Take a trip Take a trip around the around the

Solar SystemSolar System

Ms. Ms. DonabedianDonabedian’’

s Guides Guide

to the to the

Solar SystemSolar System

WhatWhat’’s in our Solar System?s in our Solar System?

1 Sun1 Sun

8 Planets ( 170 Moons)8 Planets ( 170 Moons)

5 Dwarf Planets5 Dwarf Planets

1 Asteroid Belt1 Asteroid Belt

Various Various

CometsComets

MeteoroidsMeteoroids

AsteroidsAsteroids

Left over debris (Kuiper Left over debris (Kuiper Belt)Belt)

Before we start exploring,Before we start exploring, let let’’s talk about distancess talk about distances

The distances The distances between most between most objects in space objects in space are huge, and mind are huge, and mind boggling.boggling.Because of the Because of the vast distances in vast distances in space we use 2 space we use 2 measurements.measurements.

Astronomical UnitAstronomical Unit

When we talk about distances When we talk about distances inside the solar system: inside the solar system: –Astronomical UnitAstronomical Unit (AU) : distance (AU) : distance

between the Earth & the sun or 93 between the Earth & the sun or 93 million miles.million miles.

Need to know terms:Need to know terms:

Revolution: how long it takes a Revolution: how long it takes a planet to go around the sun. planet to go around the sun.

RotationRotation: how long it takes a : how long it takes a planet to turn once on its axisplanet to turn once on its axis..

Light YearLight Year

Light YearLight Year: : the distance the distance light travels in light travels in one year or 6 one year or 6 trillion milestrillion miles

Trivia: The Sun is so far away that light from the sun takes 8 minutes to reach the Earth, at LIGHT SPEED.

LetLet’’s Take a Tours Take a Tour

First Stop…First Stop…

MercuryMercury

MercuryMercury

Mercury is the innermost Mercury is the innermost planet, & it is a little planet, & it is a little bigger than our moon. bigger than our moon. It is 0.387 AU from the It is 0.387 AU from the sun or 23 million miles!sun or 23 million miles!We know very little about We know very little about the planet. Two the planet. Two spacecraft have visited. spacecraft have visited. – 1975 Mariner 10 flew by 1975 Mariner 10 flew by

three times. three times. – The latest mission to The latest mission to

Mercury is the Mercury is the MESSENGER mission. It MESSENGER mission. It will begin orbiting Mercury will begin orbiting Mercury in 2011. in 2011.

Picture from NASA Messenger Mission

Mercury Fast FactsMercury Fast Facts

Rotation = 58.65 daysRotation = 58.65 daysRevolution = .24 yearsRevolution = .24 yearsSurface is covered with craters.Surface is covered with craters.Diameter- 3,032 milesDiameter- 3,032 milesItIt’’s interior is similar to Earth, but s interior is similar to Earth, but has a large core, thin mantle & has a large core, thin mantle & brittle crust.brittle crust.Temperature Range – Most Temperature Range – Most extreme of any planet -334extreme of any planet -334F to F to 840840FF– The side that faces the sun extremely hot, The side that faces the sun extremely hot,

side that faces away from sun extremely side that faces away from sun extremely cold.cold.

Very thin atmosphere that is constantly being destroyed the solar wind.

Why is it named Mercury?Why is it named Mercury?

In Roman mythology In Roman mythology Mercury is the god of is the god of commerce, travel and commerce, travel and thievery, the Roman thievery, the Roman counterpart of the Greek counterpart of the Greek god god Hermes, the , the messenger of the Gods. messenger of the Gods.

The planet probably The planet probably received this name received this name because it moves so because it moves so quickly across the sky. quickly across the sky.

Let us travel 39 million miles Let us travel 39 million miles or .72 AUs (from the sun) or .72 AUs (from the sun)

and learn aboutand learn about

Venus Venus

VenusVenus

Venus is known as EarthVenus is known as Earth’’s s twin because they are twin because they are similar in size, and is similar in size, and is closest to the Earth.closest to the Earth.

