terrestrial planet; rocky planet
Astronomical term for a planet with a solid rocky surface, as opposed to a gas giant. Synonymous with 地球型惑星.
See also: 地球型惑星 (ちきゅうがたわくせい)
Earth and Mars are classified as terrestrial planets.
The four terrestrial planets in the solar system are Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.
Synonym; both mean terrestrial planet. 固体惑星 emphasizes the solid surface, while 地球型惑星 emphasizes Earth-like characteristics.
Gas planet; the contrasting category of planets without a solid surface.
Compound of 固体 (solid) and 惑星 (planet), a straightforward modern scientific term.