The Celestial Objects of the Solar System

VOCABULARY flashcards covering the components, characteristics, and classifications of objects in the Solar System based on the lecture notes.

Solar System

A collection of celestial objects bound together by the gravitational pull of the Sun, consisting of the Sun, planets, dwarf planets, moons, asteroids, meteoroids, and comets.

Sun

A star located at the center of the Solar System that contains about $99.8\%$ of the total mass and is composed mainly of hydrogen and helium gases.

Planets

Large celestial bodies that orbit the Sun and possess sufficient gravity to maintain a nearly spherical shape.

Inner (Terrestrial) Planets

A group of planets characterized by rocky surfaces, smaller size, and higher density.

Outer (Gas and Ice Giant) Planets

A group of planets characterized by large size, thick atmospheres, and numerous moons.

Dwarf Planets

Celestial bodies that orbit the Sun and are nearly spherical but have not cleared their orbital path of other objects.

Mercury

The smallest planet in the Solar System and the closest to the Sun, featuring a heavily cratered surface and a large metallic core.

Venus

The second planet from the Sun and the hottest planet in the Solar System due to a dense carbon dioxide atmosphere and extreme greenhouse effect.

Earth

The third planet from the Sun and the only world known to support life, featuring liquid water, a protective atmosphere, and active geology.

Mars

The fourth planet from the Sun, often called the Red Planet due to iron-rich dust, known for its giant volcanoes and evidence that liquid water once existed.

Jupiter

The largest planet in the Solar System, a gas giant made primarily of hydrogen and helium known for its colorful cloud bands and powerful storms.

Saturn

The sixth planet from the Sun and second-largest world, distinguished by its spectacular and visible ring system.

Uranus

The seventh planet from the Sun and an ice giant notable for its pale blue-green methane atmosphere and unusual axial tilt.

Neptune

The eighth and outermost major planet, classified as an ice giant known for its deep blue appearance and extreme winds.

Primary Dwarf Planets

The celestial bodies identified as Pluto, Ceres, Eris, Makemake, and Haumea.