- There are various interpretations of the term “inner planets” in the field of astronomy:
The inner planets, also known as the lower planets, refer to planets whose orbits are situated inside the orbit of the planet where the observer is positioned. In the case of an observer on Earth, these planets include Mercury and Venus.
Related concepts
The outer planets, also known as the upper planets, are planets in the solar system that have orbits outside the orbit of the planet where the observer is located. For observers on Earth, these planets are located beyond Earth’s orbit, starting with Mars.
The terrestrial group consists of four planets in the Solar System: Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. These planets are situated in the inner region of the Solar System, in contrast to the giant planets found in the outer region. According to various cosmogonic theories, many extrasolar planetary systems also have a division between solid planets in the inner regions and gas planets in the outer regions. Some rocky asteroids have similar structure and composition to the planets in the terrestrial group.
The original definition of planets as “wandering stars” was initially unclear. Over time, the term has taken on various meanings, often with multiple interpretations simultaneously. Throughout history, the concept of a planet has been flexible, encompassing and excluding numerous objects such as the sun, moon, satellites, and asteroids. As our understanding of the universe has advanced, the definition of the word “planet” has also evolved.
Lower planets, also known as inner planets, refer to the planets in the Solar System whose orbits are situated within the observer’s own planet. From an observer on Earth, these planets include Mercury and Venus.
References in literature
In the literary works, there are mentions of the four inner planets of our solar system – Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. These planets, known as the terrestrial group, have a unique composition. Unlike the giant planets, they are made up of a metallic core and a silicate mantle and crust. Interestingly, the Moon, while not classified as a planet, shares a similar chemical composition with the Earth-group planets (see Fig. 1.2).
Mars, Earth’s nearest celestial neighbor and the next planet in the inner solar system, is significantly smaller than Earth, with only one-tenth of Earth’s mass. However, in many ways, it bears similarities to our home planet. Similar to all solid planets, Mars possesses a metallic core and a silicate mantle. Additionally, it boasts an atmosphere and a substantial reserve of water. Mars’ relatively feeble gravitational force inhibits it from capturing gas molecules in its upper atmosphere, resulting in the loss of a large portion of its water and air over billions of years. Nevertheless, Mars still harbors warm and damp areas below its surface that could potentially support life to some degree. Consequently, it comes as no surprise that the majority of planetary exploration efforts have been focused primarily on this crimson-hued planet.
Following us are four contemporary endeavors to portray the same phenomenon. In Fig. 5a – we see Earth and the rest of the inner planets encircling the Sun. Each of the minuscule white specks represents a particle from a cluster of celestial bodies known as asteroids. Behind them lies the orbit of Jupiter. The section of the scale above illustrates the distance from Earth to the Sun, referred to as an astronomical unit (a.e.). This serves as our initial example – with many more to follow – of the hubristic geo- and anthropocentrism that appears to taint all human attempts to comprehend the cosmos. Utilizing the Earth-Sun distance as the universal unit of measurement is purely a human convention. However, since it is an established unit in the field of astronomy, I will continue to employ it in the future.
The motion of the inner and outer planets varies significantly. The inner planets, which include Mercury and Venus, are heavily influenced by the Sun and are never more than 28° and 48° away from it, respectively. As a result, two types of configurations are formed: the lower configuration, when Mercury or Venus is positioned between the Sun and the Earth, and the upper configuration, when the inner planets are located behind the Sun, in conjunction. On the other hand, the outer planets move as if they are independent of the Sun and only experience upper conjunction. When the Earth is situated between the Sun and an outer planet, this creates a phenomenon known as opposition. Approximately every 15-17 years, significant oppositions occur, when Mars assumes the appropriate position and is simultaneously at its closest proximity to Earth.
So, going back to the main subject, the Earth is the most massive and dense planet in the terrestrial group, which consists of Mercury, Venus, and Mars, in addition to Earth. These planets are also referred to as the inner planets as they are situated between the colossal Sun on one side and the gas giants Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune on the other side.
Continuation of Related Concepts
A celestial body that orbits a star or its remnants and is of sufficient mass to be shaped by its own gravity, but not enough to initiate a thermonuclear reaction, is known as a planet. The term “planet” comes from the Greek word “πλανήτης,” which is an alternative form of the Greek word “πλάνης” meaning “wanderer.” Additionally, a planet must have cleared its orbit of planetesimals, which are small celestial bodies.
In astronomy, the term “binary planet” is used to describe a binary system consisting of two astronomical objects that meet the definition of a planet. Both objects in the system are massive enough to have a gravitational effect greater than that of the star around which they orbit.
Planetary science is a branch of scientific disciplines dedicated to the exploration and analysis of planets and their moons, as well as the solar system as a whole and other planetary systems containing exoplanets. The field of planetology encompasses the study of various aspects of planets and their moons, including their physical properties, chemical composition, surface structure, internal and external layers, and the processes involved in their formation and evolution.
The Hill’s sphere is positioned between the Lagrangian points L1 and L2, which are located along a straight line connecting the centers of two celestial bodies. Along this line, the gravitational influence of the smaller body is at its minimum, defining the boundary of the Hill’s sphere. Beyond this distance, any third body orbiting the smaller body will have a partial orbit outside the Hill’s sphere, resulting in increasing perturbations caused by the tidal forces exerted by the larger central body. Ultimately, the smaller body will lose control over the orbit of the third body.
Counter-Earth, also known as Anti-Earth (Greek Ἀντίχθων Antichthon, as well as Gloria, Gor, Vulcan), is an imaginary celestial object situated beyond the Sun. It is permanently positioned at the opposite side of Earth’s orbit, specifically at Lagrange point L3. Counter-Earth moves synchronously with Earth in a 1:1 orbital resonance. The Pythagoreans were the pioneers in proposing its existence, although contemporary scientific evidence suggests that there are no actual celestial bodies at this particular location.
An orphan planet, also known as a vagrant planet, planemo, planet stranger, interstellar planet, free-floating planet, free-flying planet, quasi-planet, or solitary planet, is a celestial object that shares similar characteristics to a planet, such as having a comparable mass and a spherical shape. However, unlike traditional planets, orphan planets are not gravitationally connected to any star, brown dwarf, or even another planet (although they may have their own satellites). In the case that an orphan planet exists within a galaxy, it remains unattached to any specific stellar body.
The inhabited zone, also known as the habitable zone (HZ) in astronomy, refers to a specific region in space that is defined based on calculations indicating that the surface conditions of planets within this zone will be similar to those on Earth, allowing for the presence of liquid water. Consequently, planets or their satellites located within this zone are considered favorable for the development of life resembling that on Earth. The highest likelihood of life originating exists within the habitable zone, particularly in close proximity to a star (known as circumstellar habitable zone).
A planemo, which stands for a planetary mass object, is an astronomical entity that possesses a mass that meets the criteria for being classified as a “planet” (i.e., larger than an asteroid but smaller than a nuclear-active brown dwarf or other star). This term was introduced to describe celestial bodies that deviate from the conventional definition of planets.
