Planet

A planet is a celestial body that orbits a star, is spherical in shape, and has cleared its neighboring region of other debris. In our solar system, there are eight recognized planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. These planets vary in size, composition, and distance from the sun.

Characteristics of Planets:

1. Orbiting a Star: Planets revolve around a star, such as our sun, following elliptical paths due to gravitational forces.
2. Spherical Shape: Planets are rounded due to their own gravity, which pulls their mass into a roughly spherical shape.
3. Cleared Orbit: Planets have cleared their orbital path of other debris, distinguishing them from smaller celestial bodies like asteroids and comets.

Study Guide:

Here are some key points to remember about planets:

• What are the characteristics of a planet?
• How many recognized planets are there in our solar system?
• List the names of the eight recognized planets in our solar system.
• Compare and contrast the size and composition of different planets.
• Explain the concept of clearing its neighboring region in relation to a planet's classification.

Understanding the nature and attributes of planets is essential for comprehending our place in the universe and the vast array of celestial bodies that exist beyond Earth.