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

2. 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.

3. 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

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

5. 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.

6. 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

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

8. 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.

9. 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”

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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