Interstellar space – the area of space enclosed by the orbit of the planet farthest away from the star.
The colossal planets – four planets of our Solar System (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune) located beyond the asteroid belt. These planets, which share various physical characteristics, are also known as outer planets.
Throughout the history of astronomy, there have been numerous conjectures about the existence of a planet between Mars and Jupiter. However, it is now established that between Mars and Jupiter lies a collection of objects of various sizes, mostly irregularly shaped, referred to as asteroids or minor planets. The presence of the asteroid belt is attributed to the fragmentation of a previously existing planet. Nonetheless, some scientists question the validity of this hypothesis.
The theoretical existence of the ninth planet remains a subject of debate in the scientific community. This hypothetical celestial body is believed to reside in the outer reaches of our solar system. It is postulated that the gravitational pull of this planet could provide an explanation for certain irregularities observed in the orbital paths of detached trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs), which are primarily located in the scattered disk beyond the Kuiper belt. The hypothetical planet, often referred to as a “minineptune,” is estimated to possess a mass equivalent to ten times that of Earth. Furthermore, it is thought to have a diameter that is two to four times greater than Earth’s and an elongated orbit with a duration of approximately 15,000 Earth years. Despite ongoing efforts, the elusive ninth planet has yet to be discovered.
An exoplanet, also known as an extrasolar planet, is a planet that exists outside of our solar system. Detecting these planets has been a challenging task due to their small size and dimness in comparison to stars. Furthermore, the vast distances between these stars and the Sun (the closest one being 4.24 light-years away) have added to the difficulty. However, in the late 1980s, the first exoplanets were successfully discovered.
The solar system, on the other hand, refers to a planetary system that revolves around a central star, known as the Sun. It consists of various natural objects that orbit the Sun. This system was formed approximately 4.57 billion years ago through the gravitational compression of a gas-dust cloud.
A galaxy supercluster is a vast structure within the Universe that contains numerous groups of galaxies and galaxy clusters. It forms part of the larger-scale structure of the Universe.
A planetary system is a collection of stars and other astronomical objects, such as planets, satellites, dwarf planets, asteroids, meteoroids, comets, and cosmic dust, that orbit around a central point of mass. A stellar system consists of multiple stars and their associated planetary systems, all bound together by gravity. The solar system, which includes the Earth and the Sun, is one such planetary system.
Throughout history, humans have pondered the structure of the world around them in various ways. Different cultures have interpreted and represented this structure in unique ways. For instance, the Babylonians believed that the movement of the stars directly influenced life on Earth, while the Chinese associated the concept of harmony with the entire universe.
Following the discovery of Neptune in 1846, scientists began to speculate about the possible existence of another planet beyond its orbit. This led to an extensive search in the mid-19th century. In the early 20th century, Percival Lowell took on the task of finding this “Planet X”. He proposed the idea of Planet X to explain the discrepancies between the predicted and actual orbits of gas giants like Uranus and Neptune, suggesting that these deviations were caused by the gravitational pull of a large, invisible ninth planet.
Twin Earth, an Earth analog, is a hypothetical exoplanet that shares similarities with our own planet. It is believed to exist within the habitable zone of a star and has a similar size, mass, and temperature range to Earth.
Fixed stars, also known as fixed luminaries (Latin stellae fixae), are celestial objects that maintain a constant position in relation to other luminaries when observed from Earth without the aid of telescopes. This is true for a significant portion of a human lifespan. All stars, with the exception of the Sun, fall into this classification. The Sun, planets, and the Moon, on the other hand, are considered mobile stars or luminaries.
The hypothesis of a unique Earth offers a potential solution to the Fermi paradox, addressing the improbability of a planet similar to Earth existing. This hypothesis, along with the assumption that an Earth-like planet is a necessary condition for the development of highly advanced life forms, could help explain the absence of evidence for extraterrestrial civilizations.
Astronomy, derived from the Greek words “ἄστρον” meaning “star” and “νόμος” meaning “law,” is the scientific study of the universe. It investigates the positioning, movement, structure, origin, and evolution of celestial bodies and systems.
Mesoplanet is a term that Isaac Asimov came up with to refer to planets that are smaller than Mercury but larger than Ceres. If we define size based on linear measurements or volume, mesoplanets would range from 1000 to 5000 km in diameter. Erida, Pluto, Makemake, Haumea, Sedna, Orcus, and Quavar are considered mesoplanets. If their sizes are closer to the upper limit of current estimates, objects like 2002 TC302 and Varuna could also be classified as mesoplanets.
Suitability refers to the ability of a celestial body to support and sustain life. Currently, life has only been discovered on Earth, and it is difficult to determine with certainty whether any other celestial body is suitable for life. However, we can assess the level of suitability by comparing the conditions on that celestial body to those on Earth. It is important to note that a celestial body may not be suitable for one type of life, but may be suitable for another type. This concept is explored further in the article on alternative biochemistry. As a result, there is a keen interest in the search for life beyond Earth.
Based on the latest ideas, the birth of our solar system occurred approximately 4.6 billion years in the past when a small segment of a massive interstellar molecular cloud underwent a gravitational collapse. As a result, the majority of the material accumulated at the center of the gravitational collapse, leading to the formation of our very own star, also known as the Sun. On the other hand, the remaining matter that failed to reach the center formed a spinning protoplanetary disk encircling the star. From this disk, the various celestial bodies within our Solar System, including planets, their moons, asteroids, and other small entities, gradually emerged.
The Baade window is an area in the sky that has a relatively low amount of interstellar dust when viewed from Earth. This region is known as a “window” because it allows for clear observation of the center of our Galaxy, which is typically obscured by gas and dust clouds. It was named after astronomer Walter Baade, who first recognized its significance. The Baade window corresponds to one of the brightest sections of the Milky Way.
Venus holds a significant place in literature and various art forms, second only to Mars in the solar system.
In cosmology, the large-scale structure of the Universe refers to how matter is distributed on the largest observable scales. The curvature of space-time at this scale is accurately described by the general theory of relativity.
In 2006, the XXVI Assembly of the International Astronomical Union provided a definition for a dwarf planet, which is a celestial body.
An occultation is an interesting astronomical event where one celestial body passes in front of another, causing a partial obstruction from a specific observer’s perspective.
An inner moon is a unique type of natural satellite that orbits with prograde motion and has a low inclination within the area of larger planetary satellites. It is commonly believed that these satellites formed in the same location and time as the planet itself. However, the natural satellites of Neptune are an exception to this rule, as they are likely composed of reassembled fragments from the original objects that collapsed when the larger satellite, Triton, was captured. These inner satellites possess distinct characteristics compared to other regular satellites.
The Beta Painter stars form a youthful cluster of stars located in close proximity to our solar system. These stars are connected through their shared trajectory and origin.
