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Venus
Venus is the second closest planet to the sun, after Mercury that is (orbits at 0.72 AU from the sun). One day on Venus is longer than one year. One day on Venus is equal to 243 Earth Days. One year on Venus is equal to 225 Earth days. Venus spins in retrograde rotation, compared to the other planets. Unlike Mercury, Venus has an atmoshpere; made up of mostly nitrogen and carbon dioxide. Venus is named after the Roman Goddess of love and beauty.
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Earth
Earth is the only planet that is known to sustain human life. One Earth day is 24 hours and one year is 365 days. Contrary to other planets in the solar system, Earth is 70% water. Earth has one natural satellite- the moon (see page 1 for more information). Earth's atmosphere is 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen and 1% other elements. Due to the fact that Earth has an atmosphere, the temperatures are more controlled. They range from -88 to 58 degrees Celsius
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Mars
Mars orbits at a distance of 1.52 AU from the sun. A day on Mars is just over 24 hours. A year on Mars is equal to 687 Eath days. Mars, like Earth, has an atmoshpere, although it is very thin. Mars has two moons: Phobus and Deimos; named after the Greek gods of fear and terror. Phobos is nearing Mars at a rate of 1.8 km a day, and will either collide with Mars or become a ring of dust around it. The soil of Mars contains iron minerals that oxidize and turn red, hence the name Red Planet.
Inner Planets
Take a look at the innermost planets of our solar system.
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