Solar System Expectations: D2.1, D2.4, D2.5, D3.3

The Solar System Consists of the Sun, eight planets and their moons and billions of celestial objects. Planets: must orbit a star have enough mass to be pulled into a stable sphere shape by gravity dominate its orbit (Pluto does not dominate its orbit! Dwarf planet)

Inner Planets

Outer Planets

The Sun

Asteroids Small celestial objects in the Solar System composed of rock and metal. Vary in size and shape The asteroid belt lies between Mars and Jupiter. Ceres  1st discovered

Meteoroids Piece of metal or rock smaller than an asteroid. (dust to size of a car or building) If they get pulled into Earth’s atmosphere, they will burn up (friction), it is then called a meteor. Commonly called a “shooting star.” If it reaches Earth it is called a meteorite.

Arizona impact crater

Meteorite

Comets Large chunks of ice, dust and rock that orbit the Sun. Forms a gas tail that points directly away from the Sun A dust tail forms in the direction from which the comet came. Orbit the sun on elliptical paths “dirty snowballs” Eg. Halley’s comet (pass in 2061)

Comet

Homework Page 317 # 5, 6, 9 Planet Survey (p319 & old text p 446-453[Science Power 9]) Sketch of the solar system. Label the: Sun Planets & Pluto Asteroid Belt Inner & Outer Planet