outer planet crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Struggling with the clue "outer planet crossword clue"? You've come to the right place. Below, you'll find all possible solutions to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "outer planet crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
PLUTO: Though reclassified as a dwarf planet, it's still a common answer in many crossword puzzles referring to a historical 'outer planet'.
6 Letters
URANUS: The seventh planet from the Sun, an ice giant and an outer planet.
SATURN: The sixth planet from the Sun, known for its distinctive rings and an outer planet.
7 Letters
JUPITER: The largest planet in our solar system and the first of the outer planets from the Sun.
NEPTUNE: The eighth and farthest known solar planet from the Sun, classified as an outer planet.
More About "outer planet crossword clue"
The term "outer planet" in astronomy refers to the planets in our solar system that are beyond the asteroid belt, specifically Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. These are also known as the gas giants (Jupiter, Saturn) and ice giants (Uranus, Neptune) due to their immense size and largely gaseous or icy compositions. When this term appears in a crossword puzzle, it typically points to one of these celestial bodies.
Crossword constructors often use scientific or astronomical terms, and the "outer planet" clue is a classic example. The challenge sometimes lies in the specific letter count required, as different outer planets have different name lengths. Understanding the common names and their spellings is key to solving these types of clues efficiently. The clues might sometimes hint at unique characteristics, like Saturn's rings or Jupiter's size, to narrow down the answer.
While Pluto was famously reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006, it frequently appears as an answer for "planet" or "outer planet" clues in crosswords due to its historical status as the ninth planet. This highlights the importance of considering older conventions or broader interpretations when encountering such clues, especially in puzzles from various eras.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count: Always count the available squares first. This immediately narrows down potential answers like NEPTUNE (7 letters) versus URANUS (6 letters).
- Consider Alternatives: For clues like "outer planet," remember there's more than one possible answer. If one doesn't fit with crossing words, think of other possibilities such as Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, or even Pluto (with its historical context).
- Think of Classifications: Pay attention to subtle hints in the clue. If it mentions "gas giant" or "ice giant," it specifically points to the outer planets. If it's a general "planet" clue, consider both inner and outer planets, then use letter count and cross-references.
- Cross-Reference: Use intersecting words to confirm your answer. If one letter fits perfectly with a crossing word, you're likely on the right track. This is especially useful when multiple answers for a clue share the same letter count.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the outer planets of our Solar System?
The outer planets of our Solar System are Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. They are characterized by being large, primarily gaseous or icy, and orbiting beyond the asteroid belt, making them distinct from the smaller, rocky inner planets.
Why might 'PLUTO' be an answer for an 'outer planet' clue?
Although Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006 by the IAU, many crossword puzzles, especially older ones or those designed for a general audience, continue to use it as a valid answer for 'planet' or 'outer planet' clues due to its historical designation as the ninth planet in our solar system.
How can knowing planet classifications help me solve crosswords?
Understanding the difference between inner (rocky, e.g., Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars) and outer (gaseous/icy, e.g., Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune) planets can significantly narrow down your options for planet-related clues. Clues often hint at these classifications (e.g., "red planet" for Mars, "ringed giant" for Saturn), making your puzzle-solving faster and more accurate.