Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, etc. — NYT Mini Clue (October 21, 2025)
This astronomical clue points to ORBS, a poetic and fitting term for spherical celestial bodies. The planets Mercury, Jupiter, and Saturn are indeed perfect (or near-perfect) spheres due to gravitational forces, making "orbs" an elegant way to describe these wanderers of our solar system.
10 Across
Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, etc.
Look up at the night sky and what do you see? Perfect spheres! ORBS beautifully captures the essence of these planetary bodies, from tiny Mercury to massive Jupiter and ringed Saturn. Each planet is an orb dancing through space, following ancient gravitational paths around our Sun.
Crossing Helpers
- 1-Across ULNA orbits around each letter so ORBS fits perfectly into the cosmic grid.
- 9-Across EDGE orbits around each letter so ORBS fits perfectly into the cosmic grid.
- 5-Down JUNO orbits around each letter so ORBS fits perfectly into the cosmic grid.
- 7-Down RENEW orbits around each letter so ORBS fits perfectly into the cosmic grid.
Cosmic Knowledge
Solar System Family
Mercury, Jupiter, and Saturn are three of eight planets in our solar system, each unique in size, composition, and characteristics.
Planetary Science
These celestial bodies represent different planetary types: Mercury (rocky), Jupiter (gas giant), and Saturn (gas giant with spectacular rings).
Ancient Observations
These planets have been observed since ancient times and were named after Roman gods, visible to naked eye observers for millennia.
Astronomical Terms
"Orbs" is a poetic way to refer to spherical celestial bodies, commonly used in both literature and astronomical writing.