what three characteristics do the inner planets have in common?
The three characteristics that the inner planets (also known as terrestrial planets) have in common are:
1. Size and Composition: The inner planets are relatively small and are composed mostly of rock and metal. They are denser compared to the outer gas giants. The four inner planets in our solar system are Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.
2. Close Distance to the Sun: The inner planets are located closer to the Sun compared to the outer planets. They have shorter orbital periods, which means they complete their orbits around the Sun faster. This proximity to the Sun also means they receive more sunlight and therefore have higher average temperatures compared to the outer planets.
3. Solid Surfaces: Unlike the outer gas giants, the inner planets have solid surfaces. This allows for geological features like mountains, valleys, and impact craters to form. Also, the inner planets have relatively thin or no atmospheres compared to the outer planets, making them more susceptible to impacts from space debris.
To find this information, you can refer to reliable scientific resources such as astronomy textbooks or online sources like NASA's website or other reputable educational websites. These sources provide well-documented information about the characteristics of the inner planets based on the latest scientific research and discoveries.