Learn about the Inner Planets Reading

The inner planets of our solar system—Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars—are fascinating worlds made of rock and metal. Closest to the Sun, these planets are small, dense, and have solid surfaces. Mercury, the smallest, experiences extreme temperatures due to its lack of atmosphere. Venus, Earth's twin, is enveloped in a thick atmosphere, making it the hottest. Earth supports life with water and air, while Mars, the Red Planet, boasts valleys and polar ice caps. These planets differ from the outer gas giants, as they formed in the Sun's hotter region, leaving behind gases. Learning about these unique rocky worlds offers insight into our solar system's history and diversity.