Question

What are called Terrestrial Planets?

Answer 1

Hint: Discuss about the Terrestrial Planets and their characteristics in detail. The other name of the terrestrial planet is rocky planet. It is primarily made up of silicate rocks or metals.

Complete step by step answer:
A terrestrial planet is a celestial body that has a solid surface. This distinguishes them from gas giants, which are primarily composed of gases like helium and hydrogen, water, and some heavier elements in various states.


The structures of all terrestrial planets are approximate of the same type. A central metallic core which is mainly composed of iron, with a surrounding silicate mantle. These planets have a secondary atmosphere that is generated through comet impacts of volcanism and thus it also differentiates them from gas giants when the planetary atmosphere is primary.

These planets have common surface features which include mountains, canyons, volcanoes, etc. The terrestrial planets are also sometimes referred to as the “rocky” planets.

Examples of terrestrial planets are Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. Each is composed primarily of silicate rock and metal, which is differentiated between a dense, metallic core and a silicate mantle.
Earth is the most hospitable to sustain life. Mars may have supported life in the past, but there is no evidence that conditions have ever been life-friendly on Mercury or Venus.

Note:
Terrestrial planets are also known for having few or no moons. Earth has only one moon while Mercury and Venus do not have any moon. Mars has two satellites that are Phobos and Deimos, but these are more akin to large asteroids than actual moons. Terrestrial planets also have no planetary ring systems.