3. Introduction
The Sun and the celestial bodies which revolve
around it form the solar system. It consists of
large number of bodies such as
planets, comers, asteroids and meteors. The
gravitational attraction between the Sun and
these objects keeps them revolving around it.
Let us study more about its components.
4. Terms
• Star- A huge body made of hot luminous gas that is held together by
its own gravity. Compared to other stars, our Sun is a star of
average size and energy
• Planets- A large body that orbits a star. For example: Earth,
Mars , Venus etc.
• Asteroid ( or minor planet)- A body smaller than a planet and made
of rock, metal, or other minerals. There is a large belt of asteroids
between Mars and Jupiter.
• Moon ( or satellite)- A body that orbits a planet or asteroid. Most
moons are much smaller than their planet or asteroid.
5. Terms
• Comet- An object composed of frozen gases and dust
particles that was formed on the outskirts of the solar
system and that orbits the Sun.
• Meteor- Also known as shooting star. A chunk of rock or
metal that enters Earth’s atmosphere and burns up in a
fiery show.
• Meteorite- A chunk of rock or metal that has fallen into the
Earth from beyond its atmosphere.
• Meteorite- A chunk of rock moving through space.
6. Sun
• The Sun is the solar system’s star and its chief
component. It is the main source of heat and light for
all components of the solar system. It attracts all
other bodies with its strong gravitational pull. It
makes up for more than 99% of all mass in the solar
system. It is an average star. Eight planets revolve
around the Sun. They are: Mercury, Venus, Earth,
Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and Neptune.
7. Mercury
Characteristics
Distance From Sun 57 million Km.
Equatorial Diameter 4878 km.
One year 88 days
Moons None
Temperature Range -183oC - 423oC
Conditions Dry, no atmosphere
Extra Points It is the smallest planet.
8. Venus
Distance from Sun 108,208,900 Km.
Equatorial Diameter 12,103 Km.
One year 243 days
Moons None
Temperature Range Around 467oC
Conditions Hottest Planet, Thick Atmosphere
Extra Points It rotates clockwise
9. Earth
Distance from Sun 150 million Km.
Equatorial Diameter 6,790Km.
One Year 356 days 6 hours
Moons One
Temperature Range -120.C – 25 .C
Conditions Good conditions for life.
Extra Points The only planet with life.
10. Mars
Distance From Sun 230 million Km.
Equatorial Diameter 6794 Km.
One Year 686.971 Earth Days
Moons 2: Phobos and Deimos
Temperature Range -87oC : 20oC
Conditions Thin atmosphere, mainly Co2
Extra Points Named after Ares, God of War
11. Jupiter
Distance From 778 million Km.
Equatorial Diameter 142,948 Km.
One Year 11.86 Earth Years
Moons 64 known satellites
Temperature Range -145oC- 21oC
Conditions It has no surface.
Extra Points It is the largest planet.
12. Saturn
Distance From Sun 1430 Million Km.
Equatorial Diameter 120,536 Km.
One Year 29 ½ Years
Moons 62
Temperature Range -150oC - 11700oC
Conditions Hot core which radiates more heat
than received
Extra Points Rings are mostly made of sand
dust with traces of ice
13. Uranus
Distance From Sun 3075 Million Km.
Equatorial Diameter 51,118 Km.
One Year 84 Earth Years
Moons 27
Temperature Minimum: 224oC
Conditions Very Strong winds
Extra Points Has axis tilt of 97.77oC
14. Neptune
Distance From Sun 4500 Million Km.
Equatorial Diameter 49,532 Km
One Year 165 years
Moons 13
Temperature Range -218oC - 5000oC
Conditions Surface comprises of ice and rock
Extra Points Farthest planet from Sun
15. Facts
• The Solar System has 4 dwarf planets Ceres,
Pluto, Eris and Makemake.
• It is 4.6 billion years old.
• There is water on Mars.( In the form of Ice)
• Neptune has the fastest winds of all planets.
• Neptune’s moon, Triton is colder than Neptune.
16. Facts
• Jupiter’s mass is 318 times the Earth’s mass.
• It is the fastest rotating planet.
• Half of Mercury has never been seen
• Venus has phases like the moon.
• Uranus experiences summer for 42 years i.e.
just ONE long day!!!!
