Solar System

Lesson: The Solar System
Objective:
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to identify the planets in the solar
system, describe their characteristics, and understand the relationship between the
Sun and the planets.
1. What is the Solar System?
The Solar System is a group of celestial bodies that orbit around the Sun. It includes
planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and other objects like dwarf planets and
meteoroids. The Sun is at the center of the solar system and provides the energy
needed for life on Earth.
2. The Sun: The Heart of the Solar System
 The Sun is a star that is made up of hot gases, primarily hydrogen and helium.
 It is the source of light and heat for the solar system and its gravity keeps the
planets and other objects in orbit around it.
 The Sun is about 109 times the diameter of Earth and makes up 99.86% of
the total mass of the solar system.
3. Planets of the Solar System
There are eight planets in the solar system, divided into two groups: terrestrial
planets (rocky) and gas giants.
A. Terrestrial Planets (Rocky Planets): These planets are closer to the Sun, and their
surfaces are solid.
1.
Mercury
2.
o The smallest planet and closest to the Sun.

o It has extreme temperatures: very hot during the day and freezing at
night.
3.
Venus
4.
o Similar in size and structure to Earth, but with thick clouds of sulfuric
acid and a surface temperature of around 475°C.
o It has the hottest surface of any planet in the solar system.
5.
Earth
6.
o The only planet known to support life.

o It has liquid water and a breathable atmosphere.
7.
Mars
8.
o Known as the Red Planet because of its reddish soil.

o It has the largest volcano in the solar system, Olympus Mons.
B. Gas Giants (Jovian Planets): These planets are large, have no solid surface, and
are mostly made of gases like hydrogen and helium.
1.
Jupiter
2.
o The largest planet in the solar system.

o Known for its Great Red Spot, a giant storm.
o Has 79 moons, including the largest moon, Ganymede.
3.
Saturn
4.
o Famous for its beautiful rings made of ice and rock particles.
o It has at least 82 moons.
5.
Uranus
6.
o A blue-green planet due to the presence of methane in its

atmosphere.
o It rotates on its side, unlike any other planet in the solar system.
7.
Neptune
8.
o The farthest planet from the Sun.

o It has the strongest winds in the solar system.
4. Dwarf Planets and Other Objects
In addition to the eight main planets, there are also dwarf planets, moons, asteroids,
and comets in the solar system.
1.
Dwarf Planets:
These are celestial bodies that orbit the Sun but are not large enough to be
considered full planets. The most famous dwarf planet is Pluto.
2.
3.
Moons:
Most planets have natural satellites or moons. For example, Earth has one
moon, while Jupiter has 79 moons.
4.
5.
Asteroids:
These are rocky bodies that orbit the Sun, mainly found in the Asteroid Belt
between Mars and Jupiter.
6.
7.
Comets:
Comets are icy bodies that develop a bright tail when they approach the Sun.
8.
5. The Solar System's Structure
 The solar system is made up of the Sun at the center, with planets orbiting
around it in elliptical paths.
 The planets orbit the Sun due to its gravitational pull.
 The Kuiper Belt and Oort Cloud are areas beyond Neptune where many small
icy bodies and comets are found.
6. Fun Facts About the Solar System
 Mercury has no moons, but Earth has one, and Jupiter has the most moons
(79).
 Saturn's rings are made of ice and dust particles.
 Uranus is the only planet that spins on its side.
 The Great Red Spot on Jupiter is a storm that has been raging for over 400
years!
7. Practice Questions
Exercise 1: Match the planet with its correct description.
1. Mercury
a) Has the largest volcano in the solar system.
2. Venus
b) Known for its rings made of ice and rock.
3. Mars
c) The hottest planet with thick clouds of sulfuric acid.
4. Saturn
d) The closest planet to the Sun.
Exercise 2: Answer the following questions.
1. What is the primary gas that makes up the Sun?

2. Which planet is known as the "Red Planet"?
3. Name two gas giants in the solar system.
4. What is the largest moon in the solar system?
8. Conclusion
The Solar System is a fascinating collection of planets, moons, and other celestial
bodies, all held together by the Sun's gravity. Each planet is unique, with its own
characteristics, and they all orbit the Sun in a vast and beautiful cosmic dance. By
learning about the planets, we can understand more about the universe we live in.

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Lesson: The Solar System

1. What is the Solar System?

2. The Sun: The Heart of the Solar System

3. Planets of the Solar System

o The smallest planet and closest to the Sun.

o The only planet known to support life.

o Known as the Red Planet because of its reddish soil.

o The largest planet in the solar system.

o A blue-green planet due to the presence of methane in its

o The farthest planet from the Sun.

4. Dwarf Planets and Other Objects

5. The Solar System's Structure

6. Fun Facts About the Solar System

Exercise 1: Match the planet with its correct description.

Exercise 2: Answer the following questions.

1. What is the primary gas that makes up the Sun?

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