Solar System

Simple Facts Our solar system consists of nine planets orbiting around one sun. Measurement in space: 1 astronomical unit (AU) = 150 million kilometers. (93 million miles)

THE SUN Photosphere- the brightest part of the sun Chromosphere- gives off faint red light and cannot be seen Corona- halo that surrounds the sun

The Sun Each second our sun gives off as much energy as equal to that of 200 BILLION hydrogen bombs. The sun makes up more than 99% of our Solar System.

Inner Planets- 4 Rock Planets Mercury- the closest planet to the sun Venus (aka-Earth’s twin)- the hottest planet due to the cloud cover Earth- the only planet able to sustain life Mars- the red planet

Outer Planets- 4 Gas planets Saturn- has rings around it made of ice Jupiter- Largest planet Uranus- 7th planet from the sun Neptune- sometimes the Furthest from the sun

Other Objects in Our Solar System Meteors- Pieces of rock or metal that enters the earth’s atmosphere and burns. Meteorite- Pieces of rock or metal that enters the earth’s atmosphere AND HITS THE EARTH.

Other Objects in Our Solar System Comet- Large ball of ice, gas and dust flying through space. Aka- Hairy star According to some mythology, comets bring bad luck to those who look at them. Scientists believe that comets make a huge circle through the universe. (ALWAYS takes the same path.)

Other Objects in Our Solar System Asteroid- huge rocks or boulders in space. The asteroid belt is located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.