What are outer planets also known as?

Outer planets are referred to as Jovian planets because they are similar to Jupiter, which is the largest planet in our solar system. The term "Jovian" is derived from the Latin name for Jupiter, "Jove." These planets—Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—are characterized by their gaseous composition, lack of solid surfaces, and larger sizes compared to the inner planets. They are primarily made up of hydrogen and helium, with deep atmospheres, numerous moons, and extensive ring systems.

In contrast, the inner planets, such as Earth and Mars, are known as terrestrial planets due to their rocky surfaces. The other terms you might encounter, like mineral planets or rocky planets, do not accurately describe the outer planets as they do not share the solid, rocky characteristics associated with the terrestrial group.