THE SOLAR SYSTEMTHE SOLAR SYSTEM

What is GRAVITY ?What is GRAVITY ? Gravity is the universal attraction Gravity is the universal attraction

between 2 objects…it’s the between 2 objects…it’s the forceforce that pulls 2 objects towards each that pulls 2 objects towards each other.other.

Two factors of gravity:Two factors of gravity:

1.1. MassMass – the more massive an – the more massive an object, the more gravity pullobject, the more gravity pull

2.2. DistanceDistance – The further the – The further the distance between 2 objects, distance between 2 objects, the less gravity pullthe less gravity pull

Factors of gravity.Factors of gravity.

More gravity pullMore gravity pull

Less gravity pullLess gravity pull

90 x 1023 Kg

3 x 1023 kg

More gravity pull

Less gravity pull

MASS DISTANCE

Gravity Equation

Force of Gravity

Gravitational constant #

Mass of 1st object

Mass of 2nd object

Distance between objects 2

Why does mass matter? Why do objects with more mass

have higher gravity pull? New thinking (Albert Einstein)

states that space is like fabric…more massive objects in space causes larger depressions.More massive the

object in space = deeper the fabric funnel = more objects pulled down towards it…(GREATER GRAVITY)

Curved SpaceSome objects in space are so massive that their gravity pull can alter or bend light radiation. A star that you are looking at in the night sky may not be straight ahead of you…crazy !

Mass vs. WeightMass vs. WeightMassMass – – The amount of matter The amount of matter

that makes up a substance. that makes up a substance. Mass of an object stays the Mass of an object stays the same unless you add or same unless you add or subtract matter.subtract matter.

WeightWeight depends on how depends on how much gravity pull something much gravity pull something hashasMore gravity = higher weightMore gravity = higher weight

Refracting Telescope

EYE PIECE

PRISM / MIRROR(refract light)

OBJECTIVE LENSE(gathers light)

Reflecting TelescopeEYE PIECE

DIAGANOL MIRROR(REFLECTS LIGHT)

OBJECTIVE MIRRORCONCAVE (gathers light)

Our Star…the Sun

SUN

Interior of SunSun’s Core(nuclear fusion)

Radiation Zone

Convective Zone

Interior of Sun The Sun seems to generate its energy

in its core from a process called nuclear fusion. Nuclear Fusion – hydrogen (H) particles are

under so much pressure, that they join together to make helium (He). This process releases enormous amounts of energy in the core. H ²

H ³

He

Escapingenergy

Sun’s SurfacePHOTOSPHERE (skin of Sun)

Consists of:•Sunspots•Granules •Prominences •Solar flares

Closer look at PhotosphereGranules (bubbles of gas & plasma)

Sunspot (cooler area of gas)

Solar flare (massive amounts of energy explodes from surface…near sunspots)

Prominence

(Magnetic attraction of plasma near sunspots)

Solar wind

Sun’s CoronaCorona - The Sun’s atmosphere made of gases and plasma that extends millions of kilometers into space

Interesting facts about the Sun

Only star in our Solar System. The Sun is 99.8% of the total mass of the

Solar System. By far the biggest object in our Solar

System Diameter = 109 Earth’s straight across!! Volume = 1,200,000 Earths (could fit

inside)!! The Sun is where 99.9% of all energy

comes from. Temp. = 10,000˚F to 27 million ˚F at the core.

SunspotsSunspots give scientists an idea of the amount of activity coming from the Sun. More sunspots = more activity.

Frequency of SunspotsThe frequency of maximum to minimum sunspots seems cycle every 10 – 11 years.

SOLAR WIND (magnetic storms)

CME(ejects more energy than normal in a direction, along with charged particles)

EARTH

North (+) & South (-)Poles create a magnetic field around Earth, protecting us from harmful solar wind

Solar Wind

AurorasWhen some charged particles from Sun make it through our magnetic field…they interact with our magnetosphere & atmosphere…causing magnetic storms and auroras in the Northern & Southern skies.

Solar Wind

Magnetic storm

Auroras

How do we know the Earth How do we know the Earth is curved?is curved?

Before people had the Before people had the technology we have today, they technology we have today, they had to find alternative ways to had to find alternative ways to figure this out.figure this out.

1.1. Shadows were seen on Earth Shadows were seen on Earth in different places at the same in different places at the same time, but at different angles.time, but at different angles.