The Homocentric Sphere Theory is a modification of the geocentric model in which celestial bodies are believed to be affixed to a series of interconnected spheres with a central point.
A “solar system small body” is a term coined by the International Astronomical Union in 2006 to describe objects within our solar system that do not qualify as planets, dwarf planets, or their moons.
The Nice model is a scenario that describes the dynamic evolution of the Solar System. It was first developed at the Côte d’Azur Observatory in Nice, France, which is why it is named after the city. Unlike previous models, the Nice model proposes that the giant planets in our Solar System migrated from their initial compact formation to their current positions after the protoplanetary gas disk dissipated. This migration mechanism sets it apart from other models of solar system formation.
There are three categories of stars that are similar to the Sun: solar-type stars, solar analog stars, and solar doubles. Studying these stars is crucial for gaining a better understanding of the Sun’s properties and determining its uniqueness or typicality compared to other stars. Additionally, studying these stars can provide insights into the potential existence of habitable planets in other solar-type star systems.
A super-Earth, also known as a super-Earth, is a type of planet that has a greater mass than Earth but is significantly smaller than gas giants. The term “super-Earth” specifically refers to the mass of the planet and is independent of its distance from its star or any other characteristics.
An astronomical transit, also referred to as a transit, is a phenomenon in astronomy where one celestial body passes in front of another celestial body, causing a partial obscuration when viewed from a specific vantage point.
The region of the Solar System known as the Kuiper Belt, also referred to as the Edgeworth-Kuiper Belt, spans from the orbit of Neptune (30 astronomical units from the Sun) to approximately 55 astronomical units from the Sun. While similar to the asteroid belt, the Kuiper Belt is significantly wider, measuring about 20 times the width, and much more massive, ranging from 20 to 200 times the mass. Like the asteroid belt, it primarily consists of small celestial bodies, remnants from the formation of the solar system. However, unlike the objects found in the asteroid belt, the composition of Kuiper Belt objects is primarily comprised of rocks and metals.
This compilation presents potential candidates for exoplanets resembling Earth, located within a maximum distance of 50 light-years from the Solar System. The planets in this list are organized in ascending order based on their distance from the Sun to their respective parent stars.
An intergalactic star, also referred to as a rogue star, is a star that lacks gravitational connection to any galaxy. The scientific community has been actively discussing the origins of these stars ever since they were discovered in the late 1990s. Their appearance is primarily attributed to galaxy collisions or the close passage of a binary star system near a supermassive black hole.
Nemesis is a theoretical star that is difficult to detect (either a red dwarf, white dwarf, or brown dwarf). It is believed to have an orbit around the Sun at a distance of 50-100 thousand astronomical units (0.8-1.5 light-years), extending beyond the Oort cloud.
- Different categories of planets can be referred to as outer planets in various branches of astronomy:
Outer planets (also known as upper planets) are the planets whose orbits lie beyond the orbit of the planet where the observer is situated. From the perspective of an observer on Earth, these planets include Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
Similar concepts
The terrestrial planets consist of Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars in the solar system. These planets are situated in the inner region of the solar system, in contrast to the giant planets found in the outer region. Several cosmogonic theories suggest that in many extrasolar planetary systems, exoplanets are also categorized into solid planets in the inner regions and gas planets in the outer regions. Some rocky asteroids share similar structure and composition with the planets of the terrestrial group.
Planemo, which stands for planetary mass object, refers to astronomical objects that have a mass that qualifies them as “planets” (i.e., larger than an asteroid but smaller than a nuclear-active brown dwarf or another star). This term was coined to describe bodies that deviate from the typical concept of planets.
Planets (from the Greek word πλανήτης, an alternative form of the Greek word πλάνης – “wanderer”) are celestial bodies that orbit a star or its remnants. They are large enough to be shaped by their own gravity but not large enough to undergo a thermonuclear reaction. Additionally, planets have the ability to clear their orbit of planetesimals.
Mentions in literature
The literature mentions the existence of differences in the movement of the inner planets and the outer planets. The inner planets, such as Mercury and Venus, are greatly influenced by the Sun, as they are positioned no more than 28° and 48° away from it, respectively. This creates two distinct configurations: the lower configuration, when Mercury or Venus is located between the Sun and the Earth, and the upper configuration, when the inner planets are positioned behind the Sun in conjunction. On the other hand, the outer planets move as if they are independent of the Sun and only experience upper conjunctions. When the Earth is positioned between the luminary and an outer planet, a phenomenon known as opposition occurs. Notably, every 15-17 years, there are significant oppositions recorded when Mars occupies the appropriate position and comes closest to the Earth.
However, despite its flaws, Eudoxus’ system of homocentric spheres is remarkable for being the first serious attempt to make sense of the seemingly chaotic motion of the planets. While it successfully explained the motion in longitude of Saturn, Jupiter, and Mercury, it fell short when it came to Venus and completely failed in explaining the motions of Mars. The system also did a decent job representing the limits of motion in latitude with a variety of hippopedes, although the actual deviations from the ecliptic and their positions in the cycles were inaccurate. It’s important to note that Eudoxus didn’t have access to systematic observations, so he likely learned the basic data on the stations and retrograde motion of the outer planets, as well as their periods of revolution, from Egypt where this knowledge was well-known to the Babylonians and Egyptians. In Greece, there wasn’t much consistent observation. And before anyone criticizes the complexity of this system, it’s worth noting that Eudoxus only relied on three elements in his planetary theories: the period of the upper conjunction, the sideric period of revolution (with the synodic period as a function), and the inclination of the axis of the third sphere to the axis of the fourth. In contrast, today we require six elements for the same tasks!
The formation of relief on the planet is a result of both external and internal processes, which are constantly observed. One of the most notable manifestations of these processes today is volcanic eruptions. Currently, scientists identify the Pacific Rim as the most seismically active region.
Continuation of Related Concepts
Astronomical Object or Celestial Body – A natural entity, association, or formation that is recognized by modern science as existing within the observable universe. The term “astronomical object” is often used interchangeably with the term “body.” Typically, a “celestial body” refers to an individual, self-contained structure held together by gravity (and sometimes electromagnetism). Examples include asteroids, satellites, planets, and stars. “Astronomical objects” are structures bound by gravity.
Binary Planet – an astronomical term used to describe a system composed of two celestial bodies, both of which meet the criteria for being classified as planets and possess enough mass to exert a gravitational influence stronger than that of the star they orbit.
The giant planets, which consist of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, are situated beyond the asteroid belt in our solar system. These outer planets share a variety of physical characteristics and are often referred to as such.
An exoplanet, alternatively known as an extrasolar planet, is a planet that exists outside of our solar system. Detecting these planets posed a challenge for a significant period of time due to their small size and faintness in comparison to stars. Moreover, the distance of stars from the Sun, with the nearest one being 4.24 light-years away, further complicated the search. The first exoplanets were detected in the late 1980s.
