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? Class Notes On Solar System

The solar system is a collection of celestial bodies, including the Sun, eight planets, moons, asteroids, and comets, all bound by gravity. The Sun constitutes 99.8% of the solar system's mass, while each planet has distinct characteristics and orbits. Studying the solar system enhances our understanding of Earth's place in the universe and the potential for life beyond our planet.

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21 views2 pages

? Class Notes On Solar System

The solar system is a collection of celestial bodies, including the Sun, eight planets, moons, asteroids, and comets, all bound by gravity. The Sun constitutes 99.8% of the solar system's mass, while each planet has distinct characteristics and orbits. Studying the solar system enhances our understanding of Earth's place in the universe and the potential for life beyond our planet.

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mariana.universidade7
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We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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📘 Class Notes: The Solar System

Date: August 7, 2025


Subject: Astronomy
Topic: Structure and Facts about the Solar System

🌞 What is the Solar System?

The solar system is a group of celestial bodies—including the Sun, planets, moons, asteroids,
and comets—that are bound together by gravity.

🪐 Components of the Solar System

1. ☀ The Sun
o A massive ball of burning gas (mostly hydrogen and helium)
o Makes up 99.8% of the solar system’s mass
o Provides energy and gravity to hold the system together

2. 🌍 The Planets (in order from the Sun)

Planet Type Fun Fact


Mercury Rocky Closest to the Sun, no atmosphere
Venus Rocky Hottest planet due to thick CO₂ atmosphere
Earth Rocky Only known planet with life
Mars Rocky Called the "Red Planet" – has polar ice caps
Jupiter Gas Giant Largest planet, has 79+ moons
Saturn Gas Giant Known for its beautiful ring system
Uranus Ice Giant Rotates on its side
Neptune Ice Giant Strongest winds in the solar system

3. 🌒 Moons
o Natural satellites orbiting planets
o Earth has 1, Jupiter has over 90!
4. 🌠 Dwarf Planets
o Smaller, round bodies that orbit the Sun but haven’t cleared their orbits
o Examples: Pluto, Ceres, Eris, Haumea, Makemake
5. ☄ Asteroids and Meteoroids
o Rocky objects; most are found in the Asteroid Belt between Mars and Jupiter
o Meteoroids become meteors when they enter Earth’s atmosphere
6. 🌌 Comets
o Icy bodies that develop glowing tails when near the Sun
o Famous example: Halley’s Comet

🔭 Important Concepts

• Orbit: The path a body takes around the Sun


• Rotation: A planet spinning on its axis (causes day and night)
• Revolution: A planet’s trip around the Sun (causes seasons)

🌍 Why Study the Solar System?

• Understand Earth’s place in space


• Explore potential for life elsewhere
• Learn about planetary formation and cosmic history

🧭 Key Takeaways

• The solar system consists of the Sun, 8 planets, moons, and many smaller bodies.
• Each planet is unique in size, composition, and atmosphere.
• Observing the solar system helps us understand the universe and our own planet.

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