1. Objects in Our Solar System
Astronomy 2014

2. Solar System Basics Sun Outer Solar System: Jovian Planets
Heliocentric: Centered around the Sun
Inner Solar System: Terrestrial Planets
Jupiter
Saturn
Mercury
Uranus
Venus
Neptune
Earth
Trans-Neptunian Objects
Mars
Comets
Asteroids
Dwarf Planets

3. Inner Solar System: Terrestrial Planets
Key Characteristics:
Small
Dense
Rocky
Metal Core
Weaker Magnetic Fields
No or Few Moons
Slower Rotational Periods
Terrestrial: “Earth-like”
Latin root “terra” means Earth
First four planets from the Sun

4. Outer Solar System: Jovian Planets
Key Characteristics:
Large
Made of Gas / No Solid Surface
Composed of H & He
Cold, Ice Present
Stronger Magnetic Fields
Many Moons
Some Have Rings
Faster Rotational Periods
Jovian: “Jupiter-like”
Also called “Gas Giants”
Furthest four planets from the Sun

5. Key Differences Size (Diameter): Magnetic Field: Mass:
Jovian planets are larger than terrestrial planets
Jovian = Strong magnetic field (generated by super-pressurized Hydrogen liquid)
Mass:
Terrestrial = Weaker magnetic field (generated by solid, metallic core)
Jovian planets are more massive than terrestrial planets
Number of Natural Satellites (Moons):
Density:
Jovian = Many satellites/moons
Terrestrial planets are more dense than Jovian planets
Terrestrial = Few to none (Mercury & Venus = none, Earth = 1, Mars = 2)
Chemical Composition:
Jovian = H and He
Rotation Rates: Jovian = Spin rapidly
Terrestrial = Heavier elements (O, N, Fe, Si, etc.)
Terrestrial = Spin more slowly (
Distance from the Sun

6. Other Objects in Our Solar System
Key Non-Planetary Objects:
Asteroids
Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs)
Kuiper Belt
Oort Cloud
Comets

7. Non- Planetary Objects: Asteroids
Also known as “planetoids”
Rocky and Irregularly shaped
Most lie with the Asteroid Belt Area between Mars and Jupiter
Types:
C type: carbonaceous (most common, 75%)
S type: siliceous (17%)
M type: metallic
V type: basalt, volcanic

8. Non- Planetary Objects: Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs)
Objects in the Kuiper Belt/Oort Cloud
Just beyond the orbit of Neptune
Occasionally enter Neptune’s orbit
Mostly icy in composition
Includes dwarf planets

10. Dwarf Planets Category was created in 2006
Defines as: hasn't "cleared its neighborhood“
means it hasn’t become gravitationally dominant and shares orbital space with other bodies of a similar size
3 Known + many possible others
Pluto
Eris
Ceres

11. Eris Pluto Ceres Orbits in the Kuiper Belt Orbits in the Kuiper Belt
Composed:
Methane ice
Most massive dwarf planet
Pluto
Orbits in the Kuiper Belt
Composition:
Ice of nitrogen, methane, & carbon monoxide
Three Moons
Ceres
Orbits in the Asteriod Belt
Disk-shaped
Previously classified as an asteroid
Has a rocky inner core & ice mantle

12. Comets Small icy objects Sometimes called “dirty snowballs”
Orbit the Sun
Composed of:
Water
Carbon dioxide
Ammonia
Methane
Release gas or dust as they travel

13. Names of Representative Objects
Plastic Ball
Jawbreaker
Foam Ball
Baggie of Nerds
Orange
Seed Beads (Purple & White)
Grapefruit
Small Glass Bead (Blue)
Marble
Gumballs

14. Planets and Other Solar System Objects
Astronomy March 26, 2014
Planets and Other Solar System Objects
In what order do the 8 planets occur from the Sun?
Imagine a new planet is discovered. It is known to be primarily composed of Hydrogen, Helium, and Neon. Daily temperatures are in the range of-300 C. This planet has 29 identified moons.
2. Would you classify this planet as terrestrial or jovian? Why? 3. Where would you expect this planet to be located? Why?

15. What are the key non-planetary objects in our solar system?
Astronomy March 26, 2014
Pre-Lab
What are the key non-planetary objects in our solar system?
Where might you find a dwarf planet?
What is an asteroid? Why are they not considered planets?