2.2. Looking at a ship sail out to Looking at a ship sail out to sea, we notice it seems to sink sea, we notice it seems to sink over the over the horizon.horizon. The boat The boat follows the curve of Earth.follows the curve of Earth.

Flat Earth vs. Spherical Earth

SUN

SUN

Flat Earth

Sphere

If Earth were flat, at noon all the sun’s energy would hit the surface at the same angle.Since Earth is a sphere, the Sun’s energy hits the surface at different angles…causing differential heating

What Causes Day and Night?What Causes Day and Night?

Day

Earth is a sphere. Therefore, half of the Earth is illuminated at all times.

• The side facing the Sun experiences day• The side facing away from the Sun has night.

Night

What causes Day / Night What causes Day / Night continued…continued…

• Earth rotates (spins) on its axis.

• This allows sunlight to shine on different parts of Earth.

• Earth rotates once every 24 hours = 1 Day

Time change as Earth rotatesTime change as Earth rotates

6 pm

12

noo

n6 am

12

mid

nig

ht

Earth’s RevolutionEarth revolves (orbits) around the Sun once every 365 ¼ days = 1 year. Every 4th year a day is added…LEAP YEAR.

Elliptical orbit (oval)

Winter

Spring

Summer

Autumn

a) Energy travels further distance through atmosphere and is more indirect so spreads out = cooler temps.

b) Energy travels less distance through atmosphere and is more direct so is less spread and more concentrated = warmer

What Causes Seasons on Earth?1) Earth’s spherical shape causes energy to hit at

different angles causing direct or indirect sunlight.

2) Earth is titled at 23.5 ˚ on its axis

3) Since Earth revolves around the Sun, some places get direct and indirect sunlight at different times in the orbit. Anywhere above or below the equatorial region has seasons (23.5 degrees N or S latitude)

Seasons continued…Northern hemisphere tilted toward the Sun = more direct sunlight = longer days = higher avg. temps.

Seasons continued…Northern hemisphere tilted away from the Sun = less direct (indirect) sunlight = shorter days = lower avg. temps.

Direct vs. Indirect SunlightBecause of Earth’s spherical shape, the light that reaches from the Sun hits at angles. These angles of light are known as either: Direct or Indirect sunlight. Indirect = more spread = less intense energy

Direct = focused on smaller area = more intense energy

If Earth had NO Inclination (tilt)If Earth had NO tilt, then the Sun’s

energy would always hit at the same angle at places, thus causing no difference in temp. throughout the year.

Earth’s Inclination (tilt)Earth is tilted. So when it revolves around the Sun, the angle of energy changes throughout the year. This is how we come to understand seasons. 23.5º Tilt

ATMOSPHERE

Direct vs. Indirect SunlightDirect vs. Indirect Sunlight

Seasons on EarthSeasons on Earth Earth revolves (orbits) the Sun avg. Earth revolves (orbits) the Sun avg.

speed of 70,000mph.speed of 70,000mph. 1 orbit takes about 365 ¼ days.1 orbit takes about 365 ¼ days. Earth’s orbit is Earth’s orbit is notnot a circle, it is a circle, it is

ellipticalelliptical (oval). (oval). Elliptical orbit causes Earth’s distance from Elliptical orbit causes Earth’s distance from

Sun to vary.Sun to vary. AphelionAphelion PerihelionPerihelion

Tilt of Earthcauses seasons!!!Not distance from Sun.

Sunlight’s path through ourSunlight’s path through ourAtmosphereAtmosphere

Because Earth is curved and tilted, this Because Earth is curved and tilted, this causes sunlight to pass through varying causes sunlight to pass through varying amounts of Earth’s atmosphere.amounts of Earth’s atmosphere.

How does the moon stay with Earth?

Earth’s gravity pull is greater than the Moon’s and has trapped it for billions of years!!

Earth pulls on the moon more than the moon pulls on Earth. (Earth is more massive = greater gravity).

Moon is ¼ the size of Earth.

What if… If moon was not moving, Earth’s

gravity would pull it in!

If Earth did not have gravity, the moon would fly out into space! (Law of Inertia)

EARTH

MOON

What is the Law of Inertia?

This is Newton’s 1st Law of Motion. Law of Inertia states:

1. An object in motion will stay in that same motion (direction & speed) until change is caused by an outside force.

2. If an object is at rest, it will remain at rest until an outside force acts upon it…puts it in motion.

Centrifugal Motion Since the Earth’s gravity is present,

and the moon is in motion (tries to go straight, but can’t), it starts a circular path around Earth (orbit / revolution).

