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Earth to Mars: 9 planets and origin of their names

Earth to Mars are 8 planets, named after Roman or Greek deities based on characteristics. Pluto, once the ninth, also had a mythological namesake

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Mercury

Named after Roman god Mercury, the messenger of the gods due to its swift orbit around the sun, resembling the god's agility

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Venus

Named after Roman goddess Venus, the deity of love and beauty, as it shines brilliantly in the morning and evening skies

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Earth

The only planet not named after mythology; "Earth" comes from Old English "eorthe," meaning ground or soil

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Mars

Named after the Roman god of war due to its reddish appearance resembling blood, associated with conflict

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Jupiter

Named after Roman king of gods, Jupiter, known for its massive size and prominence in the night sky

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Saturn

Named after Roman god Saturn, linked to agriculture. Its iconic rings, discovered later, add to its intrigue

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Uranus

Named after Greek god Uranus, the sky god, following the tradition of Roman gods for other planets

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Neptune

Named after Roman god Neptune, ruler of the seas, due to its deep blue color and the planet's association with water

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Pluto (Dwarf Planet)

Named after Roman god Pluto, god of the underworld, symbolizing its distance from the sun and mysterious nature. Reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006

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