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The planet that is nearest to the Earth is determined by understanding the distance between Earth and its neighbouring planet’s orbit. Let’s look at each option and find their distance from Earth.
A. Mercury
Mercury is the planet closest to the Sun. While some people think that being close to the Sun also means that it is close to Earth. But this is not true. Mercury’s orbit is much smaller than Earth’s, and it is on the opposite side of the Sun from Earth, making it farther away than Venus.
B. Venus
Venus is the second planet from the Sun, positioned right next to Earth in the solar system. Due to its similar orbital size and its relatively close distance to Earth’s orbit, Venus often comes closer to Earth than any other planet. The distance between Venus and Earth can be as little as approximately 38 million kilometres. This makes Venus our closest planetary neighbour.
C. Mars
Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun and is often called the “Red Planet.” While Mars is also close to Earth, it is generally farther away than Venus. The distance between Mars and Earth varies around 54.6 million kilometres from Earth, which is more than Venus’s minimum distance.
D. Jupiter
Jupiter is the fifth planet from the Sun and the largest planet in our solar system. It is significantly farther away from Earth compared to Venus, Mercury, or Mars. There are two planets (Mars and Earth) between Jupiter and the Sun. Its distance makes it impossible for Jupiter to be the closest planet to Earth.
Correct Answer: B. Venus
Venus is the nearest planet to Earth because its orbit brings it consistently closer to our planet than any other. Its position as our closest neighbour in the solar system confirms it as the correct answer.
Common Doubts in Science