This revolution around Earth causes an outward pull (Centrifugal Motion) which counters the inward pull of gravity.

Cont… This constant inward pull from

gravity, along with the constant outward pull by the moon’s centrifugal motion eventually reached a point of equilibrium some 4.5 billion years ago…ever since, the moon has been our closest neighbor!

Our Moon Earth’s Moon is its only natural satellite. Moon is caught in Earth’s gravity pull. Moon’s orbit is on avg. 240,000 miles from

Earth. Sun’s light reflects off the Moon for us to see. Moon is about ¼ the size of Earth.

Moon’s Motion Rotation - The Moon spins on its axis

once every 27 1/3 days. Revolution – It also takes 27 1/3 days

for our Moon to orbit Earth once. Same side always faces Earth!

Why we get Phases of the Moon. From space, half the moon is

always illuminated by the Sun. From Earth we see a change in

illumination (phases) because of the angles between the positions of the Sun, Moon, and Earth.

Moon Phases Diagram

SUN

What we see from Earth

View from space

No atmosphere to protect from space rocks (asteroids)

Dark areas are dried up lava beds

Period of PhasesPeriod of PhasesTo go from one phase back to the same To go from one phase back to the same phase takes about 29 ½ days…which is 2 phase takes about 29 ½ days…which is 2 days longer than its revolution time. days longer than its revolution time. WHY?WHY?

While the moon orbits Earth…Earth is still moving. It takes 2 more days for the Sun, Moon, and Earth to get back to the same angle.

Eclipses of the Moon The Moon revolves (orbits) Earth

once every 27.3 days. Its path around Earth is not on a straight, even plane.

Once in a while, the moon will pass directly in front or behind the Earth! Solar Eclipse Lunar Eclipse

Moon’s orbitalpath is slanted.

Solar Eclipse Sometimes the moon passes directly in

between the Earth & Sun. The moon casts a shadow on parts of Earth.

Lunar Eclipse Sometimes the moon goes directly

behind the into its shadow. Most light cannot reflect off the moon. Red and orange frequency of light bends around Earth to give the moon a bloody color when this happens.

What are tides? Tides are the rise & fall of sea

level near a coastline. Since Earth rotates so fast we experience four tides everywhere per day! 2 High Tides2 Low Tides

Moon & Tides The Moon does pull Earth some with

its own gravity. Its pull is less than Earth’s so it does NOT affect the solid surface…but it does affect Earth’s oceans.

Spring & Neap tides

Neap Tide

Spring Tide

Occur during the 1st & 3rd quarter moons

Occur during the New and Full moons

Difference b/w high & low tides are small.

Difference b/w high & low tides are greater.

Moon & Earth’s Rotation The dynamics between the Earth’s

waters and the Moon’s gravity pull slows Earth’s rotation.

Causes of Seasons on Earth Causes of Seasons on Earth (recap)(recap)

Earth is tilted on its axis at 23.5 degrees. As Earth is tilted on its axis at 23.5 degrees. As Earth revolves around the Sun, different parts of Earth revolves around the Sun, different parts of Earth receive varying sunlight intensity.Earth receive varying sunlight intensity. Direct sunlightDirect sunlight – Sunlight/heat is more concentrated – Sunlight/heat is more concentrated

on an area of land – more intense – warmer climate.on an area of land – more intense – warmer climate. Indirect sunlightIndirect sunlight – Sunlight/heat is more spread out, – Sunlight/heat is more spread out,

has to distribute energy to more land – less intense – has to distribute energy to more land – less intense – cooler climate cooler climate

Earth is curved (sphere)Earth is curved (sphere) This causes sunlight/energy to pass through different This causes sunlight/energy to pass through different

thicknesses of atmospherethicknesses of atmosphere The more atmosphere light has to pass through, the less The more atmosphere light has to pass through, the less

intense it is = cooler weather (climate)intense it is = cooler weather (climate) The less atmosphere light has to pass through, the more The less atmosphere light has to pass through, the more

intense it is, = warmer weather (climate)intense it is, = warmer weather (climate)

Early AstronomyEarly Astronomy

Ancient Greeks noticed a pattern in Ancient Greeks noticed a pattern in star movement…star movement…Stars gradually moved across the Stars gradually moved across the sky in a circular motion, star sky in a circular motion, star patterns stayed the same.patterns stayed the same.

