When it comes to the inner Solar System, you will encounter the region that deals with the terrestrial planets and asteroids. The composition of the entities found in the inner Solar System are often made of silicates and metals that move rather closely to the Sun. It is significant to note that the entire region is shorter then the distance found between Jupiter and Saturn. This part of the universe is called inner space, while the region located outside of the asteroid belt was dubbed outer space.
If you were wondering what the inner planets were , concentrate on Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. There are also characteristics that all of these planets share, which include rocky compositions that are dense, a small number of or no moons, and possess no ring systems. Minerals with high melting points are the majority of the planets’ makeup. An example of this is found in the silicates that form in the solid crusts and semi-liquid mantles. Cores possess metals like nickel and iron.
Three out of the four inner planets showcase a substantial atmosphere: Venus, Mars, and Earth. All of the planets in the inner Solar System have impact craters and tectonic surface features, including volcanoes and rift valleys. To learn a bit more about these planets, consider some of the facts listed below:
Mercury
As the closest planet to the Sun, it is also the smallest. There are no natural satellites connected to this planet, where its only known geological characteristics are seen in the impact craters that may have erupted due to early contraction throughout its existence. Solar winds are responsible for removing the atoms that make the atmosphere nearly negligible. Its iron core is pretty large and the mantle thin , all of which has baffled scientists. Some believe that the outer layers of the planet were stripped away when a huge impact occurred, making it hard for Mercury to benefit from the energy of the Sun.
Facts About Mercury
The only visit to the planet took place in 1974 when the Mariner 10 spacecraft made contact.
At first, the Greeks thought that Mercury was really two different stars. In the morning, Mercury was called Apollo, while at night , the planet was called Hermes.
Often, it is the Greek god, Hermes, who is associated with Mercury, which is always depicted by the winged sandals that he wears.
Mercury is the eighth largest planet in the Solar System, as well as known as the second smallest.
When it comes to days and months, a day on Mercury last 58.65 Earth days, while the year consists of 87.97 Earth days.
The surface temperature of Mercury is rather interesting, as it showcases a lot of ups and downs. During the daytime, the temperature can reach more than 752 degrees F, while the nighttime brings temperatures that fall below ,274 degrees.
In Part 2 of this article, you will get acquainted with the lovely planets of Mars, Venus, and Earth.