Inferior and superior planets the orbit of Earth. These terms were originally used in the geocentric cosmology of Claudius Ptolemy to differentiate as inferior those planets (Mercury and Venus) whose epicycle remained co-linear with the Earth and Sun, and as superior those planets (Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn) that did not. In the 16th century, the terms were modified by Copernicus, who rejected Ptolemy's geocentric model, to distinguish a planet's orbit's size in relation to the Earth's. When Earth is stated or assumed to be the reference point: The terms are sometimes used more generally; for example, Earth is an inferior planet relative to Mars.
Earth, Moon, and Planets Earth, Moon, and Planets Earth, Moon, and Planets is a peer-reviewed scientific journal, published approximately ten times per year by Springer Science+Business Media. It was established in 1969 under the title "The Moon", was known as "The Moon and the Planets" from 1978 to 1983, and was first published under the current title in February 1984. The editor-in-chief is Murthy S. Gudipati (Caltech and JPL). The journal's main focus is on research about the Solar System. Besides original research articles, "Earth, Moon, and Planets" publishes conference proceedings, review articles, book reviews, and special issues. "Earth, Moon, and Planets" focuses on