Topic 7 - The Solar System Up Close
Topic 7 - The Solar System Up Close
Topic 7 - The Solar System Up Close
Unit 5: Space
Name:
The Moon - The first other world seen up close was the Moon. On
July 17, 1969 Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin landed on the moon for a first hand look.
The Planets The Inner Planets (Terrestrial)- Mercury, Venus, Mars and the Earth - are considered the terrestrial planets because of their composition. The Outer Planets (Gas Giant) Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto are similar because of their gaseous composition. Planet Data see p. 412-415
110 times diameter of Earth 600 t of hydrogen is converted into helium per second 3. What is solar wind? Near dark spots, violent outbursts called solar flares erupt, sending streams of high-energy subatomic particles into space. These particles are called solar wind and it defines the boundaries of the solar system. If a location in space feels it, then its considered to be in the solar system. 4. When did the first astronauts land on the moon? Who were they? July 17, 1969. Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin. 5. Complete the table using the data cards
In the planets chart. 6. Which planet is most similar to Earth? Why? Mars because of a thin atmosphere and a surface that has mountains and valleys, extinct volcanoes, and what looks like dried-up riverbeds. 7. Venus is considered Earths twin, yet we would probably not survive on Venus. Why? Because the pressurized 96% carbon dioxide atmosphere which traps heat. Wed become incinerated before we could touch its surface. 8. How does the Sun release energy? 600 t of hydrogen is converted into helium per second. 9. Why do many of the inner planets show evidence of heavy cratering? Because theyre all within the asteroid belt. Some formations in the belt could break free and kind of float towards the Sun (gravity) and in that process be pulled toward one of the inner planets and smash into them, making craters. 10. What are Voyager I and II and why are they special.
They are spacecrafts and have been sent to the edge of the solar system, both at different trajectories. 11. Why are comets called dirty snowballs?
Because theyre made of ice and rock. 12. What is the difference between a meteor and a meteorite?
A meteor is a rock formation from outer space that burns up when it enters the Earths atmosphere, while a meteorite is a rock formation from outer space that has actually landed on Earth.