Gov Cup: PLANETS and MOONS

What is the order of the planets?

Mars, Venus, Mercury, Earth, Jupiter, Saturn,Uranus, and Neptune

What is the order of the planets from largest to smallest?

Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Earth, Venus, Mars, and Mercury.

What is the Sun?

A yellow dwarf star made of hydrogen and helium.

Describe the layers of the Sun:

Corona- outer layer where solar flares form. Chromosphere- thin red ring Photosphere- visible to the earth; has sun spots Core- hottest area; where nuclear fusion occurs (hydrogen into helium)

Outer Planets:

Planets behind the asteroid belt, all with ring systems and more than 2 moons.

Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune

Jupiter:

Gas giant made of hydrogen and helium; 1 year- 4333 days; named after the Roman god of leaders

Saturn:

Gas giant made of hydrogen and helium; ring made of water, ice, dust, and rock; 1 year- 10,759 days; named after Roman god of agriculture

Uranus:

Ice giant (frozen gas giant); 1 year- 30,687 days; named after Greek gods

Neptune:

Ice giant (frozen gas giant); 1 year- 60,190 days; named after Roman god of seas

Inner/Tertiary Planets

No ring systems and less than 2 moons. Mars, Venus, Earth, Mercury.

Mercury

Smallest planet and closest to the Sun; 1 year-88 days; named after Roman god of speed.

Venus

‘Earth’s twin; hottest planet with thick atmosphere high in co2; 1 year- 225 days; named after Roman goddess of love.

Earth:

Highest density; 71% water; 23.5 degrees tilt

Mars:

Experiences weather; high iron oxide gives the reddish color; 1 year- 687 days; named after Roman god of war.

Dwarf Planets:

Pluto- Roman god of underworld, Ceres- Roman goddess of agriculture, Eris- Greek goddess of strife and discord, Haumea- Hawaiian goddess of childbirth, Makemake- Rapa Nui god of creation.

Stars:

Polaris- North star of Ursa Minor, Sirius- ‘Dog’ star and the brightest, Betelgeuse- Red super giant in Orion, Alpha Centauri- triple star system (A-C).

Saturn’s Moons:

146; Titan- largest moon on Saturn & second largest

Uranus’ Moons:

27; Titania (named after Shakespeare and Alexander Pope)

Neptune’s Moons:

14: Triton- largest

Pluto’s Moons:

5; Charon

Earth’s Moons:

Moon/Luna: 5th largest

Mars’ Moons:

2: Phobos & Deimos

Jupiter’s Moons:

95: Gangymede- largest moon, Callisto- 3rd largest, Io- 4th largest, Europa- 6th largest

10 Largest Moons:

Ganymede, Titan, Castillo, Io, Luna, Europa, Triton, Titania, Rhea, Oberon