Greeks noticed 5 points of light Greeks noticed 5 points of light wandering among the stars. wandering among the stars.

Greeks called these “planets” Greeks called these “planets” meaning to wander.meaning to wander.

Geocentric SystemGeocentric SystemGreek astronomers believedGreek astronomers believed

Earth was center of universeEarth was center of universe Everything revolved (orbit) Everything revolved (orbit) around Earth.around Earth.

Greek astronomer “Ptolemy”Greek astronomer “Ptolemy” 140 A.D. explained motion of 140 A.D. explained motion of planets by celestial planets by celestial phenomena.phenomena. He backed the Greeks belief He backed the Greeks belief of a Geocentric System.of a Geocentric System.

Ptolemy’s Geocentric Ptolemy’s Geocentric SystemSystem

Earth Centered Solar System (not true!!!)

Heliocentric SystemHeliocentric System

Astronomer CopernicusAstronomer Copernicus Early 1500’s (1,400 years Early 1500’s (1,400 years after Ptolemy)after Ptolemy)

He believed planets revolved He believed planets revolved around Sun. around Sun. (Heliocentric)(Heliocentric)

He used mathematics to help He used mathematics to help prove (against belief from prove (against belief from Catholic Church)Catholic Church)

Heliocentric System… Galileo Galilei –

Used the modern telescope in 1609 to observe other planets and moons in more detail.

He supported Copernicus’s Heliocentric Theory:1) Viewed Jupiter’s Moons

2) Viewed phases of Venus

Heliocentric SystemHeliocentric SystemSun Centered Solar System

Orbital Motion & Speed The Sun is considered the

“center” of our Solar System. All other planets revolve around

the Sun…this is known as the planet’s orbit (year).

Planets do NOT orbit in a perfect circle. They orbit in an elliptical shape (oval).

Speed of orbit The closer a planet is to the Sun,

the faster its orbit. This is due to increased gravity

pull! Closer the objects = greater

gravity.

MARS687 days

Earth365 ¼ days

Venus225 days

Mercury88 days

Gravity vs. InertiaInertia – tendency of an object to remain in motion or at rest until an outside force acts upon it. (1st Law of Motion)

Gravity – The inward pulling force an object possesses. Depends on mass & distance between objects.

In this case… In this case, the planets want to go straight (inertia) at a certain speed, but the Sun’s gravity is pulling it at the same time. This causes planets to revolve around the Sun.

Gravity vs. Inertia

SUN PlanetSun’s GravityPull

Planet wants to go

Straight.(Law of Inertia)

Impact CratersImpact Craters

Circular depression on a Circular depression on a surface, usually referring to a surface, usually referring to a planet, moon, or large planet, moon, or large asteroid, caused by a asteroid, caused by a collision of a smaller body collision of a smaller body (meteor) with the surface.(meteor) with the surface.

Barringer Crater (0.8 miles Barringer Crater (0.8 miles diameter)diameter)

Wolf Creek CraterWolf Creek Crater

About ½ mile in diameterAbout ½ mile in diameter

Simple CraterSimple Crater

Bowl shaped form, mostly Bowl shaped form, mostly surrounded with smooth surrounded with smooth walls. This type of crater has walls. This type of crater has a diameter less than 9 miles.a diameter less than 9 miles.

Complex CraterComplex Crater

Have single or multiple peaks Have single or multiple peaks inside the crater. Diameters inside the crater. Diameters range from 12 to 110 miles!!range from 12 to 110 miles!!

The “central peak uplift” is The “central peak uplift” is caused by recoil of the caused by recoil of the surface…springing up action surface…springing up action like rain hitting a pond in like rain hitting a pond in slow motion.slow motion.

Terrestrial Planets Terrestrial Planets

Terrestrial planets consist of the first 4 Terrestrial planets consist of the first 4 planets (planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth & MarsMercury, Venus, Earth & Mars).).

““Earth-like”, small, rocky surface, with a Earth-like”, small, rocky surface, with a solid inner core.solid inner core.

Size to scale…distances not.

MercuryMercury Closest planet to the Sun.Closest planet to the Sun. Now considered smallest planet (not Pluto)Now considered smallest planet (not Pluto) Quickest revolution of any planet (88 Earth Quickest revolution of any planet (88 Earth

days).days). No moon (satellite)No moon (satellite) Has very little to no atmosphere.Has very little to no atmosphere. Rotates very slow (1 day = 59 Earth days).Rotates very slow (1 day = 59 Earth days).