A planetary system refers to a collection of stars and various other celestial objects, such as planets, moons, dwarf planets, asteroids, meteoroids, comets, and cosmic dust, that all orbit around a central point of gravity. A stellar system, on the other hand, is made up of multiple stars and their associated planetary systems that have closed orbits. The Solar System, which includes Earth and the Sun, is an example of a planetary system.
Within the Solar System, there are also the lower planets, also known as the inner planets. These are the planets whose orbits lie within the orbit of the observer’s location planet. From the perspective of an observer on Earth, the lower planets are Mercury and Venus.
The original meaning of planets being called “wandering stars” was unclear from the start. Over time, the term has had various definitions, often with multiple interpretations simultaneously. For centuries, the usage of the word has been flexible, encompassing or excluding various celestial objects ranging from the sun and moon to satellites and asteroids. As our understanding of the Universe has advanced, the definition of a “planet” has also undergone modifications.
Planetary science is a collection of scientific disciplines that investigate planets and their moons, as well as the entire solar system and other planetary systems containing exoplanets. The field of planetology focuses on examining the physical attributes, chemical makeup, surface formations, internal and external layers of planets and their moons, as well as the processes involved in their creation and evolution.
The hypothetical planet in the outer region of the Solar System is known as the ninth planet. It is believed that its gravitational pull may be the reason for the unusual distribution of detached trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) found predominantly beyond the Kuiper belt in the diffuse disk. This undiscovered planet, which is estimated to be the size of a mini-Neptune, should have a mass equivalent to ten Earths, a diameter two to four times larger than Earth’s, and an elongated orbit that takes approximately 15,000 Earth years to complete. So far, the search for this planet continues.
The Galactic Habitable Zone, in the field of astrobiology and planetary astrophysics, refers to a specific region within the galaxy that offers the most ideal circumstances for the emergence and sustainable development of life. The concept of the galactic habitability zone encompasses various factors, such as the metallicity of stars and the occurrence rate of catastrophic events like supernova explosions. By considering these factors, it becomes possible to determine the likelihood of a particular region in the galaxy being conducive to the formation of planets resembling Earth.
Mesoplanet – a term created by Isaac Asimov to describe celestial bodies that are smaller than Mercury but larger than Ceres. If we determine their size based on linear measurements or volume, mesoplanets should have a diameter ranging from 1000 to 5000 km. Erida, Pluto, Makemake, Haumea, Sedna, Orcus, and Quavar are included in this classification. It may also encompass objects like 2002 TC302 and Varuna if their sizes are closer to the upper limit of current estimates.
The Solar System is a planetary system that consists of the central star, the Sun, and all the natural objects in space that orbit around it. It came into existence approximately 4.57 billion years ago through the gravitational collapse of a gas-dust cloud.
The Nice model, named after the Côte d’Azur Observatory in Nice, France, is a unique scenario depicting the dynamic development of the solar system. Unlike previous models, this scenario suggests that the giant planets gradually migrated from their initial compact configuration to their current positions after the dissipation of the protoplanetary gas disk. This migration mechanism sets it apart from other models of Solar System formation.
Additionally, according to the XXVI Assembly of the International Astronomical Union in 2006, a dwarf planet is defined as a celestial body that…
The Hill’s sphere is positioned between the Lagrangian points L1 and L2, which are situated along a direct line connecting the centers of two celestial bodies. Along this axis, the gravitational field of the smaller body has its least effect, which sets a boundary for the size of the Hill’s sphere. Any object orbiting the smaller body that exceeds this distance will have its orbit partly outside the Hill’s sphere, and will consequently experience greater disturbances from the tidal forces of the larger body. Ultimately, the smaller body will lose its gravitational hold on the object.
An orphan planet, also known by various other names such as vagrant planet, planemo, planet stranger, interstellar planet, free-floating planet, free-flying planet, quasi-planet, or solitary planet, refers to an object that possesses a comparable mass to that of a planet and exhibits a spherical shape. Essentially, it shares the characteristics of a planet, but lacks gravitational attachment to any star, brown dwarf, or even another planet (although it may have satellites). If the planet exists within a galaxy, it is considered an orphan planet.
Interplanetary space is defined as the area of outer space that is surrounded by the orbit of the farthest planet from its star.
A galaxy supergroup refers to a collection of multiple groups of galaxies and galaxy clusters that exist within the larger-scale structure of the Universe.
Facula (derived from the Latin word “Facula” meaning “small torch”, plural form “Faculae”) refers to a small but luminous region on the surface of a celestial body such as a planet, satellite, or asteroid. In the field of planetary nomenclature, the term “Facula” is used to denote specific features and is incorporated into the names of various objects. In accordance with the naming conventions established by the International Astronomical Union, the word “Facula” is capitalized in international names written in the Latin alphabet (e.g., Memphis Facula).
Facula also describes an astronomical phenomenon in which one celestial body, when observed from a particular vantage point, passes in front of another celestial body, resulting in the partial obscuration of the latter.
The arrangement of matter in the Universe on the largest observable scales is known as the large-scale structure of the Universe in cosmology. The distribution of matter is well described by the general theory of relativity, which accounts for the curvature of space-time on this scale.
Historically, fixed stars, or stellae fixae in Latin, refer to celestial objects that do not change their apparent position in relation to other luminaries over a relatively short period of time, comparable to a human lifetime. This designation excludes the Sun, planets, and Moon, which are considered mobile stars or luminaries.
A celestial object that is smaller in size compared to the larger planets and revolves around the Sun is known as a minor planet.
Astronomy, derived from the Greek words ἄστρον “star” and νόμος “law,” is the scientific study of celestial bodies and systems, including their location, motion, structure, origin, and development.
An iron planet is a specific type of exoplanet similar to Earth, characterized by its predominantly iron-rich core and a thin mantle layer or absence of one. In our solar system, Mercury is the closest astronomical body resembling this type, but it is possible that there are larger iron exoplanets elsewhere in the universe.
Super-Earths, also known as super-Earths, are a category of planets with a mass greater than that of Earth but significantly smaller than that of gas giants. The term “super-Earth” specifically refers to a planet’s mass and is not dependent on its proximity to its star or any other criteria.
The Kuiper belt, also referred to as the Edgeworth-Kuiper belt, is a region in the Solar System that extends from the orbit of Neptune (30 a.u. from the Sun) to approximately 55 a.u. from the Sun. While similar to the asteroid belt, the Kuiper belt is approximately 20 times wider and 20 to 200 times more massive. Like the asteroid belt, it primarily consists of small celestial bodies, remnants from the formation of the solar system. However, unlike the objects in the asteroid belt, which are primarily composed of rocks and metals.
An Earth analog, also known as Twin Earth, is a hypothetical exoplanet that shares similar characteristics with Earth. It is located within the habitable zone of a star and has a comparable size, mass, and temperature regime to our planet.
