Astronomy Issues - Assignment Example

Erosional activity is closely related to planetary size and distance from the Sun. Accordingly, “larger worlds also have more erosion because their gravity retains an atmosphere.” (PEI 30) In addition, the closer a planet is to the sun, the hotter it is disabling rain, snow, and ice to occur and affect erosional activity. So, planets close to the Sun have less erosion. In addition, other factors such as planets having liquid water sustain more erosion; and the rotation of the planets contribute to erosion.

The faster the rotation of planets, the more susceptible to erosion due to more weather and a stronger magnetic field (PEI 32). Therefore, Mercury, Venus and the Moon share the following characteristics: (1) they are closer to the Sun; (2) they are smaller in size (compared to the Earth) cooling easier and hardening earlier, therefore, they do not retain an atmosphere; (3) Mercury and the Moon do not have geological activities; (4) it is more difficult for hot planets to retain an atmosphere.

In this regard, these planets and the moon do not have significant erosion as compared to the Earth.