Has time to heat up to 842 F during the Has time to heat up to 842 F during the day.day.

Cool down to -292 F at night. (heat energy Cool down to -292 F at night. (heat energy escapes easily with small atmosphere)escapes easily with small atmosphere)

Why no steady atmosphere on Mercury?

Because Mercury rotates so slowly and is so close to the Sun, its surface heats up to extreme temps. during the day (29 days) that the exposed rocks begin to turn into a gas (atmosphere). But the gases quickly escape to space due to its low gravity pull.

Mercury PicturesMercury Pictures

Satellite picsSatellite picsMissing pics from satellite Craters on surface

Size comparisonSize comparison(not in correct order!!)(not in correct order!!)

Earth

Mercury Our Moon

VenusVenus “ “Goddess of BeautyGoddess of Beauty””

General knowledgeGeneral knowledge Venus is the 2Venus is the 2ndnd planet from the Sun. planet from the Sun. Just a little smaller than Earth (similar in Just a little smaller than Earth (similar in

size).size). Hottest planet in our Solar System.Hottest planet in our Solar System. No natural satellites (moons).No natural satellites (moons). Rotates the slowestRotates the slowest

One full day is longer than one full year!!One full day is longer than one full year!! Spins in opposite direction than other planetsSpins in opposite direction than other planets

33rdrd brightest object in our sky (next to the brightest object in our sky (next to the Sun & moon) Sun & moon)

Sun’s light reflects brightly off of Venus’ Sun’s light reflects brightly off of Venus’ clouds.clouds.

Venus’ violent surface!Venus’ violent surface!

Surface of Venus is very hot, close to 900Surface of Venus is very hot, close to 900 ˚̊F F !!

No water on surface, barren land.No water on surface, barren land. Venus has active tectonic activityVenus has active tectonic activity

EarthquakesEarthquakes Volcanic eruptions that spew molten rock (lava).Volcanic eruptions that spew molten rock (lava).

volcanovolcano

Pictures of VenusPictures of Venus

cloud cover below cloudscloud cover below clouds

Venus’ violent atmosphere!Venus’ violent atmosphere!

96% of the air on Venus is Carbon Dioxide 96% of the air on Venus is Carbon Dioxide (poisonous gas)!(poisonous gas)!

Has crushing air pressure…Has crushing air pressure… The clouds that cover the surface are The clouds that cover the surface are

made of sulfuric acid (rains acid)made of sulfuric acid (rains acid) These clouds reflect 80% of the sunlightThese clouds reflect 80% of the sunlight About 20% get through.About 20% get through. The heat that gets through is then trapped. The heat that gets through is then trapped.

““Greenhouse effect”Greenhouse effect”

Greenhouse EffectGreenhouse Effect

Some sunlight gets through the Some sunlight gets through the clouds, but the carbon dioxide in the clouds, but the carbon dioxide in the air traps the heat!! Like an oven!! air traps the heat!! Like an oven!!

Most light reflects off clouds back to space.

Some gets through

Different wavelengths of heat come off surface but can’t escape!

Very little heat escapes.

Earth: 3Earth: 3rdrd rock from the rock from the SunSun

Earth factsEarth facts

Only planet in Solar System to harbor Only planet in Solar System to harbor lifelife as we know it. as we know it.

Only planet that has water in all 3 Only planet that has water in all 3 phases (liquid, gas, solid)phases (liquid, gas, solid)

Largest of the Terrestrial planetsLargest of the Terrestrial planets 1 natural satellite (our moon)1 natural satellite (our moon) Thick atmosphere (about 400 miles Thick atmosphere (about 400 miles

above surface)above surface) 78% nitrogen78% nitrogen 21% oxygen21% oxygen

Earth’s AtmosphereEarth’s Atmosphere

Parts of atmosphereParts of atmosphere

Troposphere – 0 to 10 miles above the Troposphere – 0 to 10 miles above the surface of Earth. surface of Earth.

Stratosphere – stretches from 10-30 miles Stratosphere – stretches from 10-30 miles above surface. (ozone layer – absorbs above surface. (ozone layer – absorbs harmful radiation from the Sun).harmful radiation from the Sun).

Mesosphere – Stretches from about 30-50 Mesosphere – Stretches from about 30-50 miles above surface miles above surface

Thermosphere – 50 to 400 miles above Thermosphere – 50 to 400 miles above surface.surface. Extremely high temps., up to 3,000 F. Extremely high temps., up to 3,000 F.