Ceres, which is listed as 1 Ceres in the CMP catalog, is the smallest of the known dwarf planets in the Solar System and also the closest to the Sun. It is situated in the asteroid belt. Italian astronomer Giuseppe Piazzi discovered Ceres in 1801 at the Palermo Astronomical Observatory. Initially, Ceres was considered a planet, but in 1802 it was reclassified as an asteroid. However, it continued to be regarded as a planet for several more decades before the concept of a planet was further refined.
A transit, also known as an astronomical transit, is a phenomenon in astronomy where one celestial body passes in front of another celestial body, obstructing a portion of it, as seen from a specific vantage point.
An intergalactic star, which is also referred to as a rogue star, is a star that lacks gravitational ties to any galaxy. The scientific community has engaged in ongoing discussions regarding the origins of these stars since their discovery in the late 1990s. Possible factors contributing to their existence include galactic collisions and the proximity of a binary star system to a supermassive black hole.
According to contemporary theories, the birth of the Solar System commenced approximately 4.6 billion years ago through the gravitational collapse of a small portion of a vast interstellar molecular cloud. The majority of the matter congregated at the gravitational epicenter of the collapse, eventually giving rise to a star known as the Sun. The remaining matter that did not succumb to the gravitational pull formed a rotating protoplanetary disk surrounding the Sun, from which the planets, their moons, asteroids, and other celestial bodies of the Solar System emerged.
Galactica (derived from the Greek word γᾰλαξίας meaning “Milky Way” which is derived from the Greek words γάλα, γάλακτος meaning “milk”) is a system comprised of stars, star clusters, interstellar gas and dust, dark matter, and planets that are gravitationally connected. All entities contained within a galaxy partake in motion relative to a shared center of mass.
Observing and identifying exoplanets is a complex task due to the fact that these planets emit a very weak light compared to their parent stars. Furthermore, the brightness of the parent star is significantly higher than that of the planet, which reflects the light from its parent star. This creates a challenge for optical detection.
Extraterrestrial life, also known as alien life, is a theoretical form of life that originates and exists outside of Earth. It is a topic of interest in the fields of astrobiology and xenobiology, and is often portrayed in works of science fiction.
Nemesis is a theoretical star that is difficult to detect (either a red dwarf, white dwarf, or brown dwarf). It is thought to revolve around the Sun at a distance of 50-100 thousand astronomical units (0.8-1.5 light-years), beyond the Oort cloud.
Suitability – the suitability of a celestial object for the emergence and sustenance of life. Currently, life is only known to exist on Earth, and no celestial object can be definitively identified as suitable for life. We can only gauge the level of suitability based on the similarity of conditions to those on Earth. Additionally, a celestial body that is unsuitable for one type of life may be perfectly suitable for another type (as discussed in the article on alternative biochemistry). Therefore, there is a particular interest in the search for extraterrestrial life.
The Milky Way (also known as our Galaxy or simply Galaxy) is the celestial body that contains the Earth, the solar system, and all the individual stars that can be seen with the naked eye. It is classified as a spiral galaxy with a central junction.
A desert planet refers to a celestial body that has one dominant biome, characterized by a mostly arid climate with minimal or no natural precipitation. An example of a desert planet is Mars. Many planets similar to Earth could also be classified as desert planets based on this definition. However, the term is often used specifically for those desert planets where the possibility of life still exists.
The Oort Cloud is a theoretical spherical region in the Solar System that is believed to be the origin of long-period comets. While its existence has not been directly confirmed, there are many indirect pieces of evidence that suggest its presence.
Flow (known as Fluctus in Latin, plural Fluctūs) is a broad term utilized in the field of planetary nomenclature. It is employed to designate regions that possess distinctive shapes resembling streams (as defined by the International Astronomical Union, IAU, as "flow terrain"). In the Russian language, this term, like other general terms, is written with a lowercase letter, while in Latin names (also used in English), it is capitalized.
Configurations refer to the conjunction and opposition, as well as other characteristic arrangements, of a planet in relation to the Sun. The inner planets (Mercury and Venus), which always remain within the Earth’s orbit, and the outer planets (all other planets), which move outside of it, experience different changes in their configurations. The table and Figure 3.4 provide the names of the various configurations for the inner and outer planets, which indicate the planet’s position relative to the Sun in the sky.
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As you all know, our solar system consists of the Earth and seven other large planets: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
Like our planet, all of them orbit around the Sun, which is the central body of our solar system. The planets in our solar system can be classified into two groups: lower planets and upper planets.
Planets that orbit closer to the Sun than Earth (Mercury and Venus) are considered lower planets.
On the other hand, planets that orbit beyond Earth’s orbit (Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune) are referred to as upper planets.
Because of the varying distance from the Sun and orbital speed, the visibility conditions of these planets from Earth differ significantly. Therefore, specific configurations are defined to describe the mutual arrangements of the planets, Earth, and the Sun.
The visibility of a planet in a particular configuration depends on its position relative to the Sun, which illuminates the planet, and the Earth, from where the observation takes place.
For instance, when it comes to the lower planets, there are both upper and lower conjunctions, as well as elongations.
A conjunction refers to the positioning of celestial objects where their longitudes align (typically planets or planets and the Sun), as observed from Earth.
During a lower conjunction, the planet is at its closest position to Earth. Conversely, during an upper conjunction, the planet is at its farthest position from Earth.
Typically, planets are not visible during conjunctions, as they either hide behind the Sun or are obscured by its rays.
Elongation refers to the position of a planet when its angular distance from the Sun is maximized from the perspective of an Earth observer.
Because the orbits of planets are not perfectly circular, the largest elongations vary. For Venus, they range from 45 o to 48 o degrees, while Mercury’s elongation ranges from only 18 o degrees to 28 o degrees. Due to their proximity to the Sun, Mercury and Venus are not visible at night.
The visibility of Venus in the morning or evening does not exceed four hours, while Mercury is only visible for about one and a half hours. There are times when Mercury cannot be seen at all because it rises and sets during the daylight hours.
It is also customary to differentiate between eastern and western elongations. During the eastern elongation, the planet can be observed in the evening sky after sunset, and during the western elongation, it can be seen in the morning sky before sunrise.
As for the outer planets, their configuration is somewhat different. For example, when a planet is located opposite to the Sun, this configuration is called opposition.
This is the optimal moment for observing the planet, as it is positioned nearest to the Earth and facing towards us with its illuminated side. Its highest point in the sky often happens around midnight.
During the upper conjunction, the planet is at its farthest distance from Earth and cannot be observed, as it becomes obscured by the sun’s rays.
The position of the outer planet in relation to the Sun can vary at any angle (ranging from 0 to 180 degrees). However, when the angle between the directions from Earth to the outer planet and to the Sun is 90 degrees, the planet is considered to be in a quadrature.
Similar to elongation, quadratures can be further categorized into western and eastern quadratures.
Naturally, due to the orbits of all the planets around the Sun, their arrangements are periodically repeated. And the duration between two consecutive arrangements of the same planet (such as upper conjunctions) is referred to as its synodic period. In simple terms, it is the time interval after which the planet (or any other celestial body within the solar system) returns to its previous position in relation to the Sun, as observed from Earth.
