Classification of Planets

» The eight planets have been divided into two groups. All the planets of a particular group have some common features. 'Terrestrial planets' or 'Rocky planets' and 'Jovian planets' or 'Gaseous planets' (Gas giants) are the two groups of planets.
» The four planets nearest to the Sun-Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars are called terrestrial planets, because their structure is similar to the earth.
» Other four planets—Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune are called Jovian planets.
» Planets are classified into the following two groups inner and outer planets. These are separated by asteroid belt.