MARSMARS

44thth Planet from the Sun. Planet from the Sun.

Phobos

Deimos

Mars FactsMars Facts About ½ the size of EarthAbout ½ the size of Earth Has 2 natural satellites (moons) Has 2 natural satellites (moons) Commonly known as the “Red Commonly known as the “Red

Planet”. Looks rusty from far away.Planet”. Looks rusty from far away. Much of the crust of Mars is rich with Much of the crust of Mars is rich with

iron-oxide (rust) from metal & water iron-oxide (rust) from metal & water combining. combining.

This is one reason we think Mars may This is one reason we think Mars may have once had liquid water.have once had liquid water.

Mars has water in the solid, gas, Mars has water in the solid, gas, and possibly the liquid phase.and possibly the liquid phase.

Mars cont…Mars cont…

Has a thin atmosphere – 95% Has a thin atmosphere – 95% carbon dioxide (poisonous).carbon dioxide (poisonous).

Mars is on average very cold (-81 Mars is on average very cold (-81 F) on surface.F) on surface.

Known to have huge wind / sand Known to have huge wind / sand storms.storms.

Two unique geological features.Two unique geological features.1.1. Valles Marineris – huge canyon that Valles Marineris – huge canyon that

stretches over 2,500 miles!!!stretches over 2,500 miles!!!2.2. Olympus Mons – Volcano 3X higher Olympus Mons – Volcano 3X higher

than Mt. Everestthan Mt. Everest

Olympus MonsOlympus Mons Dormant volcano (not active)Dormant volcano (not active) About 15 miles high!!About 15 miles high!!

Valles MarinerisValles Marineris Canyon could stretch almost across the Canyon could stretch almost across the

U.S. U.S. Grand Canyon is a dwarf compared to Grand Canyon is a dwarf compared to

this!this!

The Jovian Planets (Gas The Jovian Planets (Gas Giants)Giants)

JupiterJupiter

SaturnSaturn

UranusUranus

NeptuneNeptune

Jupiter Jupiter

JupiterJupiter 55thth planet from our star (The Sun) planet from our star (The Sun) Largest of all the planets!!Largest of all the planets!! 60 + natural satellites revolve around 60 + natural satellites revolve around

Jupiter! Jupiter! Like a mini solar system…Like a mini solar system…

Planet is gaseous with ice crystalsPlanet is gaseous with ice crystals Mostly hydrogen gasMostly hydrogen gas ““Great Red Spot”, which is a massive storm Great Red Spot”, which is a massive storm

3x the size of Earth with wind speeds 3x the size of Earth with wind speeds hundreds of mph!!hundreds of mph!!

Very far from Sun, very cold!Very far from Sun, very cold! Has a small ring system not easily seen.Has a small ring system not easily seen.

Saturn Saturn

SaturnSaturn

66thth planet from the Sun planet from the Sun 22ndnd largest planet in our Solar System largest planet in our Solar System 50+ known natural satellites (moons)50+ known natural satellites (moons)

Titan – this Mercury sized moon has an Titan – this Mercury sized moon has an atmosphere similar to that of a “young Earth”. atmosphere similar to that of a “young Earth”. Highly studies by scientists!!Highly studies by scientists!!

Made of gases & ice crystals.Made of gases & ice crystals. Mostly hydrogen gasesMostly hydrogen gases

Extravagant ring system!!! Kept in by its gravity Extravagant ring system!!! Kept in by its gravity pull.pull. Rings are mostly pieces of space rock (some small, Rings are mostly pieces of space rock (some small,

some large)some large) Extremely cold planet!!Extremely cold planet!!

URANUSURANUS

URANUS URANUS 77THTH Planet from the Sun Planet from the Sun Furthest planet that can be seen without a Furthest planet that can be seen without a

telescope.telescope. Tilted on its axis at 98 degrees.Tilted on its axis at 98 degrees. Blue-green color is a result of the methane in Blue-green color is a result of the methane in

the upper atmosphere.the upper atmosphere. Methane absorbs red light.Methane absorbs red light.

Mostly gas planet, some liquid & iceMostly gas planet, some liquid & ice Hydrogen (mostly)Hydrogen (mostly)

27 known natural satellites.27 known natural satellites. Very cold planet, with strong winds whipping Very cold planet, with strong winds whipping

around.around.

