Discussion:
Fill in the blank:
Defining Characteristics of the Planets
1. ____________________ Has similarities to the Earth in that it has seasonal changes, polar caps, and rotates in about 24 hours. It's surface has a red color due to iron oxide in the rock. Has numerous indications of ancient water flows. Has the highest mountain in the solar system.
2. ____________________ Its rapid rotation results in distinct bands and zones in its atmosphere, along with a huge storm known as known as the Great Red Spot. Radiates with more energy than it receives from the Sun.
3. ____________________ The most distant of the giant planets, and has satellites with unusual orbits. Discovered by predictionusing the law of gravity.
4. ____________________ This planet has virtually no atmosphere due to its small mass and closeness to the Sun. It's one of the densest planets in the solar system and is believed to have a very large metallic core.
5. ____________________ Plate tectonics is most prominent on this planet, and the concept has helped explain seismic activity, volcanoes, and mountain-building.
6. ____________________ This object has regions of extensive ancient lava flows and numerous craters. It has no atmosphere due to low gravity. It keeps the same face to the earth due to synchronous rotation.