1. Middle School Science(summer 2009)‏
The Solar System
Middle School Science(summer 2009)‏

2. The center of attention
The Sun
-the only star in our solar system
-the earth and all other matter in the solar system orbit the Sun
-composes 99% of the mass in the solar system.
-it's light, heat, and energy make life possible on Earth

3. Mercury Closest planet to the sun -heavily cratered with iron core
--no atmosphere to trap heat
-heavily cratered with iron core
-Very hot when in sunlight:daytime temperatures: 800 F( 430 C)‏
-Very cold when not in sunlight:nighttime temperatures: -280 F(-170 C)‏

4. Venus -brightest planet (because reflective clouds)‏
-very hot-900 F(500 C)‏
- thick poisonous clouds(carbon dioxide,sulfuric acid) trap heat, reflect light
-similar to earth in size, mass
-Intense surface pressure:standing on the surface of venus would feel like swimming ½ mile deep in ocean water

5. Earth -only planet in the solar system to support life
-mix of water(H2O), land, gases(Nitrogen, Hydrogen, Oxygen)‏
-thin atmosphere protects us from the vastness of space(traps just the right amount of heat for our temperate climate)‏
temperate climate:(high: 130 F low: -60 F)‏
has 1 satellite(the moon)‏

6. Mars Known as the "red planet"
-iron oxide(rust) on the rocky, barren surface
-1/2 the radius of earth, 1/10 the mass(not very dense)‏
-dusty poisonous atmosphere(95% carbon dioxide)-very thin
-heavily cratered surface
-Martian climate most similar to Earth:
lows : -220F (-140 C)‏
highs: 70 F (20 C)‏

7. Jupiter -largest planet in solar system
-mainly hydrogen and helium atmosphere( similar to the sun)‏
-"great red spot"-large storm, about 2X larger than Earth
-the first “gas giant” and 5th planet from the sun
-no terrain, and temperatures average 400 F

8. Saturn -6th planet from the sun and the 2nd largest planet
-gas giant(mostly hydrogen, helium)‏
-violent winds(over miles per hour)‏
-prominent rings(ice, dust, debris)‏
-61 moons

9. Uranus 7th planet from the sun, and 3rd largest
similar in composition to Jupiter/Saturn but contains more ices(water, ammonia, methane). Because of this it is known as an “ice giant”
has a ring system
axis of rotation is tilted sideways

10. Neptune Farthest planet from the sun,
similar in composition to Jupiter/Saturn but contains more ices(water, ammonia, methane). Because of this it is known as an “ice giant”
Most violent storms. Wind speeds may reach miles/hr