Astronomy Practice Exam

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Study for your Astronomy Exam with our quiz. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations to prepare. Get ready to ace your test!

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Which planet is the second closest to the sun?

Earth
Mars
Venus
Mercury

The correct answer is: Venus

The second closest planet to the Sun is Venus. In our solar system, the planets are arranged by their distance from the Sun, starting with Mercury as the closest. After Mercury, Venus follows as the second planet, making it one of the terrestrial planets along with Earth and Mars. Its proximity to the Sun and its similar size to Earth often lead to Venus being called Earth’s "sister planet." Understanding the order of the planets from the Sun is crucial for many aspects of planetary science and astronomy, as it influences factors like temperature, atmospheric conditions, and potential for supporting life. Venus, despite being the second closest, has extreme conditions, including a thick atmosphere and high surface temperatures, which are the result of a runaway greenhouse effect. This knowledge is essential when studying comparative planetology.