Objects in Our Solar System Astronomy 2014

Solar System Basics Sun Outer Solar System: Jovian Planets Heliocentric: Centered around the Sun Inner Solar System: Terrestrial Planets Jupiter Saturn Mercury Uranus Venus Neptune Earth Trans-Neptunian Objects Mars Comets Asteroids Dwarf Planets

Inner Solar System: Terrestrial Planets Key Characteristics: Small Dense Rocky Metal Core Weaker Magnetic Fields No or Few Moons Slower Rotational Periods Terrestrial: “Earth-like” Latin root “terra” means Earth First four planets from the Sun

Outer Solar System: Jovian Planets Key Characteristics: Large Made of Gas / No Solid Surface Composed of H & He Cold, Ice Present Stronger Magnetic Fields Many Moons Some Have Rings Faster Rotational Periods Jovian: “Jupiter-like” Also called “Gas Giants” Furthest four planets from the Sun

Key Differences Size (Diameter): Magnetic Field: Mass: Jovian planets are larger than terrestrial planets Jovian = Strong magnetic field (generated by super-pressurized Hydrogen liquid) Mass: Terrestrial = Weaker magnetic field (generated by solid, metallic core) Jovian planets are more massive than terrestrial planets Number of Natural Satellites (Moons): Density: Jovian = Many satellites/moons Terrestrial planets are more dense than Jovian planets Terrestrial = Few to none (Mercury & Venus = none, Earth = 1, Mars = 2) Chemical Composition: Jovian = H and He Rotation Rates: Jovian = Spin rapidly Terrestrial = Heavier elements (O, N, Fe, Si, etc.) Terrestrial = Spin more slowly ( Distance from the Sun

Other Objects in Our Solar System Key Non-Planetary Objects: Asteroids Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs) Kuiper Belt Oort Cloud Comets

Non- Planetary Objects: Asteroids Also known as “planetoids” Rocky and Irregularly shaped Most lie with the Asteroid Belt Area between Mars and Jupiter Types: C type: carbonaceous (most common, 75%) S type: siliceous (17%) M type: metallic V type: basalt, volcanic

Non- Planetary Objects: Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs) Objects in the Kuiper Belt/Oort Cloud Just beyond the orbit of Neptune Occasionally enter Neptune’s orbit Mostly icy in composition Includes dwarf planets

Dwarf Planets Category was created in 2006 Defines as: hasn't "cleared its neighborhood“ means it hasn’t become gravitationally dominant and shares orbital space with other bodies of a similar size 3 Known + many possible others Pluto Eris Ceres

Eris Pluto Ceres Orbits in the Kuiper Belt Orbits in the Kuiper Belt Composed: Methane ice Most massive dwarf planet Pluto Orbits in the Kuiper Belt Composition: Ice of nitrogen, methane, & carbon monoxide Three Moons Ceres Orbits in the Asteriod Belt Disk-shaped Previously classified as an asteroid Has a rocky inner core & ice mantle

Comets Small icy objects Sometimes called “dirty snowballs” Orbit the Sun Composed of: Water Carbon dioxide Ammonia Methane Release gas or dust as they travel

Names of Representative Objects Plastic Ball Jawbreaker Foam Ball Baggie of Nerds Orange Seed Beads (Purple & White) Grapefruit Small Glass Bead (Blue) Marble Gumballs

Planets and Other Solar System Objects Astronomy March 26, 2014 Planets and Other Solar System Objects In what order do the 8 planets occur from the Sun? Imagine a new planet is discovered. It is known to be primarily composed of Hydrogen, Helium, and Neon. Daily temperatures are in the range of-300 C. This planet has 29 identified moons. 2. Would you classify this planet as terrestrial or jovian? Why? 3. Where would you expect this planet to be located? Why?

What are the key non-planetary objects in our solar system? Astronomy March 26, 2014 Pre-Lab What are the key non-planetary objects in our solar system? Where might you find a dwarf planet? What is an asteroid? Why are they not considered planets?