Planets
The nine planets revolve around the Sun, in nearly circular orbits. When looking down from above the Sun's north pole, the planets orbit in a counter-clockwise direction. The planets orbit the Sun in or near the same ecliptic plane. Pluto is a special case in that its orbit is the most highly inclined (18 degrees) and the most highly elliptical of all the planets. The axis of rotation for most of the planets is also nearly perpendicular to the ecliptic. The exceptions are Uranus and Pluto, which are tipped on their sides.
All planets have magnetospheres. The existence of these magnetospheres is independent of whether the planet has an internally generated or intrinsic magnetic field, but the nature of these magnetospheres is quite dependent on this fact.
![[Sun and Earth's magnetosphere]](http://space.rice.edu/hmns/dlt/1solar_terr.jpg) |
For the planets that have any internal magnetic dynamo, the solar wind induces a magnetosphere through its interaction with the upper atmosphere and ionosphere. |
There are two types of magnetospheres: intrinsic and induced magnetospheres. The history, mythology, and current scientific knowledge is provided for each of the nine planets in our solar system. Some of the websites included impressive images, sounds and movies. Most provide references to additional related information.
For more information on the nine planets:
Mercury
* Venus * Earth
* Mars * Jupiter
* Saturn
* Neptune
* Uranus *
Pluto