These planets are relatively small in size and in mass. A terrestrial planet has a solid rocky surface, with metals deep in its interior. In the solar system, these planets are closer to the sun ...

The Keeble Observatory at Randolph-Macon College holds weekly public viewing during spring semester. Check their website ( or call the information line (804-752-3210) for dates and times.

Most terrestrial planets have atmospheres, but the conditions on their surfaces would not allow humans to survive there. Venus is the hottest planet in our solar system (despite being further from ...

Learn more about the mammalian transition from arboreal to terrestrial life, which began millions of years before the arrival ...

The thin atmosphere, or exosphere, does little to prevent or slow down impacts from extraterrestrial objects, leaving the surface littered with craters. In appearance it is similar to Earth's Moon.