The synodic periods of the planets were initially calculated in ancient times when it was believed that all celestial bodies revolved around the Earth. However, we now understand that Earth is not static but rather moves around the Sun alongside the other planets. Consequently, the length of time it takes for a planet
The period during which a planet completes one full revolution around the Sun in an orbit relative to the stars is known as the sidereal or sideric period of the planet’s orbit.
Often, for simplicity, the sideric period is referred to as a year. For instance, Earth year, Mercurian year, Jupiterian year, and so on.
It is impossible to determine the sideric period of a planet’s orbit around the Sun from the perspective of the moving Earth, as by the end of the period, the Earth has shifted to a new point in space, causing the projection of the planet against the fixed stars to also shift. Consequently, the planet may not reach or pass the point among the stars from which its motion was first observed. However, there exists a relationship between the synodic (visible) and sideric (true) periods of the planets. Let us establish this relationship.
The synodic motion of the planets above Earth can be determined by using similar logic. The only distinction is that their orbital period is longer than Earth’s. As a result, when it comes to the upper planets, Earth itself, moving ahead, completes one revolution around the Sun and catches up with the planet.
Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto are the planets in our solar system that have orbits beyond Earth’s orbit.
The Big Soviet Encyclopedia. – Moscow: Soviet Encyclopedia. 1969-1978.
Discover the definition of “Upper planets” in different dictionaries:
UPPER PLANETS – UPPER PLANETS, referring to Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, which have orbits beyond that of Earth… Encyclopedic Dictionary
Upper planets – the planets Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, whose orbits are located outside the orbit of Earth. Compare with Lower planets… Astronomical Dictionary
TOP PLANETS – all planets that are farther away from the Sun than Earth. The upper planets include all planets except Mercury and Venus. Samoilov K. I. Marine Dictionary. M. L.: State Naval Publishing House of the NKVMF of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, 1941… Nautical Dictionary
Planets are celestial bodies that orbit the sun in slightly elliptical paths, following three laws derived by Kepler based on observations and stemming from Newton’s law of gravitation. 1) The orbit of a planet is an ellipse, with the sun located at one of the foci; 2) … … The Brockhaus and Ephron Encyclopedia
In Warhammer 40,000, there are various types of planets including Agromirs, civilized worlds, and death worlds… Wikipedia
Planets are dark celestial bodies that revolve around the Sun in weakly elliptical orbits according to three laws derived by Kepler from observations and based on Newton’s law of gravitation. 1) The path of a planet is an ellipse, with the Sun located at one of the focal points; 2) … … … Encyclopedic Dictionary of F. A. Brockhaus and I. A. Efron
Planets are celestial bodies that orbit the Sun in weakly elliptical paths, following three laws derived by Kepler from observations and based on Newton’s law of gravity. 1) The orbit of a planet is an ellipse, with the Sun located at one of the foci; 2)… … Encyclopedic Dictionary of F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Efron
Planets – (Late Lat., singular planeta, from Greek astèr planétes wandering star) large celestial bodies that revolve around the Sun and shine by reflecting sunlight; the size and mass of planets are much smaller than those of the Sun…. … Big Soviet Encyclopedia
The lower planets refer to Mercury and Venus, which are located closer to the Sun than Earth. Cf. Upper planets … Astronomical Dictionary
To begin with, it is essential to establish the meaning and purpose of orbits. The orbits of the planets can be defined as the designated paths or trajectories along which they move. These paths are determined within a specific coordinate system.
In the solar system, all celestial bodies revolve around the Sun along their respective orbits. The Sun serves as the central point of reference in this coordinate system. Interestingly, each celestial body follows a unique orbit, and they do not align with one another. Additionally, these orbits vary in terms of their length and size, which in turn has a direct impact on the climate and surface temperature of the celestial bodies.
Characteristics of an orbit
Each planet’s orbit possesses its own unique attributes. Moreover, these attributes determine its shape, size, and position in space.
When discussing astronomical matters, the Keplerian elements of an orbit are typically employed. These elements include:
- Major semi-axis – a geometric characteristic of celestial objects. It is created by the intersection of a plane with the surface of a circular cone.
- Eccentricity – a numerical parameter of the conic section that measures its deviation from a perfect circle.
- Inclination – the angle between the plane and the orbit.
- The pericenter argument can be described as the angle formed between the directions extending from the center to the ascending node of the orbit. The pericenter itself refers to the point on the orbit that is closest to the attracting center.
- The longitude of the ascending node is a mathematical representation of the line that defines the orbital plane in relation to the reference plane.
- The mean anomaly is determined by multiplying the average motion of the object by the time interval from the pericenter. It remains consistent with a stable angular velocity.
Undoubtedly, the Sun is at the core of our system. In fact, it harbors the primary mass of the entire system. Through its gravitational force, it exerts a pull on celestial bodies.
It is important to note that a considerable number of space objects within the solar system orbit in a similar region. This region is known as the ecliptic. Other entities deviate from it at a greater angle of inclination.
All planets and many other entities orbit the Sun counterclockwise. Interestingly, the central star itself is traversed by almost all planets in the same direction. Only Venus and Uranus have a contrasting trajectory.
The farther a planet is from the Sun, the greater the distance between their orbits.
Uranus (left) and Venus (right)
In the language of astronomers, celestial bodies are in motion along an elliptical path. In simpler terms, they travel along a closed curve on a plane. The Sun occupies one point on this curve. The closer a celestial object is to the Sun, the faster it rotates. As a result, it has a shorter orbital period, or in other words, a shorter year.
The celestial bodies in the solar system
Incidentally, our solar system is often categorized into two regions: the inner zone and the outer zone.
The inner zone encompasses the asteroid belt and the terrestrial planets: Mercury, Venus, Mars, and, of course, Earth.
The outer region extends beyond the first group and includes four gas giants.
In addition, all entities in the solar system are classified into three categories:
The International Astronomical Union has officially recognized the constitution of the solar system. A total of eight planets have been acknowledged: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
The solar system’s collection of planets
Arrangement of the planets
You might be wondering, what exactly is a planetary arrangement and why is it significant?
Especially in the field of astronomy, the term “arrangement” refers to the relative positioning of the Sun, planets, and other celestial bodies. This concept is particularly relevant to the solar system.
Based on their motion patterns, we can distinguish between arrangements of the lower and upper planets.
Arrangement of the lower planets
When viewed from Earth, the lower planets, particularly Mercury and Venus, display a variety of phases as they move across the sky.
These planets orbit relatively close to the Sun, with their greatest distance from it occurring either to the east or west. This distance determines whether they are in eastern (evening) elongation or western (morning) elongation.
Elongation refers to the angular position of the planet in relation to the Sun.
The retrograde motion of the inner planets is characterized by their movement from east to west.
