Multiple choice

A superior planet is the one whose

  1. orbit lies within that of the earth

  2. orbit lies beyond that of the earth

  3. speed of rotation round its axis is less that that of the earth

  4. speed round the sun is more that of the earth

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

A planet which orbits the Sun outside of the Earth's orbit. The superior planets are Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto and most of the minor planets. Mercury and Venus, on the other hand, are inferior planets because they orbit the Sun inside the Earth's orbit. Superior planets orbit the Sun more slowly than the Earth, and experience oppositions and superior conjunctions.

Keep practicing — related questions