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Ancient astronomers can tell the difference the same way you can tell now - the planets move, while the stars stay in the same patterns. The word "planet" comes from the Greek word for "wanderer". The 'planets' were the lights in the sky that moved. Originally the Greeks included the Sun and Moon as planets, because they were light's that moved through the sky. Also, the closer and bigger planets, Jupiter, Mars & Venus are also MUCH brighter than stars. The smaller planets and the ones that are far, far away (Mercury & Saturn) are also bright - but not much brighter than the brightest stars in the sky. They also all travel in the same narrow path in the sky - the ecliptic. It's the same path the sun & moon follow in the sky through the months & year. These 7 lights were visible in the sky without telescopes - Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus & Saturn - which is how we got our 7 days of the week.
What else can I help you with?
How are planets an stars different?
Plants are normal and stars are like comets
Why were planets called 'planets'?
The term "planet" is derived from the Greek word "planetes," which means "wanderer." In ancient times, planets were described as moving stars compared to the fixed stars in the sky. This is why they were called planets.
What is the literal meaning of planets?
The term "planet" comes from the Greek word "planetes," meaning "wanderer." This is because, to the ancient astronomers, planets appeared to move across the sky in a different way compared to the fixed stars.
What are two ways that planets are different from stars?
1) Although planets can be composed primarily of rock or gas, only stars are objects made of gas that are massive enough to support a nuclear fusion reaction. 2) Although planets and stars can orbit stars (as in binary systems), stars never orbit planets.
How many planets were known to the Greeks?
These are the classical planets, those that you can see without a telescope. These are Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. they could be seen to be different to the stars, since they changed positions gradually in relation to the other stars (as they orbit the sun)
How might astonomers measure how long planets and plutoids orbit the sun?
Astronomers measure it by predicting with the stars and using scientific tools
How constellations different from galaxies?
Constellations are stars put together, usually to form a ancient figure in the stars, a galaxy is much different, They have planets and in galaxies you can find constellations. Big difference
Are stars planets from different galaxies?
Through intense research it has indicated that stars are not only luminous balls of plasma held by gravity, but are also planets from different galaxies. From a distance, they may seem like stars, but are in fact planets. So yes, you are correct, planets are stars from different galaxies.
Are the stars in the sky different planets and moons we have not discovered yet?
No. We know what the stars are. They are not planets. They are distant suns, many of which do have undiscovered planets.
The way planets and stars are different?
stars make their own light and planets get theirs from the sun!!!!!!!!!! hi!!!! :):>
What planets are death stars?
A planets and stars are different things, so a planet can never be a death star.
Is mercury a classical planet?
Yes, its one of the planets that can be seen with the unaided eye, known to ancient people as being different from the fixed stars.
How are planets an stars different?
Plants are normal and stars are like comets
How Long ago were the ancient babylonians of the planets and stars?
A long Time ago
Why were planets called 'planets'?
The term "planet" is derived from the Greek word "planetes," which means "wanderer." In ancient times, planets were described as moving stars compared to the fixed stars in the sky. This is why they were called planets.
What was different about planets and stars in ancient times?
Almost nothing was different, except our understanding of things. The stars have been shining for millions or billions of years; all the planets have been pretty much just where they are for about 4 billion years or more. "Ancient" times in our human history is anything more than 2000 years ago.
How is a moon different from a planet?
Planets orbit stars, moons orbit planets. That is the only difference.
