Earth is the only planet not named after a god or goddess in mythology. The other seven planets in the solar system were named after gods or goddesses of Roman origin. Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn were named after the five visible to the naked eye during ancient times.
The Roman approach was also used after Uranus and Neptune were discovered. The word “Earth” originates from the Old English word “ertha” meaning ground or land.
Read more on the next page...
Page 3 of 9
ADVERTISEMENT