2. The Inner Planets Mercury Venus Earth Mars

3. Why they are called the “Inner Planets” The inner planets are the four planets that lie between the Sun and the asteroid belt. Mercury Venus Earth Mars The planets that are located after the asteroid belt are called the outer planets. That makes sense, doesn’t it?

4. Characteristics of the Inner Planets Closest to the Sun Composed mostly of solid rock Each have a core, a mantle, and a crust Many craters of varying sizes Sometimes called the “terrestrial planets”, because of their similarities to Earth Smaller than most of the outer planets

5. Mercury Distance from the sun: 57,909,175 km Origin of Name: the Roman messenger of the gods Size (in diameter): 4,880 km Interesting Fact: The temperature can range from -200 C  to over 430 C  !

6. Venus Distance from the Sun: 108,208,930 km Origin of Name: The Roman goddess of love and beauty Size (in diameter): 12,103.6 km Interesting Fact: It is sometimes known as Earth’s “sister planet” because of their similar size, mass, volume, and density!

7. Earth Distance from the Sun: 149,597,890 km Origin of Name: Old English and Germanic Size (in diameter): 12,756.3 km Interesting Fact: The Earth is not perfectly round, but actually pear- shaped!

8. Mars Distance from the Sun: 227,936,640 km Origin of Name: the Roman god of war Size (in diameter): 6,794 km Interesting Fact: The month of March got its name from Mars!

9. Explore the Inner Planets…and beyond!  The Inner Planets by a 2nd grade class The Inner Planets by a 2nd grade class  The Inner Planets by Star Child The Inner Planets by Star Child  BrainPop: Mars BrainPop: Mars  BrainPop: The Sun BrainPop: The Sun  BrainPop: Planets of the Solar System BrainPop: Planets of the Solar System  The Discovery Channel on Space The Discovery Channel on Space view again?