospheres. Outer planets are farther from the Sun, larger, made of gas and ice, and have more uniform atmospheres with moons and rings.
Comparative Table: Inner Planets vs Outer Planets
The inner and outer planets in our solar system have distinct differences in terms of their size, composition, and other characteristics. Here is a comparison table highlighting these differences:
| Feature | Inner Planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars) | Outer Planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune) |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small, with Earth being the largest | Large, with Jupiter being the largest |
| Composition | Mostly rock and metal | Mostly gas (hydrogen, helium) |
| Atmosphere | Thin or none | No solid surface, with thick atmosphere |
| Moons | Mercury and Venus have no moons | All have numerous moons |
| Orbits | Slower orbits around the Sun | Faster orbits around the Sun |
| Spin | Slower spin | Faster spin |
| Rings | No rings | Rings made of dust and small particles |
The inner planets, including Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars, are closer to the Sun and are smaller and rockier. They have solid surfaces and thin or no atmospheres. On the other hand, the outer planets, including Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, are farther from the Sun and are larger, made mostly of gas. They have no solid surfaces and are surrounded by thick atmospheres.
- Jovian vs Terrestrial Planets
- Star vs Planet
- Planet vs Moon
- Inner vs Outer Sphere Mechanism
- Inner Sphere vs Outer Sphere Mechanism
- Saturn vs Jupiter
- Jupiter vs Earth
- Earth vs Saturn
- Earth vs Uranus
- Orbit vs Orbital
- Earth vs Mars
- Earth vs Moon
- Inner vs Outer Hair Cells
- Asteroid vs Comet
- Atmosphere vs Space
- Inner Join vs Outer Join
- World vs Earth
- Inner vs outer London
- Asteroid vs Meteoroid