Components of Space

Universe

All of space that includes many galaxies

GalaxyA system of stars mixed with gas and

dust.We are part of the Milky Way Galaxy,

which is a spiral galaxy.The next closest galaxy is called

Andromeda.

There are approximately 200 billion stars in our galaxy.

Solar System

The solar system includes the sun and all the bodies that orbit around it.

Planet

A spherical body that orbits around the sun and has its own gravity

Put the following in order from largest to smallest:

Solar System Universe Galaxy Planet

UniverseGalaxy

Solar System

Planet

Inner Planets

These are known as terrestrial planets because they are dense and rocky

MercuryVenusEarthMars

Asteroid & Asteroid Belt

Asteroid – A large rock which is smaller than a planet and orbits the sun

Asteroid Belt – asteroids that revolve around the sun between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter

Outer Planets

These are known as the gas giants because they are very large and mostly made of gas

JupiterSaturnUranusNeptune

Dwarf Planet - Pluto

Pluto is now classified as a dwarf planet because it is very small

Solar System Diagram

Moon

A naturally occurring satellite orbiting around a planet

Some planets have more than 1 moon

StarA massive ball of

luminous gas that are held together by their own gravity

A star creates its own light

The life cycle of a star is determined by its mass.

Constellation

A group of stars that form a pattern in the sky

Comet

An icy body that releases gas or dust and has a long oval orbit

Meteoroids & Meteor & Meteorites

Meteoroid – a chunk of rock or dust that usually comes from comets or asteroids

Meteor – a meteoroid that enters Earth’s atmosphere and completely burns

Meteorite – a small rock that lands on earth from space

Additional Links

http://www.kidsastronomy.com/solar_system.htm

http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/space/solar-system

http://www.nasm.si.edu/research/ceps/etp/etp.htm

Ticket Out

Which planets are terrestrial and which planets are gas planets?