An Introduction to the Planets The Solar System An Introduction to the Planets

The Sun It is a ball of hot ,burning gases. It is the nearest star to the earth. The light from the Sun takes appx. 8 minutes to reach Earth. It is the source of all energy for life on Earth.

The Inner planets: Mercury The first planet from the sun. There is no water or atmosphere It can be seen with naked eyes. It orbits the Sun once in about 88 Earth days  There are no seasons on its surface Named after the Roman messenger God

venus Venus is surrounded by thick cloud cover. It is brightest & hottest planet. It is named after Roman goddess of love & beauty .

Earth The Blue Planet It is also known as watery planet, because 70% of its surface is covered by water. Only planet that can support life as we know it. It orbits the Sun once in about 365 Earth days. It rotates about its own axis, thus creating day & night. It takes 24 hours to do that. It revolves around sun, due to its tilt ,seasons are created.

Mars The Red Planet It is named after the Roman god of war. Mars has approximately half the diameter of Earth The gravity of Mars is half of the earth . The atmosphere of Mars consists of about 95% carbon dioxide, 3% nitrogen,1.6% argon and contains some  oxygen and water Mars also has the largest dust storms in the Solar System

The asteroid belt ∙ A line of “Rocks” that separate the inner and outer planets.

The Outer planets: jupiter It is named after the Roman god Jupiter (ruler of Roman gods) Jupiter is the largest planet within the Solar System It has a great Red Spot, it is a rotating storm system inside the planet. Jupiter rotates faster than any other planet.

saturn Saturn is the sixth planet from the Sun and the second largest planet in the Solar System, after Jupiter. It is named after the Roman god Saturn Saturn rings are made up of ice & ice covered particles It is also called “The Jewel Planet”

uranus Uranus appears to lie on its side. It is named after the Roman god of the sky. The only planet which rotates on its axis from east to west. It has at least ten thin uniform black rings,which are made of dust.

neptune Most distant gas planet. It is named after the Roman god of the sea . Most windy planet The last giant planet Neptune was the first planet found by mathematical prediction.

Pluto The dwarf planet Made entirely of ice Pluto was the Roman god of the underworld; The judge of the dead Many still argue whether it should even be considered a planet