Venus is known as the Venus is known as the morning, or evening star morning, or evening star because it is usually the because it is usually the first first ““starstar”” that can be that can be seen in the evening and seen in the evening and the last to be seen in the the last to be seen in the evening.evening.

Venus Fast FactsVenus Fast FactsRotation = 243 Earth DaysRotation = 243 Earth Days

Revolution = Revolution = 224.7 Earth days224.7 Earth days– What does this mean for Venusians? Well, a day on What does this mean for Venusians? Well, a day on

Venus is longer than its year!Venus is longer than its year!

Diameter- 7,521 milesDiameter- 7,521 miles

Surface is covered with 1600 volcanoes, Surface is covered with 1600 volcanoes, mountains, canyons & valleys. 65% of its mountains, canyons & valleys. 65% of its surface is covered with smooth plains.surface is covered with smooth plains.

Venus Facts Continued…Venus Facts Continued…

It is difficult to study, It is difficult to study, because of its because of its atmosphere.atmosphere.– Venus is covered in thick, Venus is covered in thick,

dense clouds of sulfuric dense clouds of sulfuric acid (this is the same acid acid (this is the same acid that you can find in that you can find in battery acid).battery acid).

– ItIt’’s atmosphere is heavy, s atmosphere is heavy, 90 times heavier than Earth’s.

Average Temperature : 855F

Why is it named Venus?Why is it named Venus?

Venus (Greek: Aphrodite) is the Venus (Greek: Aphrodite) is the goddess of love and beauty. goddess of love and beauty. The planet is so named The planet is so named probably because it is the probably because it is the brightest of the planets known brightest of the planets known to the ancients. to the ancients.

Let us travel 25 million miles or 1 AU (from Let us travel 25 million miles or 1 AU (from the sun) and learn aboutthe sun) and learn about

EarthEarth

EarthEarth

Third planet from the Third planet from the sun.sun.THE ONLY PLANET THE ONLY PLANET KNOWN TO KNOWN TO SUPPORT LIFE!SUPPORT LIFE!

Earth Fast FactsEarth Fast FactsRotation = Rotation = 23.93 hours 23.93 hours

Revolution = 365.26 daysRevolution = 365.26 days (Notice the .26 days, we (Notice the .26 days, we

have an extra day every 4 years to have an extra day every 4 years to compensate or a Leap Year)compensate or a Leap Year)

71% of Earth71% of Earth’’s surface is s surface is covered in Water. Earth is the covered in Water. Earth is the only planet in the solar only planet in the solar system that has LIQUID system that has LIQUID water.water.

Diameter- 7,926 milesDiameter- 7,926 miles

Temperature Range : -Temperature Range : -128128 F to 136 F to 136 F F

SatellitesSatellites

The Earth has one The Earth has one moon.moon.The diameter of the The diameter of the moon is about one moon is about one quarter of the quarter of the diameter of the Earth.diameter of the Earth.It is the only It is the only astronomical object astronomical object other than Earth that other than Earth that humans have stepped humans have stepped foot on.foot on.

Image credit: Lunar and Planetary Institute

Why is it named Earth?Why is it named Earth?

Earth is the only planet whose English name does Earth is the only planet whose English name does not derive from Greek/Roman mythology.not derive from Greek/Roman mythology.

Name comes from the Old English word: Name comes from the Old English word: eortheeorthe which meant ground or soil.which meant ground or soil.

Let us travel 35 million miles or 1.52 Aus Let us travel 35 million miles or 1.52 Aus (from the sun) and learn about(from the sun) and learn about

MarsMars

MarsMars

Mars is known as the red Mars is known as the red planet. planet. This is because the soil This is because the soil has oxidized or rusted. has oxidized or rusted. It is half the size of Earth.It is half the size of Earth.

Mars Fast FactsMars Fast Facts

Rotation: 24.6 hoursRotation: 24.6 hours

Revolution: 1.88 yearsRevolution: 1.88 years

Diameter- 4,222 milesDiameter- 4,222 miles

Atmosphere: Atmosphere:

Thinner than Earth by Thinner than Earth by

99%. 99%.

