Untitled Flashcard Set

What is the solar system composed of?

The solar system consists of the Sun and all celestial bodies bound to it by gravity.

What is the primary component at the center of the solar system?

The Sun, a star that provides light and heat necessary for life.

What are the two categories of planets in the solar system?

Terrestrial planets and Gas giants.

Name the terrestrial planets in the solar system.

Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.

Name the gas giants in the solar system.

Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

What is a dwarf planet?

A celestial body smaller than a main planet that does not clear its orbital path.

Give examples of dwarf planets.

Pluto, Eris, Haumea, and Makemake.

What are moons?

Natural satellites that orbit planets.

How many moons does Earth have?

One.

Where are most asteroids found?

In the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

What are meteoroids?

Smaller fragments that can enter Earth's atmosphere and become meteors or meteorites.

What happens to comets when they approach the Sun?

They release gas or dust and form a tail.

From where do comets originate?

The Kuiper Belt and Oort Cloud.

What are the Kuiper Belt and Oort Cloud?

Regions beyond Neptune filled with icy bodies and dwarf planets.

What role does gravity play in the solar system?

Gravity keeps planets, moons, asteroids, and comets in orbit around the Sun.

What factors affect the specific orbit of an object in the solar system?

The object's distance from the Sun and its mass.