Trivia Questions On The Solar System

Explanation
Venus is similar to Earth in size and mass. Venus is only slightly smaller than Earth, with a diameter that is about 95% of Earth's diameter. It also has a similar mass to Earth, with about 81% of Earth's mass. This similarity in size and mass makes Venus the closest planet to Earth in terms of these physical characteristics.

Explanation
Mercury is the second smallest planet in our solar system. It is smaller than Earth and Jupiter, and Pluto is no longer considered a planet. Therefore, Mercury is the correct answer as it is the second smallest planet.

Explanation
Jupiter is not a terrestrial planet because it is a gas giant, composed mostly of hydrogen and helium, with no solid surface. Terrestrial planets, on the other hand, are rocky planets with solid surfaces, like Mercury, Earth, and Venus.

Explanation
Pluto was demoted to a dwarf planet in 2006. This decision was made by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) due to its small size and its orbit that crosses the path of Neptune. The reclassification sparked a debate among astronomers, as Pluto had been considered the ninth planet in our solar system for many years. However, the IAU's definition of a planet now includes three criteria, and Pluto does not meet the third criterion, which requires a planet to have cleared its orbit of other debris. Therefore, it was officially reclassified as a dwarf planet.