(3.1, 3.2) The Solar System
When did the solar system form?
4.6 billion years ago
Why do sunspots appear darker?
Because they are cooler than the other parts of the sun.
Name the Inner Planets in our Solar System
Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars
What gases are Gas Giants mainly made out of?
Hydrogen and Helium
(although some planets have other gases such as methane, they are mostly made out of hydrogen and helium)
What are the parts of the comet?
Nucleus (solid core), Coma (fuzzy cloud surrounding the nucleus), gas/dust tail
Explain the difference between the 2 types of solar system models that we learned in class
Geocentric Model: Ancient model of the universe that had earth in the center
Heliocentric Model: Sun centered model of the universe
What are the parts of the sun’s atmosphere?
Photosphere, Chromosphere, Corona
What are some characteristics of inner planets?
Small, dense, and rocky surfaces
Define what rings are (in the context of planets)
Rocks and dust pulled in by the planet’s gravity
What is the order of the meteors?
Meteoroids → Meteors → Meteorites
Why was Copernicus faced with lots of resistance and hate?
Many people believed the geocentric model for a long time
What are the 3 parts of the Sun’s Interior?
Core, Radiation Zone, Convection Zone
What is the Greenhouse Effect?
An atmosphere traps sunlight and other gases inside
What do Outer Planets have in common?
Called gas giants, much larger than Earth, don’t have solid surfaces, thick atmosphere (hydrogen/helium)
Define Kuiper Belt
The area beyond Neptune, contains dwarf planets and comets
Why did scientists invent the AU units?
AU units provide a convenient way to measure distances within the solar system
Pick 2 features of the sun and define them in your own words
[DOUBLE JEOPARDY]
Sunspots: Cooler dark area on the surface
Prominences: Loops of gas linking sunspots
Solar flares: Eruptions releasing energy
Solar wind: Streams of charged particles
What are some characteristics of Earth?
Only planet with liquid water, supports life, atmosphere rich in oxygen
What are some characteristics of Jupiter?
Largest planet, Galileo discovered Jupiter’s largest moons, has the Great Red Spot
What are some characteristics of Asteroids?
Rocky, irregular shapes, found mainly in the asteroid belt
What are the three requirements for a planet to be a planet in our solar system?
1. Must orbit the Sun
2. Have a sphere shape
3. Clear out a region of the solar system with its orbit
What are the 3 effects of solar winds on Earth that we talked about in class?
Solar winds interact with Earth's magnetic field, causes auroras, and can disrupt power systems/satellites
Pick 2 planets (other than Earth) and describe their characteristics.
Mercury: Closest to the sun, very thin atmosphere, surface covered in craters
Venus: Thick atmosphere, hottest planet, rotates backwards
Mars: Thin atmosphere, has some evidence of water, known as the “red planet”
Give me characteristics of both Uranus and Neptune
Uranus: Blue/green color, axis tilted at 90 degrees, has faint rings
Neptune: Cold blue planet, has atmosphere of methane clouds, strong winds and storms, has Great Dark Spot
Why are dwarf planets considered dwarf planets?
They have enough gravity to be round, but share orbits with other planets orbits