Planetary characteristics refer to the unique features and attributes of planets within our solar system and beyond. These include size, composition, atmosphere, temperature, and surface conditions. For example, Earth is a rocky planet with a breathable atmosphere, while Jupiter is a gas giant known for its massive size and strong storms. Each planet also has distinct orbital patterns and rotation periods. Mercury, the closest planet to the Sun, has a very short year, completing an orbit in just 88 Earth days. In contrast, Neptune, the farthest planet, takes about 165 Earth years to complete one orbit around the Sun.