1. THE INNER PLANETS

2. WHAT DO THEY ALL HAVE IN COMMON? Q : Which planet is largest? Q : Which planet has the most moons? Q : Which planet is most similar to Earth in size? Q : Which planet is most similar to Earth in orbital period?

3. WHAT DO THEY ALL HAVE IN COMMON? All small and dense All have rocky surfaces All close to the sun All but Mercury have an atomosphere

4. MERCURY Similar to our moon in size and appearance. Extreme temperatures (430 o C to -170 o C. No atmosphere.

5. VENUS Most similar to Earth in size and mass Unique rotation/revolution pattern. The hottest surface of all the planets. Very thick atmosphere – mostly carbon dioxide Greenhouse effect is extremely strong.

6. EARTH Mostly water. Has water in all there forms – ‘The Goldilocks Zone” Atmosphere is made mostly of nitrogen. Also has greenhouse effect. Has 1 moon. Solar radiation

7. MARS Too cold for liquid water, but has ice at poles. Very thin atmosphere – mostly carbon dioxide. Very cold temperatures -140 o C – 20 o C. Has 2 moons.