Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Terrestrial planets are rocky planets with solid surfaces, located in the inner part of our solar system. They include Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Terrestrial planets are composed primarily of silicate rocks and metals.
They have relatively high densities compared to gas giants.
The atmospheres of terrestrial planets vary greatly; for example, Venus has a thick carbon dioxide atmosphere while Mercury has almost none.
These planets have shorter orbital periods due to their proximity to the Sun.
Earth is the largest terrestrial planet in terms of diameter and mass.