Inner Rocky Planets

Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars compose the inner solar system, characterized by solid, rocky surfaces. Mercury, closest to the sun, experiences extreme temperature variations. Venus has a thick atmosphere creating intense greenhouse effects. Earth uniquely supports life with liquid water and breathable atmosphere. Mars shows evidence of past water activity and remains a focus of exploration.

Gas Giants

Jupiter and Saturn, the largest planets, consist primarily of hydrogen and helium. Jupiter's Great Red Spot marks a centuries-old storm, while its strong magnetic field traps radiation belts. Saturn's distinctive rings contain ice particles and rock fragments. Both planets host numerous moons, some showing potential for subsurface oceans.

Ice Giants

Uranus and Neptune, dubbed ice giants, contain significant amounts of water, ammonia, and methane ices. Uranus rotates nearly perpendicular to its orbit, possibly due to ancient collision. Neptune generates the strongest winds in the solar system, despite its distance from the Sun. Both planets remain relatively unexplored compared to their larger neighbors. Shutdown123