NEPTUNENEPTUNE

NEPTUNE NEPTUNE 88thth and last planet in our Solar System. and last planet in our Solar System. Known as Uranus’ twin.Known as Uranus’ twin. Made of gases, liquids, and some ice. (no Made of gases, liquids, and some ice. (no

surface)surface) Gets its bluish color from methane gas.Gets its bluish color from methane gas. Has 13 known natural satellitesHas 13 known natural satellites

Triton – largest satelliteTriton – largest satellite Hurricane-like winds up to 700 mph! Hurricane-like winds up to 700 mph!

Strongest winds ever recorded in our Solar Strongest winds ever recorded in our Solar System.System.

Very cold planetVery cold planet

PLUTOPLUTO

Not considered a PlanetNot considered a Planet Does Does notnot dominate its orbit…little gravity dominate its orbit…little gravity

pull.pull. Known as a ‘Dwarf Planet’ (new category)Known as a ‘Dwarf Planet’ (new category) Very small, rocky, cold, and desolate planet.Very small, rocky, cold, and desolate planet. No atmosphere.No atmosphere. Slightly smaller than Earth’s Moon!Slightly smaller than Earth’s Moon! Has a small moon - CharonHas a small moon - Charon

Charon (moon)

Pluto size comparisonPluto size comparison

Earth…Pluto & moon Charon…Earth’s Earth…Pluto & moon Charon…Earth’s Moon.Moon.

Pluto & Charon

Our Moon

Earth

Unusual orbitUnusual orbit

For 20 years out of its250 year orbit, Pluto is the NOT the furthest planet.

Asteroids, Meteors & Comets

An asteroid is a large space rock (probably remains of a broken up planet) located usually between the orbits of Mars & Jupiter. Asteroids can be miles wide!! Asteroids sometimes hit each other and

fly in different directions…sometimes these lost asteroids hit planets, causing massive collisions…craters.

=

Asteroid Size of truck

Asteroid 1 mile wide

Meteors When asteroids break apart into smaller

pieces, they are commonly called meteoroids. Meteoroid – When an asteroid or comet breaks up

into smaller pieces and the debris flies erratically through space.

Meteor – When a meteoroid enters Earth’s atmosphere, friction causes it to burn up and streak through the sky.

Meteorite – Meteors that don’t fully burn up as it passes through the Earth’s atmosphere and hits the surface…causing a meteor crater.

“ shooting stars”

Comets Comets are chunks of ice and

dust (think of a dirty snowball) that orbit our Sun in very long, narrow elliptical orbits.

Very long elliptical orbitsaround our Sun.

The tail of the comet is ice turning to gasand the Sun’s solar wind pushes it away.

Parts of a Comet

Tail

Nucleus

Coma

The Big Bang Theory Theory that all energy and

matter that makes up our world, solar system & universe started from an explosion of a single, infinitely dense point. The formation of space and time began!

Proof of the Big Bang Theory

Stars and galaxies are expanding (getting further from each other) and cooling. If this is the case, it suggests that the universe must have once been smaller & hotter (point of singularity).

Measuring & understanding visible light.

Matter Condenses As little as 100 million years after the Big

Bang, matter started to condense upon itself. Forming nurseries of star birth known as Nebulas…

The more matter that came together, the more gravity pull…the more gravity pull, the higher the pressure = higher temperatures! Once temperatures were high enough for nuclear fusion…stars were born!Nebula consisting of

millions of stars.

Formation of Galaxies As matter (gases & particles)

condensed, stars were born. These stars and gases started to revolve around a center point (galactic center) of high gravity pull. 3 types of galaxies…

Spiral galaxy Elliptical Irregular

How big are Galaxies? Galaxies are clusters of stars just

like our Sun…some bigger, some smaller. One galaxy can be made up of 100’s of billions of stars!!!

In order to understand size, we need to use light year units.

Formation of Solar Systems

Within galaxies, matter (dust & particles) started to swirl around many stars!

Over time, this matter may have condensed together to form planetary bodies that revolve around a star. This is known as a Solar System.

A star with matter swirling around it

The matter condenses to form planetary bodies

Galactic Address

Redding Middle School

Middletown, DE

Delaware

Middletown

North east, USA

United States

Earth

Delaware

Our Solar System

EARTH

Galactic Arm (Orion Arm)…millions of stars!!!

Our Solar System

Milky Way Galaxy…billions of stars!!!

Our Solar System

Galaxy Cluster (Local Group)