Temperature:Temperature:

-200-200F to 32F to 32 F F

MarsMars’’ Surface SurfaceDry & RockyDry & RockyPermanent Ice Caps at both PolesPermanent Ice Caps at both PolesHas tremendous dust storms that Has tremendous dust storms that sometimes cover the entire planet.sometimes cover the entire planet.Has many interesting features:Has many interesting features:– Olympus Mons, an extinct volcano, which Olympus Mons, an extinct volcano, which

rises 75,000 ft above the surrounding plains rises 75,000 ft above the surrounding plains and is the highest known peak in the Solar and is the highest known peak in the Solar System. (By comparison, Mt. Everest is System. (By comparison, Mt. Everest is only only 29,029 FT) 29,029 FT)

– Valles Marineris is a giant canyon that runs Valles Marineris is a giant canyon that runs about 2,500 miles (LA to NYC is 2700 about 2,500 miles (LA to NYC is 2700 miles!) across the surface of the planet and miles!) across the surface of the planet and reaches depths or 4 miles (for comparison, reaches depths or 4 miles (for comparison, the Grand Canyon is not more than 1 mile the Grand Canyon is not more than 1 mile deep). deep).

MarMar’’s Satellitess Satellites

Mars has two small Mars has two small moons.moons.Phobos, which means Phobos, which means fear.fear.Deimos, which means Deimos, which means panic.panic.

Why is it named Mars?Why is it named Mars?

Mars (Greek: Ares) is the Mars (Greek: Ares) is the god of War. The planet god of War. The planet probably got this name probably got this name due to its red color (blood due to its red color (blood = red)= red)

We have now left theWe have now left theInner PlanetsInner Planets

Planets are closer together in the inner solar system than in Planets are closer together in the inner solar system than in the outer solar system. the outer solar system. The four inner planets are Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.The four inner planets are Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.They are called the They are called the ““TerrestrialTerrestrial”” planets because they all planets because they all have rocky crusts and dense mantles & core. have rocky crusts and dense mantles & core.

Let us travel 400 million miles or 5.2 AUs Let us travel 400 million miles or 5.2 AUs (from the sun) and learn about(from the sun) and learn about

JupiterJupiter

Oh No…. Oh No…. WeWe’’ve hit an asteroid field!ve hit an asteroid field!

More than 100,000 asteroids lie More than 100,000 asteroids lie in a belt between Mars and in a belt between Mars and Jupiter. Jupiter.

JupiterJupiter

Jupiter is the 4Jupiter is the 4thth brightest brightest object in the night sky.object in the night sky.It is the 5It is the 5thth and largest and largest planet.planet.It has been visited by six It has been visited by six spacecraft and is spacecraft and is frequently photographed frequently photographed by the Hubble Telescope.by the Hubble Telescope.

Jupiter Fast FactsJupiter Fast FactsRotation: Rotation: 9.8 hours9.8 hoursRevolution: 12 yearsRevolution: 12 years

Diameter- 88,729 milesDiameter- 88,729 milesSurface: Does not have Surface: Does not have a solid surface, the a solid surface, the atmosphere just get atmosphere just get denser the farther you denser the farther you go.go.Temperature:Temperature:

-101-101F at Cloud topsF at Cloud tops

JupiterJupiter’’s Atmospheres Atmosphere

Jupiter is a giant ball of gas & liquid.

The planet’s “surface” is composed of dense red, brown, yellow, and white clouds.

Its best known feature is probably the Great Red Spot, a storm larger than Earth

RingsRings

Jupiter has three, Jupiter has three, dark rings which dark rings which consist of fine consist of fine rocks. rocks.

JupiterJupiter’’s Satellitess Satellites

Jupiter has 63 known Jupiter has 63 known satellites.satellites.

Galilean MoonsGalilean Moons

JupiterJupiter’’s four largest moons s four largest moons are known as the Galilean are known as the Galilean Moons.Moons.Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto, Callisto, Io, with its active volcanism, Io, with its active volcanism, Europa with the possibility Europa with the possibility of a water environment of a water environment friendly to life.friendly to life.

How did Jupiter get its name? How did Jupiter get its name?