When one of these planets aligns with both the Earth and the Sun, it is known as the lower conjunction.
On the other hand, the outer planets typically move in a direct motion, from west to east. During the upper conjunction, the Sun is positioned between the Earth and the planet.
The arrangement of the higher planets is comparable to that of the lower planets. Correspondingly, there is both direct and retrograde motion. The distinction lies in the slower pace of movement. Consequently, there comes a point when the Sun catches up with the planet. As a result, they come together. Furthermore, during this time, the Sun is positioned between the Earth and the planet.
During the retrograde motion, the planet reaches a point that is directly opposite to the Sun’s position. In fact, this moment is known as opposition. It is during this period that the Earth is situated between the Sun and the planet.
The planet’s position at a 90° angle from the Sun in the eastward direction is referred to as the eastern quadrature. A corresponding position on the western side is known as the western quadrature.
The upper planets exhibit uninterrupted motion without any change in phase. They always present their illuminated side towards the Earth.
Interestingly, the motion of the Moon is influenced by the arrangement of the upper planets.
Unfortunately, the movement of the upper planets cannot be observed from Earth.
Planetary Orbital Periods
There are two recognized types of orbital periods in astronomy. The first is known as the Sideric period, which refers to the time it takes for a planet to complete one orbit around the Sun. This period is measured in Earth days or years, and it defines the planet’s year.
The period of synodic motion refers to the time it takes for a planet to complete an orbit from the perspective of an observer on Earth. This period is particularly important for astronomers, as it provides a more accessible way to study the planets. However, determining the synodic period can be challenging due to several factors. Firstly, the Earth itself is in motion as it revolves around the Sun, which affects the perceived motion of the planets. Secondly, the planets can also exhibit retrograde motion, further complicating their observed orbits.
The four planets of the Solar System known as the lower planets are Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. These planets are situated in the inner region of the Solar System, contrasting with the gigantic planets found in the outer region. The inner and outer parts of the solar system are divided by an asteroid belt. (Source: Earth_group_planetsEarth_group planets – Wikipedia) The lower planets are those whose orbits lie within the orbit of the planet where the observer is located. From the perspective of an observer on Earth, the lower planets include Mercury and Venus.
So, which planets are considered upper planets and which ones are lower planets?
When it comes to the Earth’s orbit, planets are categorized as either outer or inner. The inner planets, which include Mercury and Venus, are located within the Earth’s orbit, while the outer planets, such as Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, are situated outside of it.
What are the upper planets?
The upper planets, also known as outer planets, refer to planets whose orbits are situated beyond the orbit of the observer’s planet. In the case of an observer on Earth, these include Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
Which planets fall into the category of outer planets?
Being inhabitants of planet Earth, we consider all celestial bodies beyond our own orbit as outer planets, encompassing Mars through Neptune. However, it is worth noting that those who are not well-versed in astronomy often neglect to include Mars in the roster of outer planets within our solar system.
What is the total count of inner planets in the solar system?
From the Earth’s perspective, there are two inner planets, Mercury and Venus. However, the term “Inner Planets” has evolved to include the terrestrial planets, which are located in the inner region of our solar system. These include Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.
What is the reason for the invisibility of Mercury and Venus?
Contrary to popular belief, we are actually able to see both Mercury and Venus. However, their visibility is limited as they never appear high above the horizon. This is because they are closely attached to the Sun. Interestingly, in ancient times, Venus was often mistaken for two separate celestial bodies due to its visibility both in the morning and evening. These two different appearances led to the names “Morning Star” and “Evening Star” being used to describe Venus.
What is the count of planets beyond Mars?
The sequence includes: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter.Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
Which celestial bodies are associated with the Sun?
There are a total of 9 significant celestial bodies revolving around the Sun. In sequential order, these include Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto. Additionally, there are numerous asteroids, which are classified as small celestial bodies.
1. The planet Mercury revolves around the sun at a faster pace compared to all the other planets in our solar system, completing one orbit in just 88 days on Earth.
What distinguishes the inner planets from the outer planets?
The eight planets in our solar system are typically categorized into inner planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars), which are located closer to the sun, and outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune).
What is the most scorching planet?
The mean surface temperature of Venus is 735 K (462 °C), making it the most scorching planet in the entire solar system, despite Mercury being closer to the Sun.
Which of these celestial bodies is not classified as one of the lower or inner planets?
The celestial bodies that fall into the category of outer planets are: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
When is the planetary parade scheduled for 2023?
What date is the planetary parade happening in April 2023?
The inaugural planetary parade is set to occur on April 11, 2023. On this date, Mercury, Uranus, Venus, and Mars will align in the sky, forming a straight line. Observers will be able to see all four planets shortly after sunset, with Venus and Mars being easily visible without the need for any optical aids.
Can Mars be observed from Earth without the use of a telescope?
Without the aid of a telescope, it is possible to see only 6 planets in the night sky: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and occasionally Uranus.
Which planet was reclassified?
On August 24, 2006, after the discovery of Eridas, the classification of Pluto as a regular planet in the solar system was changed, and it was reclassified as a dwarf planet.
What caused Pluto to lose its planetary status? Pluto failed to sweep away other objects in its orbit, leading to its reclassification as a dwarf planet instead of a full-fledged planet in our solar system.
Which planet is the coldest in the universe?
For instance, in our solar system, Neptune holds the title for being the farthest planet from the Sun, with a distance of 4.5 billion kilometers. However, surprisingly, it is not the coldest planet. That honor goes to Uranus, which is 1.7 billion kilometers closer to the Sun. Uranus has a frigid minimum temperature of -224 degrees Celsius, while Neptune’s minimum temperature is a “warmer” -214 °C.
Which planet is the least massive?
Uranus, with a mass 14 times that of Earth, is considered the lightest among the outer planets.
Which planet is composed mostly of water?
A team of international researchers has recently made a groundbreaking discovery of an exoplanet named TOI-1452 b. According to reports from the University of Montreal, this celestial body could potentially be classified as an “ocean planet,” characterized by a substantial water layer covering its entire surface, much like some of Jupiter and Saturn’s moons.
How many planets exist in our solar system?
Number of known planets | 8 |
Number of dwarf planets | 5 |
Number of satellites | 639 (204 for planets and 435 for small solar system bodies) |
Number of small bodies | More than 1,000,000 (as of November 2020) |
What planets are only visible in the morning and evening?
Mercury and Venus are not visible high above the horizon without the aid of a telescope because of their close proximity to the Sun. Venus, however, can be seen in the morning and evening, leading ancient civilizations to believe it was two separate celestial bodies known as the Morning or Evening Stars.
Is it feasible to observe the planetary parade without the use of a telescope?
On the 28th of March, 2023, astronomy enthusiasts will have the opportunity to witness a remarkable phenomenon. Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Uranus will align in the night sky, forming a magnificent celestial lineup! There will be no need for a telescope to view all of the planets.
What are the risks of a complete lineup of planets?
