THE SOLAR SYSTEM What do you know about systems? What is a solar system? What are the parts of a solar system? A solar system is a sun and all the things that orbit around it. The parts of our solar system include a star, 8 planets, dwarf planets, numerous moons, asteroids, moons, meteoroids. The International Astronomical Union defines "planet" as a celestial body that, within the Solar System,[1] 1. is in orbit around the Sun; 2. has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (near spherical) shape; and 3. has cleared the neighborhood around its orbit; The International Astronomical Union (IAU), the official scientific body for astronomical nomenclature, defines a "dwarf planet" as a celestial body within the Solar System that satisfies these four conditions:[1] * is in orbit around the Sun * has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (near-spherical) shape * has not cleared the neighborhood around its orbit * is not a satellite

The Sun What is the Sun? What is the sun’s importance in our solar system? The sun is a star, comprised of glowing gasses. It’s mass is huge, although its density is less than that of Earth. The Sun’s gravity holds the planets in orbit. Its heat and light influence everything in the Solar System. On Earth, it allows life to exist. The oceans and seas store its energy, keeing our temperatures Just right. It creates wind. Its light allows plants to make food, which Provides food for animals.

MERCURY How did Mercury get its name? What are some interesting facts about Mercury? Mercury was named after the Messenger of the Gods from Roman mythology. Mercury Was fleet. It goes around the Sun faster than any of the other planets – in just 88 days. It rotates once every 58.7 days. The side facing the sun is very hot – 430 degrees C. The side facing away from the sun Is extrememly cold - -180 degrees C. Deposits of ice have been discovered by probes in the polar areas. Why is its name appropriate for this planet?

VENUS How is this planet like our moon? What country(s) have landed probes on this planet? What is notable about Venus? From Earth, we can observe phases of Venus, just like we see phases of the moon. Both Russia and the US have landed probes on the surface of Venus. They only lasted a few seconds Because of the intense heat and pressure. Venus is usually the brightest object in our sky after the sun and moon. It is surrounded by clouds Of sulfur and sulfuric acid, which combined with the dense atmosphere, trap energy From the sun and cause extreme temperatures. Venus is the hottest planet In the Solar System – 460 degrees C.

EARTH What is unique about our planet? What are some things that contribute to the existence of life on Planet Earth? Earth is the only planet known to have life. Things that make life possible are an oxygen-rich atmosphere, moderate temperature, A varied chemical composition, and water.

MARS How is Mars like Earth? How is Mars different from Earth? Mars and Earth have almost the same land surface area. They are thought to be the same age. They both have seasons, Because they are tilted a similar angle on their axes. Their days Are almost the same length. The Martian year is twice as long as that of Earth. Mars has 2 moons,Earth has one. Mars’ diameter is ½ that of Earth. Its gravity is 1/3 that of earth.

CERES What is a dwarf planet? Ceres (IPA: [ˈsiɹiz], Latin: Cerēs), also designated 1 Ceres or (1) Ceres (See Minor Planet Names), is the smallest dwarf planet in the Solar System and the only one located in the main asteroid belt. Its name is derived from the Roman goddess Ceres — the goddess of growing plants, the harvest, and of motherly love. It was discovered on January 1, 1801, by Giuseppe Piazzi. With a diameter of about 950 km, Ceres is by far the largest and most massive body in the asteroid belt, and contains approximately a third of the belt's total mass. Recent observations have revealed that it is spherical, unlike the irregular shapes of smaller asteroids with less gravity. The International Astronomical Union (IAU), the official scientific body for astronomical nomenclature, defines a "dwarf planet" as a celestial body within the Solar System that satisfies these four conditions:[1] * is in orbit around the Sun * has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (near-spherical) shape * has not cleared the neighbourhood around its orbit * is not a satellite The term "dwarf planet" was adopted in 2006 as part of a three-way classification of bodies orbiting the Sun. Objects that are large enough to have cleared the neighbourhood of their orbit are defined as "planets", while those which are too small to be in hydrostatic equilibrium are defined as "small solar system bodies". As defined, the term "dwarf planet" does not apply to other planetary systems.[2] Three dwarf planets are currently recognized: Ceres, Pluto and Eris.

ASTEROIDS What are asteroids? Where are they located? Asteroids are tiny planetary bodies. They can be found anywhere in the Solar System, But most are located in the asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.

JUPITER Why is Jupiter known as a gas giant? How is Jupiter like the Sun? Jupiter is the largest body in our solar system after the Sun. It is a ball of gas and Has no solid surface. Jupiter is composed of hydrogen and helium at the same ratio as that of the Sun.

What is special about Saturn? Saturn has a beautiful ring system, with over 100,000 individual ringlets. Its density is 1/8 that of Earth. It could float. It radiates 3 times as much heat as it receives from the sun.

URANUS Why would anyone name a planet Uranus? In Greek and Roman mythology, Uranus was a figure who embodied the heavens. He was father of Saturn and grandfather of Jupiter. Uranus is so far tilted on its axis that it almost rotates on its side. Uranus gets its blue-green color from the methane in its cold atmosphere.

NEPTUNE What is the Great Dark Spot? Does Neptune have seasons? Neptune has rings. Its great dark spot is an immense storm. It is tilted on its axis enough to have earth-like seasons.

PLUTO Is this a planet or not? Pluto is no longer considered a planet. It has been reclassified as a dwarf planet. (1) A "planet" is a celestial body that (a) is in orbit around the Sun, (b) has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape, and (c) has cleared the neighborhood around its orbit. (2) A "dwarf planet" is a celestial body that (a) is in orbit around the Sun, (b) has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape, (c) has not cleared the neighborhood around its orbit, and (d) is not a satellite.

Some of them are considered to be dwarf planets. IS THERE A TENTH PLANET? Scientists have discovered planet-like bodies orbiting farther out than Pluto. Some of them are considered to be dwarf planets. Scientists have found some icy worlds in orbit around the Sun, a billion miles farther than Pluto.

COMETS What are comets? Which direction does a comet’s tail point? Comets are “dirty snowballs” that orbit the Sun in a very elliptical path. When they get Near enough to the Sun, they begin to sublimate, and the solar wind pushes The dissipated particals behind the comet. That’s why the comet’s tail always points away from the Sun. Comets are made of dirt, frozen water, frozen carbon dioxide, amino acids, carbon, and Other chemicals. Which direction does a comet’s tail point?

METEOROIDS How big are meteoroids? What do meteoroids become if they enter the Earth’s atmosphere? What are they called if they don’t totally burn up, but land on Earth? Most meteoroids are the size of a grain of dust, but some can have masses of Thousands of tons. If they enter Earth’s atmosphere, the friction of the atmosphere burns them up, And they become a meteor. If the meteor does not burn entirely, any piece that lands on Earth Is a meteorite.

THE SOLAR SYSTEM The solar system consists of the Sun and everything that is orbiting around it. 8 Planets Dwarf Planets Moons Comets Meteoroids Asteroids Images and information used in this presentation were taken from Microsoft Encarta Reference Suite.