Jupiter (a.k.a. Jove; Jupiter (a.k.a. Jove; Greek Zeus) was Greek Zeus) was the King of the the King of the GodsGods

Let us travel 158 million miles or 9.54 AUs Let us travel 158 million miles or 9.54 AUs (from the sun) and learn about(from the sun) and learn about

SaturnSaturn

SaturnSaturn

Saturn is the sixth Saturn is the sixth planet from the planet from the Sun and the Sun and the second largest.second largest.

Saturn is visible Saturn is visible without using a without using a telescopetelescope

Saturn Fast FactsSaturn Fast Facts

Rotation: Rotation: 10.67 hours10.67 hoursRevolution:Revolution:29.5 years29.5 yearsDiameter- 74,600 milesDiameter- 74,600 milesSurface: Does not have a solid surface, but Surface: Does not have a solid surface, but could float in water because it is mostly could float in water because it is mostly made of gas.made of gas.Temperature: Cloud Tops -274Temperature: Cloud Tops -274 F F

SaturnSaturn’’s atmospheres atmosphere

Like Jupiter, itLike Jupiter, it’’s s atmosphere has atmosphere has bands of swirling gas bands of swirling gas and wind.and wind.

Picture from the European Space Agency

RingsRingsIt has four main groups of rings..They are made mostly of ice chunks (and some rock) that range in size from the size of a fingernail to the size of a car.

SaturnSaturn’’s satellitess satellites

Saturn has 54 named Saturn has 54 named moons. moons.

Saturn MythSaturn Myth

In Roman mythology, In Roman mythology, Saturn is the god of Saturn is the god of agriculture, justice, and agriculture, justice, and strength.strength.

It is a whopping 19.18 AUIt is a whopping 19.18 AU’’s away from the s away from the SUn! That is 1.7 BILLION MILES!SUn! That is 1.7 BILLION MILES!

UranusUranus

UranusUranusUranus is the seventh planet from the sun in our solar system.Uranus' blue color is caused Uranus' blue color is caused by the methane (CHby the methane (CH44) in its ) in its atmosphere; this molecule atmosphere; this molecule absorbs red light.absorbs red light.It rotates on its side and so half the time one pole is toward the sun and then the other making each of the four seasons last about 20 years.Uranus rotates backwards! (Clockwise!)

Uranus Fast FactsUranus Fast Facts

Rotation: Rotation: 17.24 hours

Revolution: Revolution: 84 yearsDiameter- 32,600 miles

Surface: Does not have a solid Surface: Does not have a solid surface. Has a core of methane surface. Has a core of methane ice surrounded by hydrogen & ice surrounded by hydrogen & helium.helium.

Atmosphere: 83% hydrogen, Atmosphere: 83% hydrogen, 15% helium and 2% methane. 15% helium and 2% methane. Like Saturn & Jupiter have Like Saturn & Jupiter have bands of clouds that rotate bands of clouds that rotate around.around.

Temperature: At Temperature: At cloud tops cloud tops -328-328oo F F

Uranus RingsUranus Rings

Uranus has a Uranus has a complicated ring complicated ring system. system.

It is made of 10 major It is made of 10 major rings, which are rings, which are surrounded by belts surrounded by belts of fine dust.of fine dust.

Uranus SatellitesUranus Satellites It has 27 named moons.It has 27 named moons.

Uranus MythUranus Myth

William Hershel William Hershel discovered the planet in discovered the planet in 1781. He wanted to name 1781. He wanted to name it after his patron & king, it after his patron & king, King George III. King George III.

Uranus is the ancient Uranus is the ancient Greek deity of the Greek deity of the Heavens, the earliest Heavens, the earliest supreme god. supreme god.

My Planet, Georgium Sidus!

It is a whopping 30.07 AUIt is a whopping 30.07 AU’’s away from the s away from the Sun! That is 2.82 BILLION MILES! Sun! That is 2.82 BILLION MILES!

It took the Voyager Spacecraft 12 YEARS to It took the Voyager Spacecraft 12 YEARS to reach it!reach it!

NeptuneNeptune

NeptuneNeptune Neptune is the eighth Neptune is the eighth

planet from the sun in our planet from the sun in our solar system.solar system.

