Here is the answer to the question: How does a planet differ from a star? A planet differs from a star in several ways:
- Composition: Planets are typically composed of rock, metal, or gas, while stars are primarily composed of hydrogen and helium.
- Light emission: Planets do not produce their own light; they reflect light from a star (such as the Sun). Stars, on the other hand, generate their own light through nuclear fusion.
Earth and Sun - Orbit: Planets orbit stars, including our Earth orbiting the Sun, while stars do not orbit other celestial bodies in the same way.
- Size: Stars are generally much larger than planets. Stars can be many times larger than even the largest planets in our solar system.
- Heat and energy source: Stars generate heat and energy through nuclear fusion in their cores, while planets do not have a similar internal energy source.
These differences highlight the distinct roles and characteristics of planets and stars in the cosmos.