Final answer:
Planets in our solar system appear brighter than stars due to their proximity to the Earth and their reflective properties.
Step-by-step explanation:
The paragraph states that planets in our solar system appear brighter than stars because they are much closer to the Earth. The distance between the planet and the Earth affects the amount of light the planet receives from the Sun. Planets reflect sunlight, which makes them appear brighter, whereas stars emit their own light.
This explains why Saturn appears brighter than surrounding stars, even though it is about one twelfth as bright as Jupiter. The brightness of planets compared to regular stars is influenced by their proximity to the Earth and their reflective properties.