UPSC Prelims 2008 Q82: Science & Technology – Space Technology & Astronomy
In order of their distances from the Sun,
which of the following planets lie between Mars and Uranus?
- (a) Earth and Jupiter
- (b) Jupiter and Saturn
- (c) Saturn and Earth
- (d) Saturn and Neptune
Answer: (b) Jupiter and Saturn
Explanation
Which planets lie between Mars and Uranus
In order of increasing distance from the Sun, we need the planets positioned between Mars and Uranus.
| Point | Reasoning |
|---|---|
| Planetary order from the Sun | Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune |
| Between Mars and Uranus | Jupiter and Saturn |
Why this order matters:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Mars | 4th planet from the Sun |
| Jupiter, Saturn | 5th and 6th planets |
| Uranus | 7th planet |
Answer: (b) Jupiter and Saturn.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Earth and Jupiter — Earth actually comes BEFORE Mars, not between Mars and Uranus.
- (b) CORRECT. Jupiter and Saturn lie between Mars and Uranus in the solar system's planetary order.
- (c) Incorrect. Saturn and Earth incorrectly includes Earth, which is before Mars, not after it.
- (d) Incorrect. Saturn and Neptune incorrectly includes Neptune, which comes AFTER Uranus, not between Mars and Uranus.
Key point
In the solar system's planetary order (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune), Jupiter and Saturn lie between Mars and Uranus.
Remember
Jupiter and Saturn lie between Mars and Uranus, in order of distance from the Sun.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Earth's position (before Mars) with planets that come after Mars.
- Confusing Neptune's position (after Uranus) with planets that come before Uranus.
- Not having the basic planetary order from the Sun memorised.
Exam tip
Solar system order: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune. Jupiter and Saturn sit between Mars and Uranus.
Sources
- NCERT Class VIII Science — Stars and the Solar System
- NASA — Planetary Fact Sheet (Goddard Space Flight Center)