Question

Why are the terrestrial planets rocky?

Answer 1

Terrestrial planets are rocky because:

• The terrestrial planets were formed in the close vicinity of the parent star where it was too warm for gases to condense to solid particles.
• The solar wind was most intense nearer the sun; so, it blew off lots of gas and dust from the terrestrial planets.
• The terrestrial planets are smaller and their lower gravity could not hold the escaping gases.