The word “planet” comes from the Greek word “planētēs,” meaning “wanderer.” Ancient Greeks used this term to describe celestial bodies that moved against the backdrop of fixed stars. Unlike the stars, which appeared stationary, planets seemed to wander through the night sky. The term reflects their unique, changing positions in the heavens.
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The term “planet” originates from the Greek word “planētēs,” which translates to “wanderer.” Ancient Greek astronomers observed that certain celestial bodies moved differently from the fixed stars, appearing to wander across the sky. This distinct motion led them to use the term “planētēs” to describe these objects. Unlike the stars, which remained in relatively fixed positions relative to one another, planets followed their own paths through the night sky. The term highlights their unique behavior and was later adopted into Latin as “planeta” and then into English. Today, it refers to celestial bodies that orbit stars, such as the eight planets in our solar system.