How do outer plants differ from inner planets?
Outer planets, also known as gas giants, differ from inner planets in several key ways:
1. Composition: Outer planets are made up primarily of hydrogen and helium gases, whereas inner planets have a rocky composition. Outer planets have a small rocky core surrounded by thick atmospheres of gas, giving them a much larger size compared to inner planets.
2. Size: Outer planets are much larger in size and have voluminous atmospheres. For example, Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, is over 11 times the diameter of Earth. In contrast, inner planets are smaller and have a solid surface.
3. Distance from the Sun: Outer planets are located farther away from the Sun compared to inner planets. They orbit beyond the asteroid belt, while inner planets orbit closer to the Sun.
4. Moons: Outer planets tend to have more moons compared to inner planets. For instance, Jupiter is known to have more than 80 moons, while Earth has only one. These moons can have diverse characteristics and are often larger in size than the moons of inner planets.
5. Rings: Outer planets, including Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, have ring systems composed of small particles of ice, rock, and dust that orbit around the planets. Inner planets, like Earth, do not have prominent ring systems.
6. Surface Conditions: Inner planets have a solid surface and, in the case of Earth, support a diverse range of life. Outer planets lack a solid surface, and their atmospheric conditions are extreme, with temperatures and pressures that make them inhospitable for life as we know it.
Overall, the main differences between outer planets and inner planets revolve around their composition, size, distance from the Sun, presence of moons and rings, and surface conditions.