2006-12-09 10:59:28 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
How does Mercury in pattern form orbit the Sun without a moon? Does it draw more than usual on the magnetic forces from our moon to stay in place? Obviously we are an inhabital planet because we have a moon. So why is mercury a planet once again it would not be ever inhabitable? There would have to be gravity? Jupiter has a polar axis and has 11 moons, thus all the rest have gravity as well, so now again why is mercury a planet? It is more like the sun or a star?
2006-12-09 11:18:04 · update #1
scientist now define a planet as a curcular body that revolves on its axis, has its own gravity, and revolves around a central star(the sun).
2006-12-09 12:29:18 · answer #1 · answered by mitch w 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Okay, you have a few things completely wrong.
1.The moon is not the reason there is life on earth (at least, that hasn't been proven).
2. Every planet has its own gravity due to its mass - some have less than others. Even a small world like Mercury has gravity.
3. A planet has very a clear definition:
- orbits the sun (Mercury does that)
- its orbit is close to the ecliptic and not extremely elongated (yes for Mercury)
- is large enough for gravity to have shaped it into a sphere (Mercury is spherical)
- has cleared the space in its orbit of debris from the solar disk (Mercury has done that, so far as we know)
4. Notice that the definition of planet does not include anything about being habitable. That is not a criteria for being a planet.
I think you need to do some reading of some simple astronomical articles or books. You have a lot to learn.
Good luck.
2006-12-09 14:15:08 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
A planet need only orbit a sun to be a planet. Having a moon is just extra.
2006-12-09 11:11:44 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
the planet mercury is like all the other planets becuase the orbit is the same as the other 7, in a disk, and its orbit is nearly circular called elipticle, pluto's orbit is more streched called ecentric, more egg shaped, and plutos orbit cross' that of neptunes no other planet does this. plus its orbit is tilted compared to the other 8, mercury - neptune
2006-12-09 11:12:53 · answer #4 · answered by darkpheonix262 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because it orbits the sun and is in the solar system not all planets have to have moons
2006-12-09 11:08:38 · answer #5 · answered by Hello 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It orbits a star
2006-12-09 15:11:18 · answer #6 · answered by Nelle 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
because it orbits the sun or a star
2006-12-09 11:11:36 · answer #7 · answered by lucky77 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The presence and/or absence of satelite bodies does not constitute a planet.
Pluto has moons and was decided earlier this year not to be a planet.
2006-12-09 11:01:51 · answer #8 · answered by socialdeevolution 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Because it is in a regular orbit around a star.
Doug
2006-12-09 11:01:42 · answer #9 · answered by doug_donaghue 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because it is spherical due to its own gravity (hydrostatic equilibrium) and because it orbits a star.
2006-12-09 11:00:53 · answer #10 · answered by chopchubes 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