They have identified three potential issues that could be worsened by a complete lineup of planets. The coronavirus pandemic could resurface, the virus could mutate, or some disappointing revelations could come to light. When lined up in a row, the planets have the potential to trigger an economic collapse.
Which planet shines brightly in the night sky?
Venus Aside from the Sun and Moon, Venus is the most luminous celestial body in the sky. It is so radiant that it is often mistaken for a UFO. This is due to the fact that Venus is the closest planet to us, and its surface reflects the sun’s rays exceptionally well.
Is Russia Bigger than Pluto?
NASA, an organization situated in an unfriendly nation, has recently released estimates stating that the surface area of Pluto measures 17,646,012 km2 (6,813,163 square miles). Therefore, the surface area of Pluto is slightly greater than that of Russia, which measures 17,098,246 km2 (6,601,670 square miles).
Which planet can always be seen?
Out of the eight planets in our solar system, there are five that are visible to the naked eye, excluding Earth, of course: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.
Opposition and conjunctionConjunction is the arrangement of a celestial body in the solar system where the difference between the ecliptic longitudes of the body and the Sun is 0°. In this position, the body is approximately on the same line as the Sun and Earth, and it is visible from Earth in the same direction as the Sun. The concept of opposition and conjunction can be found on the Wikipedia page “Opposition planet” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opposition_planet) which provides more information about these configurations and their significance.
The configurations of the planets refer to the characteristic arrangements of a planet relative to the Sun. The inner planets (Mercury and Venus), which are always inside the Earth’s orbit, and the outer planets (all other planets), which move outside it, have different patterns of configurations.
What is meant by the configuration of the planets?
What is the term for the arrangement of the inner planets?
The arrangement of the inner planets is referred to as configurations.
There are four types of configurations that can occur with the inner planets: upper conjunction (when the Sun is positioned between the planet and the Earth), lower conjunction (when the planet is positioned between the Sun and the Earth), eastern elongation, and western elongation.
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What is referred to as a configuration?
A configuration is the distinctive relative position of the Sun, planets, and other celestial bodies of the Solar System on the celestial sphere.
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What are the inner planets called?
The term Inner Planets has also been used to describe the planets in the inner part of the Solar System, namely Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.
What are the configurations of inner and outer planets?
The sole arrangement that any planet can assume, regardless of its position as an inner or outer planet, is an upper conjunction. In this scenario, it is situated along the line that connects the sun, Earth, and planet, positioned behind the sun – “above” it.
Therefore, it can be concluded that to an Earth-based observer, the inner planets consist solely of Venus and Mercury, while the remaining planets are considered to be outer planets. These planets can be categorized into three primary configurations: upper conjunction (1), lower conjunction (2), and maximum elongation.
What distinguishes the inner planets from the outer planets?
Mercury and Venus are considered inner planets as they orbit within the Earth’s path, while Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune are classified as outer planets due to their orbits lying outside of Earth’s orbit.
What types of configurations are available?
Configurations are categorized into the following groups:
- Standard – a replica solution designed for enterprise accounting
- Industry-specific – tailored to meet the specific needs of a particular company
- Customized – individually created by modifying the standard configurations
What are the designations for planets located inside and outside the Earth’s orbit?
Planets located within the Earth’s orbit are referred to as inner planets, such as Mercury and Venus, while those located outside the orbit are known as outer planets, including Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
What are the lower or inner planets?
The lower planets, also known as the inner planets, refer to those planets in the Solar System that have orbits inside the orbit of the planet where the observer is located. For an observer on Earth, these planets include Mercury and Venus.
How many planets are considered outer planets?
The outer planets, also known as the upper planets, are those planets whose orbits are outside the orbit of the planet where the observer is located. For an observer on Earth, these planets include Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
What are the classifications of planets in terms of their location?
When it comes to the planets in our solar system, they are typically categorized into two groups: the inner planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars) which are situated closer to the star, and the outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune).
Which planets fall under the category of outer planets?
From the perspective of an observer on Earth, the outer planets consist of Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Additionally, the term “Outer Planets” has also been used to refer to the giant planets found in the outer region of the solar system, namely Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
What is the number of configurations available?
There are several types of configurations that are classified into different categories: standard configurations which are designed for general use and are suitable for various industries, custom configurations which are tailored to meet the specific needs of individual companies, and modified configurations which are created by making changes to the standard ones.
What are some alternatives to the word configuration?
- matrix, model
- combination
- bypass
- placement, placement, placement, placement, placement
- contour, outline, landscape, drawing, outline, figure, silhouette, ghost
What are the characteristics of the inner and outer planets?
The inner planets, including Mercury and Venus, are located inside the Earth’s orbit, while the outer planets, such as Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, are located outside of it.
Which planets fall under the category of inner planets and which are considered outer planets?
The inner planets consist of Mercury and Venus, which are found inside Earth’s orbit, while the outer planets include Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, which are located outside of it.
Which planets are classified as inner planets? Select all correct statements.
2) The inner planets are part of the Earth group and include Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.
What are the different configurations?
- “1C:Accounting”
- “1C:Salary and Personnel Management”
- “1C:Trade Management”
- “1C:ERP Enterprise Management 2”
- “1C:Complex Automation”
- “1C:Small Firm Management”
- “1C:Document Management”
- “1C:Retail”
What is the required number of configurations?
What is the minimum number of configurations that should be present in an application solution? The correct answer is main and database configurations. The vendor configuration may not be necessary if a self-written configuration is used.
How to identify if it is a standard configuration or not?
To determine whether a configuration is standard or not, follow these steps:
- Launch the Configurator.
- In the menu, go to Configuration and select Open Configuration.
- Wait for the “tree” window to appear on the left side of the screen.
- Next, go to the menu Configuration and select Support – Support Configuration.
- If the message “Configuration is on support” is displayed, then this configuration is a standard configuration.
What does an object’s configuration refer to?
An object’s configuration refers to the relative arrangement of the object or the way its individual parts are connected. ◆ However, observing the configuration of stars that form the constellation Aquarius, it is challenging to identify a young man holding a large pitcher from which water is flowing.
How can I determine if a configuration is typical or not?
To determine if a configuration is typical or not, follow these steps:
1. Start the Configurator and navigate to the Configuration menu.
2. Open the Configuration option.
3. Wait for the configuration “tree” window to appear on the left side.
4. Go to the Configuration – Support – Support Setup menu.
If the message “Configuration is on support” is displayed, then the configuration is considered as typical.
How many different setups are there?
There are typically three setups in each 1C database: the vendor setup, the main setup, and the database setup. In a standard setup, where customization is not allowed, all three setups are identical to each other.
What is the purpose of the setup?
A setup is a software solution designed to automate a specific area of accounting. It is not a standalone software product and can only be run under the control of the “1C:Enterprise” platform.
What is the reason for keeping ashes at home? Various religious traditions, including Orthodoxy, emphasize and even require the practice of keeping the ashes of loved ones at home.