Neptune cannot be seen Neptune cannot be seen using the eyes alone. using the eyes alone.

Neptune was the first Neptune was the first planet whose existence planet whose existence was predicted was predicted mathematically.mathematically.

Neptune's blue color is Neptune's blue color is caused by the methane caused by the methane (CH(CH44) in its atmosphere; ) in its atmosphere; this molecule absorbs red this molecule absorbs red light.light.

Neptune Fast FactsNeptune Fast Facts Rotation: 17.24 hours

Revolution: 165 years

Diameter- 30,200 miles

Surface: Similar to Uranus

Atmosphere: Neptune's atmosphere shows a striped pattern of clouds. This cloud pattern is very similar to that of Jupiter and Saturn.

Neptune even has a Great Dark Spot similar to Jupiter's Great Red Spot.

Temperature: Cloud Tops -346o F

NeptuneNeptune’’s Ringss Rings

Neptune also has 4 main Neptune also has 4 main ringsrings. .

Instead of being Instead of being composed of ice, they are composed of ice, they are composed of dust & composed of dust & rocks, making them dark rocks, making them dark because they do not because they do not reflect light as well.reflect light as well.

NeptuneNeptune’’s Moonss Moons

Neptune has 13 moons, 8 Neptune has 13 moons, 8 of which have been given of which have been given names. names.

The two largest moons of The two largest moons of Neptune are Triton and Neptune are Triton and Nereid. Nereid.

Why is it called Neptune?Why is it called Neptune?

In Roman In Roman mythology mythology Neptune (Greek: Neptune (Greek: Poseidon) was Poseidon) was the god of the the god of the Sea, and Sea, and earthquakes.earthquakes.

We have just left the Gas We have just left the Gas Giants behind!Giants behind!

The outer solar The outer solar system (the system (the planets beyond planets beyond Mars) are called Mars) are called the Gas Giants.the Gas Giants.

These planets are These planets are HUGE! HUGE!

Jupiter alone is Jupiter alone is 318 times bigger 318 times bigger than our Earth!than our Earth!

Wait a minute…what about Wait a minute…what about Pluto????Pluto????

Dwarf planets, Planetoids, and Dwarf planets, Planetoids, and one stricken planet.one stricken planet.

Why is Pluto not a planet?Why is Pluto not a planet?

In 2006, the IAU created definitions of both what In 2006, the IAU created definitions of both what a planet is and isna planet is and isn’’t. Those space objects that t. Those space objects that werenweren’’t a planet but werent a planet but weren’’t moons or asteroids t moons or asteroids were given a new definition, dwarf planet.were given a new definition, dwarf planet.

– Both planets and dwarf planets orbit the Sun, Both planets and dwarf planets orbit the Sun, notnot other planets other planets (in which case we call them moons). (in which case we call them moons).

– Both must be large enough that their own gravity pulls them into Both must be large enough that their own gravity pulls them into the shapes of spheres; this rules out numerous smaller bodies the shapes of spheres; this rules out numerous smaller bodies like most asteroids, many of which have irregular shapes. like most asteroids, many of which have irregular shapes.

– Planets clear smaller objects out of their orbits by sucking the Planets clear smaller objects out of their orbits by sucking the small bodies into themselves or flinging them out of orbit. Dwarf small bodies into themselves or flinging them out of orbit. Dwarf planets, with their weaker gravities, are planets, with their weaker gravities, are unableunable to clear out their to clear out their orbits. orbits.

Dwarf PlanetsDwarf Planets

There are five dwarf There are five dwarf planets:planets:– PlutoPluto– CeresCeres– ErisEris– MakemakeMakemake– HaumeaHaumea

PlutoPluto

39.53 AU from the Sun39.53 AU from the Sun247.g years247.g years6.4 days6.4 days1,413 miles1,413 miles-393 degrees F-393 degrees F4 moons4 moons

LetLet’’s put our solar system in s put our solar system in perspective….perspective….

Antares is the 15th brightest star in the sky. It is more than 1000 light years away.

BibliographyBibliography

Nine Planets Nine Planets Windows to the UniverseWindows to the UniverseNASA World BookNASA World Book